PM opens modern ghat built under Jain Circuit in Chandravati

Varanasi: A a modern 3-tier ghat, constructed by UP govt at a cost of Rs 17.06 crore, has come up at birthplace of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu Ji, eighth Tirthankar of Jainism, in Chandravati village on Ghazipur Road. Built under the Jain Circuit scheme, the 200-metre-long ghat was inaugurated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city on Tuesday.Chandravati is a major centre of Jain faith, where temples of both Shwetambar and Digambar traditions are located, attracting millions of devotees from across the country and abroad every year for darshan and worship. The ghat is set to be a remarkable confluence of religious tourism, cultural preservation and modern development.Chandravati, located approximately 20 kms from Kashi, is a sacred site for Jain followers. The place is associated with the birth and life journey of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu and holds beliefs connected to his four Kalyanakas — Chyavan, Janma, Diksha and Keval Gyan. The temple here is more than 500 years old. According to Jain scriptures, Bhagwan Chandraprabhu was born to King Mahasen and Queen Lakshmana Devi. He attained Keval Gyan through penance under a Nag tree on the banks of Ganga.According to tourism department officials, revival of the ghat and expansion of facilities will transform this site into a major pilgrimage centre. There are also plans to connect the ghat to waterways, so that devotees and tourists can easily reach here by boat or cruise. The ghat has been constructed using low carbon footprint technology, keeping environmental conservation in mind. It will bear a heritage look. Facilities developed at the ghat include three platforms, staircases, toilet blocks, portable changing rooms, signage, parking, stone benches and attractive railings.