Mansarovar Ghat Varanasi | History, Timings, Entry Fee, Attractions

Mansarovar Ghat

Vital Information for Visitors

Address:

Mansarovar Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Open & Close:

Open on all days – 24X7

Entry Fee:

No entry fee

Duration:

30 Minutes

Significance:

Kumaraswamy Matt; Mansarovar Kup, Pilgrimage & History

Mansarovar Ghat, one of the famous ghats of Varanasi, is a popular place to visit. One of the oldest cities of the world, Varanasi can safely be called as the holiest city of India. Exploration of the cultural capital of India unfolds ancient & vintage charm of Varanasi in the form of narrow but lively alleys, old buildings and locals practising centuries-old traditions. Definitely, the city is not only visited in large numbers by the pilgrims & devotees but also frequented by globe trotters & photographers. Varanasi, also called Kashi & Banaras, offers a treat to the eyes for its scenic locations and delightful sights. Ghats of Varanasi are among the most visited tourist attractions in Banaras. No doubt, ghats are the USP of the city. Credit needs to be given to the local people and government for conserving and keeping the heritage of Varanasi intact. The ghats of the city are sandstone steps reaching to the river front where worship (puja), religious rites and Ganga Aarti are performed. During different hours of the day, the sight of the ghats keeps changing. It is a unique thing about the ghats that attracts visitors from across the globe. Above all, these ghats are divine. Among scores of ghats in Varanasi, Mansarovar Ghat is a popular one with picturesque views.

Mansarovar Ghat was built in 1585 AD by Raja Man Singh of Amber, Jaipur. He was the king who also built Man Mandir Ghat. Just near Mansarovar Ghat, the king had also constructed Man Mandir Kund. The locals have a belief that the water in the pool possesses merit & sacredness similar to Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. This is why the name of the ghat was given as Mansarovar. A lot of cultural and religious activities are performed on Mansarovar Ghat. This is one of the most important ghats of the city. The government of Uttar Pradesh and descendants of Amber (Jaipur) kings have rebuilt Mansarovar Ghat several times. The pool or the ‘kund’ became smaller when the ghat became ‘pucca’. This basically happened due to the lack of space and it turned into a well (कूप) called Mansarovar Kupa (मानसरोवर कूप). Kshemeshvara Ghat is another name given to Mansarovar Ghat. Kshemeshwar Ghat is named after Kshema Gana of Lord Shiva. Kshema Gana is said to be the founder of a ‘lingam’ in a Shiva temple nearby the ghat.

Some changes were again done in 1962 AD and the upper part of Mansarovar Ghat was bought by Kumaraswamy Matt (मठ- Monastery). Kumaraswamy Matt was established in 17th century by Saint Kumaragurupapar in Kashi itself. He was actually born in Tamil Nadu but later he travelled to Kashi to spread the teachings of Shaivism. The Matt has now constructed a building with shrines and rest houses for the pilgrims. It has been designed keeping in view the convenience of the pilgrims. Also, till the 19th century, a sewage drain was falling near Mansarovar Ghat but later the sewage drainage had been diverted to the sewer pump station at the Chowka Ghat.

The respective trusts own the monastic properties along the ghats. The inhabitants own houses and other properties of the area. It is the Municipal Corporation of Varanasi that owns Mansarovar Ghat. The ages old rich heritage of Mansarovar Ghat is primarily conserved by the voluntary participation of the local people. The people residing on ghats and adjoining area are sensitive and aware about the glorious legacy they have inherited.