Kashi Vishwanath Dham, also known as the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, is a significant project undertaken by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in India to transform the ancient city of Varanasi and its revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Here is a historical account of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project with relevant dates:
- Early History of Kashi Vishwanath Temple: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds immense religious and cultural importance for Hindus. It is believed to have been originally built by King Harishchandra during the 6th to 8th century AD. The temple has been reconstructed and renovated several times over the centuries due to damage caused by various invasions and natural disasters.
- Destruction by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb: In 1669 AD, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, along with several other Hindu temples in the region. A mosque was built on the site using the remains of the destroyed temple. This mosque, known as the Gyanvapi Mosque, still stands adjacent to the current Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Reconstruction by Maharaja Ahilyabai Holkar: In the 18th century, Maharaja Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, a devout Hindu ruler, took the initiative to reconstruct the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. In 1780 AD, she rebuilt the temple near its original location.
- Kashi Vishwanath Corridor Project Initiated: The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project was officially initiated by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 2018. The aim of the project was to revamp the temple premises, improve the infrastructure, and create a holistic spiritual experience for the pilgrims and visitors.
- Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony: The foundation stone for the Kashi Vishwanath Dham was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8th March 2019. The event marked the commencement of the ambitious project, which aimed to beautify the temple surroundings and connect various religious and cultural sites in Varanasi.
- Development of Corridor and Surroundings: The Kashi Vishwanath Dham project encompasses the development of a grand corridor, about 50 feet wide and 600 meters long, that stretches from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the riverfront of the Ganges. The surrounding areas of the temple have been transformed to provide a more organized and visitor-friendly environment.
- Gyanvapi Mosque Integration: As part of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project, there were discussions and debates on integrating the Gyanvapi Mosque with the temple complex. However, due to legal complexities and sensitivities surrounding religious structures, the proposal was not pursued further.
- Completion and Inauguration: As of my last update in September 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project was still under development. The completion date was expected to be in the coming years. However, please note that construction timelines and plans might be subject to change, and it is essential to refer to official sources for the most recent updates on the project’s status and completion.
Conclusion:
The Kashi Vishwanath Dham project is a significant endeavor to renovate and enhance the spiritual and cultural experience of visiting the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple and its surroundings. It aims to preserve the historical significance of the temple while providing modern amenities for pilgrims and tourists alike. As the project nears completion, it is expected to become a prominent religious and cultural destination in India, attracting devotees from all over the world.