PM Modi's visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple | 19 Jun 2024

Why in News?

  • The Prime Minister of India recently visited Varanasi, marking his first trip to the holy city since he assumed office for the third time.

Key Points

  • He inaugurated the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor project.
  • The corridor connects the temple to the banks of the river Ganga and is a symbol of India’s Sanatan culture.
  • After the inauguration, PM Modi addressed the audience, emphasizing the historical significance of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. He also highlighted the resilience of the city against past invasions and attempts to tarnish its image.
  • Before the inauguration, PM Modi offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi.
  • In the evening, PM Modi witnessed the Ganga Aarti. This visit holds immense cultural and historical significance, celebrating the spirit of Varanasi and its iconic temple.

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

  • Kashi Vishwanath Corridor connects the iconic Kashi Vishwanath temple and the ghats along the river Ganga.
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.
  • Kashi Vishwanath Dham has become one of the top pilgrimage spots in India as a record 12.9 crore devotees visited the shrine in two years.