Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project

In News

• The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project, an important project pegged at ? 600 crores (approximately). 
• An estimated ? 300 crores were spent on purchasing land and buildings around the temple complex and for resettlement compensation alone.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• It is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
• It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 
• The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.

About the project

• Vision
  • The project encapsulates the vision of the Holkar queen of Indore, Ahalya Bai Holkar 
    • who created a series of temples and vistas leading up to the Ganga ghat.
• Connecting with Ganga ghats
  • The project connects the temple with the ghats of the Ganga, with a paved walkway around 320 metres long and 20 metres wide. 
  • It will also have facilities for a museum, library, a facilitation centre for pilgrims and a Mumuksha Bhawan (salvation house).
• Families displaced 
  • Over the years, there were buildings, housing and other construction that came up around the temple and that entire vista was obscured. 
  • The project has restored it. At least 400 families were asked to vacate the area.
  • Those displaced have been given compensation and will be joining the inaugural ceremony.

Ceremony

• The function would see the presence of the main ‘archakas’ of the 12 ‘Jyotirlingas’ (of which Kashi is one), 
  • With water from all major rivers of the country being brought in for the ‘abhishek’ of the main deity Baba Vishwanath (Lord Shiva).
• A sound and laser show on the history of the temple, and its repeated reconstruction from destruction will be part of the event.
• The Ganga ghats will be lit up as in the manner of ‘Dev Dipawali.

Why a corridor?

• Ease the congestion
  • The temple located on the left bank of the river Ganga is surrounded by narrow and small, claustrophobic lanes. 
  • As a result, it struggles to manage humongous crowds in its congested lanes during festive times, which is throughout the year. 
• Boost Tourism
  • It would provide the pilgrims and travellers amenities such as 
    • wider and cleaner roads and lanes, better lighting with bright street lights, and clean drinking water.

Source: TH