Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

In News

• Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connecting the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi to the ghats of the Ganga.
  • The foundation stone for the project was laid on March 8, 2019.

About Kashi Vishwanath Corridor 

• About:
  • It is a 400-metre long corridor that will facilitate the pilgrims and devotees of Baba Vishwanath, who had to encounter congested streets and surroundings with poor upkeep, when they practised the age-old custom of taking a dip in the holy river, collecting Gangajal and offering it at the temple. 
  • The architect of this project is Mr Bimal Patel who is also the architect for the Central Vista project.
• Significance: 
  • It will provide easy access for the disabled and old age people with the provision of ramps, escalators, and other modern facilities.
  • Heritage Preservation 
  • Boost to Local Economy

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

• About:
  • Situated on the West bank of river Ganga which follows Uttar Vahini or north direction in Varanasi, the Temple is regarded as 7th amongst 12 Jyotirlingas. 
  • The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe.
  • The Temple was renovated in its present form in 1780 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore and Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated gold for temple shikhara in 1835.
• Architecture:
  • It is constructed following the Nagara style of temple architecture, mostly prevalent in northern India.
  • The venerable Jyotirlinga is a dark brown coloured stone that is enshrined in the Sanctum, placed on a silver platform.
  • The main temple is a quadrangle and is surrounded by shrines of other gods. The temple complex consists of a series of smaller shrines 
  • There is a small well in the temple called the Jnana Vapi (the wisdom well) that sits to the north of the main temple.
  • There is a Sabha Griha or Congregation Hall leading to the inner Garbha Griha or Sanctum Sanctorum. 

Source: TH