13 DECEMBER 2021 /
PRIME MINISTER INAUGURATES SHRI KASHI VISHWANATH DHAM IN VARANASI /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi on 13 December 2021.
“Kashi Vishwanath Dham is not just a grand building but is a symbol of our Sanatan culture and our spiritual soul. It’s a symbol of India’s antiquity, tradition, energy and dynamism,” Prime Minister said.
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in the heart of Varanasi is expected to boost tourism in the ancient city in a big way and a month long cultural mega event “Divya Kashi, Bhavya Kashi” will be celebrated in this historical pilgrim center.
It was the vision of the Prime Minister to facilitate the pilgrims and devotees all facilities including Yathri Suvidha Kendras, Tourist Facilitation Centre, Vedic Kendra, City Museum, Viewing Gallery, Food Court.
Shri Kashi Viswanath Dham was conceptualized as a project to create an easy pathway to connect the Temple to the banks of the holy river Ganga.
The foundation stone of the Project was laid on 8 March 2019 and now completed the first phase at a cost of 339 crore.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple was earlier spread over 3000 sq. feet but now extended to 5 lakh sq. feet, rediscovering and renovating more than 40 ancient temples, preserving all heritage structures and properties in a planned schedule.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to all workers who have participated in the construction of the grand complex despite the pandemic.
The Prime Minister earlier visited Kaal Bhairav Temple and offered prayers. The Prime Minister took a holy dip in the holy river Ganga and offered holy Gangajal to Kashi Viswanth.
The Prime Minister attended the Ganga Aarati while on board a Ro-Ro Vessel in the evening.
“Standing on the western bank of India’s holiest river Ganges, Varanasi is the oldest surviving city of the world and the cultural capital of India. It is in the heart of this city that there stands in its fullest majesty the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in which is enshrined the Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Visweshwara or Vishwanath, “ says the website of the holy Temple marking the embodiment of our timeless cultural traditions and spiritual values.
