New Delhi: The stage is all set for the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 13. The entire event is slated to be aired live across the country.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Shrikant Mishra, Priest at Kashi Vishwanath temple said, "The city is filled with enthusiasm as the temple is ready to become ‘Vishwanath Dham’ after years. PM Modi is going to inaugurate the corridor on December 13."
Priest Mishra further added, "Significantly, ‘Jyotirling’ of Kashi Vishwanath Temple is considered to be the most important among other 12 Jyotirlingas. That is why lakhs of devotees come here to offer their prayers. Earlier, this temple was situated only across 2,000 metres, but now it spans across over 50,000 square metres."
Decking up the city of Varanasi for the inauguration ceremony that has been named "Divya Kashi, Bhavya Kashi" (divine Kashi, grand Kashi), the stretch of Godowlia to Maidagin has been painted in pink to maintain the consistent look and highlight its rich heritage.
Known to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream project, this Kashi Vishwanath Corridor will cut the time span and will set a direct link between the temple and the Ganga river. The estimated cost of the entire project is somewhere close to ₹800 crore.
Under this project, several constructions such as temple Chowk, Varanasi city gallery, museum, multipurpose auditoriums, hall, devotee facilitation centre, public convenience have also been constructed.
At the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor, the devotees will also get to see a statue of Maratha Queen Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, who once reconstructed this temple.