Prime Minister Modi inaugurates Kashi Vishwanath Dham project in Varanasi

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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday Dec. 13, 2021, embarked on a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, he inaugurated phase 1 of the newly-constructed Kashi Vishwanath Dham at a cost of around Rs 339 crores.

Noting that the project will add to the spiritual vibrancy of Kashi, the Prime Minister started his day by offering prayers at Kaal Bhairav temple. He then took a cruise boat from Khirkiya Ghat to Lalita Ghat to visit Kashi Vishwanath temple and also took a holy dip in the Ganga.

Breaking security protocols, the Prime Minister accepted a turban, scarf from a man on the streets of Varanasi as his convoy headed to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where he offered prayers and planted a Rudraksha tree. The Prime Minister then proceeded to inaugurate the ambitious project of Kashi Vishwanath Dham.

A total of 23 buildings were inaugurated in phase 1 of the project. It provides a variety of facilities to the pilgrims visiting Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, including Yatri Suvidha Kendras, Tourist Facilitation Centre, Vedic Kendra, Mumukshu Bhavan, Bhogshala, City Museum, Viewing Gallery, Food Court, among others.

The Prime Minister along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had lunch with the workers involved in the construction work of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor.

Later in the day, the PM took a boat ride from Lalita Ghat to Ravidas Ghat, where he took part later in the Ganga aarti. Upon reaching, the Prime Minister boarded Vivekanand Cruise. He was accompanied by Adityanath, other chief ministers, deputy chief ministers of BJP ruled-states and top BJP leaders.

The ghat was illuminated with several thousands of earthen lamps, lights and floral arrangements.

The Prime Minister witnessed ‘Ganga Aarti’ on the banks of the river on the occasion of Shiv Deepotsav being celebrated in the city on that day.

Following the grand aarti, a light and sound show was held at the ghat, at the end of which the sky was lit up with fireworks.The Prime Minister posed for a photograph with BJP national president JP Nadda, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, in Varanasi.

On December 14, Modi attended the 98th-anniversary celebrations of Sadguru Sadafaldeo Vihangam Yog Sansthan at Swarved Mahamandir.

He also participated in a conclave of Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, along with Deputy CMs from Bihar and Nagaland. At the conclave, the Chief Ministers gave presentations on good governance, before PM Modi. They also visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and were scheduled to visit Ayodhya on December 15 for the darshan of Ram Lalla.

Devotees Increase

Devotees began coming in large numbers to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi a day after Prime Minister Modi inaugurated it.

The temple head priest believes that the construction of the corridor will boost the economy of the city. Speaking to ANI, the head priest said, “The construction of the temple is no less than a miracle as the country went through two waves of COVID-19. With the construction of Dham, tourism along with industry and business will increase.”

Matters of the temple were proceeding as usual, he indicated. “Worship is being done as per the daily routine. The gift that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given to Kashi is unprecedented. We are all elated as there cannot be a bigger occasion for us to have become a part of history. The devotees visiting the temple from now on will feel joyous. Now the Kashi Vishwanath Dham has been constructed,” the priest said.

He also noted the influence on youth as well as pointed to devotees from South India who “visit the Dham the most. They have great devotion for Kashi and its people. The pilgrims from South India visit here at all times of the year.”

Spiritual Seekers

In his speech December 14, addressing the 98th-anniversary celebrations of Sadguru Sadafal Dev Vihangam Yog Sansthan Prime Minister Modi said that the contribution of spiritual seekers in the freedom movement has not been recorded in history the way it should have been, but the younger generation is being introduced to their role.

“There were many saints who left their spiritual practices and participated in the freedom struggle. The contribution of saints was not recorded in history the way that it should have been. When we are celebrating Amrit Mahotsav, it is our responsibility to bring this contribution to light. So today, the country is remembering the contribution of its saints and gurus and introducing it to the young generation.” Modi said, highlighting the role played by Sant Sadafal Dev in the freedom struggle.

“Here every saint is proud that their ancestors had given direction to the independence movement. Sant Sadafal Dev ji was one of the first people to go to jail in the non-cooperation movement,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister noted how historic the occasion was. “We are witnessing all of this: the 98th annual celebration of Akhil Bharatiya Yog Sansthan, 100 years of Sadguru Sadafal Dev Ji’s imprisonment and Amrit Mahotsav of the country’s independence. Today is also the occasion of Geeta Jayanti,” he said.

He went on to say, “Our nation is wonderful. Whenever there are testing times, some or the other saint appears to change the times. It is India where its biggest hero of Independence is called ‘Mahatma’ by the world. It is India where the organization of saints holds its annual celebration in the form of Amrit Mahotsav,” the PM said.

He went on to say, “Sadguru gave a mantra during freedom movement: of Swadeshi. Now, the nation has started the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission. Local trade, business and products are being strengthened. Local is being made global.” the Prime Minister said.