A look at Banganga tank, a site that speaks volumes of its heritage and the religious era that it’s part of
Banganga at Walkeshwar is one of the most coveted heritage sites in the city and also probably the most undermaintained sites. As you walk by the tank, you may come across a few tourists asking questions about the monument. Unfortunately, there is no one around to guide them. The premises of Banganga houses the 11th century Banganga Tank, Shri Kashi Math and Shri Kaivalya belonging to the Goud Saraswat Brahmins and twelve temples of various Hindu deities. The tank remains the highlight due to the fact that despite being so close to the Arabian Sea, the tank’s water is sweet. The tank is surrounded by several temples and holds great importance to the locals, especially during religious festivals.
Steeped in legends
There are several mythological legends associated with how the tank came into being—and one of the legends dates back to the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama on his way to Lanka stopped here to meet the sage Gautama. To quench his thirst, he released a baan (arrow) from his bow and released Bhogwati, the underground Ganga—which explains the name ‘Banganga’.
Fact check
According to the Heritage Society of India, the Banganga tank dates back to the Silahara era that lasted from 810 to 1250 A.D. The tank, which is 135 metres long, 52 metres wide and 10 metres deep in the centre, was restored later during the Yadava period.
Intriguing premises
Adjoining the Banganga tank and facing the sea lies a unique burial site belonging to the Hindu sect Dashnami Goswami. The people of this community bury their dead in a sitting position (padmasana) as if in a state of samadhi. The 1.30 square mile graveyard is still in use.
Current state
Saying that this place is in a pathetic state would be an understatement as the problems plaguing Banganga tank are way too many. There is the obvious problem of slum encroachment due to the indifferent attitude of D-ward as well as lack of conservation and lack of security of the monument by the Archeological Survey of India.
pooja.patel@dnaindia.net
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