Lucknow :
A journey called ‘Yatra’ to lesser-known yet important landmarks of Lucknow on the city outskirts was organized on Sunday by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage.
The ‘Yatra’ started from Chatori Gali near Gomti Riverfront and had four stops, Kashishwar Mahadev Temple at Mohanlalganj, Shivala and Kakori Memorial at Kakori Road and Kudiya Ghat in Old City.
“The idea was to explore the monuments in Lucknow that are not much talked about. The tourism department doesn’t keep them in its itinerary despite their historical and architectural value. For instance, Kakori Memorial, it is one of the landmarks that tells so much about Lucknow’s association with the freedom struggle but it’s nowhere on the list of places to visit in Lucknow,” said Vipul Varshney, convener of INTACH’s Lucknow chapter.
She added, “Mostly when people speak about Lucknow, they talk of Imambada or Tunday Kebabi. Not even all Lucknowites know that these places exist. So, we want people to get acquainted with these monuments and give them their due importance.” The ‘Yatra’ was attended by 50 people, including 25 architecture students. Several among them visited these monuments for the first time.
“The most interesting stop of the trip was Kashishwar Mahadev Temple at Mohanlalganj. Built in 1860, it is a perfect example of Vastu Shastra. It has eight ‘Shivalayas’ and the top of the main compound has a ribbed dome on a rectangular base with inverted lotus finial and metallic pinnacle. It was fascinating to see anything so architecturally wonderful,” said Shweta Singh.
Expressing concern over the poor upkeep of monuments, Vipul said, “Despite their historical importance they are in shambles, be it Kashishwar Temple or Kakori Memorial. Despite getting lakhs of rupees for Kudiya Ghat’s beautification, river there is full of water hyacinth; even the stairs are not cleaned properly.”
“Kashishwar temple is ASI protected, but the approach is not cemented. Garbage was strewn everywhere,” said Aparna Mishra.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Lucknow News / by Vidita Chandra / TNN / December 04th, 2017