Uttar Pradesh

• 14 Dec 2021

Shrikashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor

Why in News

• On December 13, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new and grand Shrikashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor by unveiling the stone plaque in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. This corridor connects the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple of Varanasi directly with the Ganga Ghat.

Key Points

• Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the new complex of Shrikashi Vishwanath Dham is not just a grand building. It is a symbol of India's eternal culture, spiritual soul, antiquity, traditions, energy and dynamism of India.
• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that in the year 1777-1780, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore had contributed a lot in the restoration of Baba Vishwanath. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had made the temple golden. The Rani of Gwalior had also contributed to the temple.
• Attempts were made to destroy the Kashi Vishwanath temple several times in the last one thousand years. This temple was first demolished by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1194 AD. The second attack on this temple was done by Sultan Mahmud Shah of Jaunpur in 1447 AD. In 1642 AD, Shah Jahan passed an order to demolish this temple.