Above the steep bank of the ghat there are four temples. The Government has however, forbidden the entry into these temples. Earlier they were permitted to be reopened for religious purposes; but they have been again closed. Here all the temples have been erected by the Diwan of the Maharaja Scindia, about one hundred years ago. The largest of them is dedicated to Adkesav or Lord Vishnu. The idol is dressed in gay robes and is adorned with a crown on its head. It has been installed in the interior of the shrine. Next the idol of Lord Surya can be seen in the same chamber. The porch of the temple is supported by ten pillars, and has been constructed on its eastern side. Below the porch various idols have been installed, two of which are worthy of notice. One is known as Sangameswar. It is the deity presiding over the confluence of the two rivers. The other name of the deity is Lord Shiva. The other idol is the four faced Brahmaiswar or Lord Brahma. As worshippers are prohibited from entering these temples, a small platform has been erected on the ghat below. It has been adorned with a selected group of deities. Here one can be seen Sangameswar and also the sacred feet of Lord Vishnu. The idols of the Monkey god, Lord Hanuman, two small stone figures of Satis, and a curious mythological stone have also been carved. On the other side eight incarnations are carved in bass relief. Fort of Barna Sangam Ghat There is a fort located in Barna Sangam Ghat was built by Lal Khan, a Muslim servant of a former Raja of Varanasi. It has been constructed in the centre of a widespread quadrangle. The tomb is adorned with four towers, erected one at each corner. There are three other tombs within the building and four more tombs can be seen on the platform outside. The pillars of this fort have been carved elaborately with intricate designs. A few remains of an old fort can be seen on the summit of the Barna Sangam Ghat. The fort was once of great importance and was visited by many tourists. |