Kashi Vishwanath Dham – A Perfect Blend of Cultural Heritage of Ancient and Modern India

BY RAMNEEK MANHAS

The iconic Kashi Vishwanath Dham has witnessed a new era of transformation under the able, inspiring and unrivaled leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The PM on Monday inaugurated the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor in Varanasi Uttar Pradesh, which connects the temple to the banks of the holy river Ganga.

A meagre 3000 sq. ft. space earlier has now been transferred into a 5-lakh sq. ft. corridor by acquisition and rehabilitation of around 1400 shopkeepers, tenants, and more than 300 properties amicably. In this endeavor, more than 40 ancient temples have also been rediscovered, renovated, and beautified.

With modern amenities, the transformed Kashi Vishwanath Dham presents the perfect blend of ancient and modern architecture. From the grand entrance gate to the vast area around the temple that can hold thousands of people at one time and from the intricate designs on the walls to a clear and wide path to the Ganga, the temple of Baba Vishwanath has been rejuvenated.

The temple is situated on the Western Ghats of river Ganga with 23 new buildings that have been inaugurated to provide facilities to the pilgrims and devotees visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple. These include Yatri Suvidha Kendras, Tourist Facilitation Centre, Vedic Kendra, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, City Museum, Viewing Gallery, Food Court, etc.

In 1669, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar got the Kashi Vishwanath temple renovated. After about 352 years, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone of the Vishwanath Temple Corridor on 8 March 2019 for its revival. In about 2 years and 8 months, its first phase has been completed and inaugurated in a devotional and passionate atmosphere.

According to religious experts across India, Kashi is one of the holiest cities that is considered to be the most beloved place of Bhagwan Shiva and Mata Parvati. It is believed that Lord Vishwanath resides here as the lord of the universe. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Bhagwan Shiva. 

A plurality of experts believe that Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is one of the dream projects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for which, he took a keen and active interest at all stages of the project. Regular briefings, reviews, and monitoring were done by the Prime Minister himself. He constantly gave inputs and insights to improve the design to provide easy access for the disabled and old-age people with the provision of ramps, escalators, and other modern facilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Vishwanath Temple Corridor after taking a dip in the Ganga and offering prayers. While addressing a gathering of around 3,000 people from across the country, including Hindu religious leaders, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP President JP Nadda, and other party functionaries, Prime Minister Modi said “Today’s India not only beautifies Somnath temple, but also lays thousands of kilometres of optical fibre in the sea. Today’s India not only renovates Kedarnath temple, but is preparing to send Indians to space. Today’s India is not only making a Ram Temple in Ayodhya, but is also making medical colleges in every district. Today’s India is not only giving the Vishwanath temple a grand look, but making crores of houses for the poor.”

After Modi came to power in 2014, India has seen many unprecedented changes, be it on the religious or developmental side. The Prime Minister has gracefully led India in a conducive environment in which he seems to be succeeding.