Kashi-Vishwanath Dham project in Points; Know all about PM Modi's dream project

PM Modi's dream project, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, is making headway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Varanasi and will inaugurate the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in UttarPradesh today.

The Corridor is the PM's long-held desire of connecting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the Ganga river's banks in an easily accessible corridor.

The inauguration event will be attended by BJP workers from Jharkhand's Seraikela-Kharsawan district, and a live show will be broadcast. This programme will be televised live in all20 divisions of this district's major temples, monasteries, and other religious sites.

What is Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

One of the most well-known Hindu temples devoted to Lord Shiva is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is situated in Varanasi's Vishwanath Gali, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Temple is one ofthe twelve Jyotirlingas, or Jyotirlingams, the holiest of Shiva Temples, and is located on the western bank of the holy river Ganga.

Here are some must-know points about the Kashi-Vishwanath Dham project

• Over 40 old temples have been renovated and beautified as part of the project, which covers a staggering 5 lakh square feet. A total of 23 new buildings have been built to provide a varietyof facilities for the devotees.

• The corridor was designed to provide an accessible pathway connecting the pilgrimage site to the Ganga river's banks.

• With features such as ramps, escalators, and other modern facilities, the project has been built to allow simple access for differently-abled people and elderly folk.

• PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the project on March 8, 2019.

• Phase 1 of the project would see the opening of 23 buildings, including Yatri Suvidha Kendras, Tourist Facilitation Centres, Vedic Kendras, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, City Museum, andViewing Gallery.

• Besides renovating 40 ancient temples, PM Modi's vision also involved the purchase and acquisitions of more than 300 properties surrounding the temple. The rehabilitation of 1,400shopkeepers, tenants, and homeowners was carried out in a friendly manner, in keeping with the Prime Minister's objective of including everyone in the process.

• Various buildings have been constructed for different religious events and facilities. Devotees will also have access to lockers, ticket counters, and stores selling puja items.

Also Read: Varanasi rolls out red carpet for Kashi Vishwanath Corridor inauguration

About the inauguration event

• Today, about 3,000 seers, artists and other notable figures have been gathered at the location to witness the inauguration.

• A group of over 100 people, including 55 camera crew members, senior officials, and other staff, is currently camped in the holy city.

• Rudraksh, Bael, Parijat, Amla, and Ashok trees will be planted along the newly constructed Kashi Corridor to disseminate the message of environmental protection.

• The chief ministers of 12 BJP-ruled states have started gathering in Varanasi for a two-day conclave, including nine deputy chief ministers to discuss a wide variety of issues relatingto good governance.

• On this occasion, the Varanasi district administration will distribute laddoos to 8 lakh homes in the city. The preparation for the distribution of about 28 to 30 lakh laddoos has alreadybegun.

• Along with the sweets, a brochure providing information about the spiritual significance of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the country's 12 'Jyotirlingas' (Shiva Temples),would be delivered.

Other events to be attended by PM Modi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also pay a visit to the Kaal Bhairav temple and watch Ganga Aarti while onboard a Ro-Ro vessel.

• He will also attend the Sadguru Sadafaldeo Vihangam Yog Sansthan's 98th anniversary festivities at Swarved Mahamandir in Varanasi.

• The PM will attend a meeting of chief ministers from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand,as well as Deputy CMs from Bihar and Nagaland, during his visit.

• The CMs will have the opportunity to explore the best governance practices at this conclave, which is in keeping with the Prime Minister's objective of advancing the spirit of team India.