Modi opens Kashi Vishwanath Dham, says it is a symbol of Sanatan culture, spirituality
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Phase-1 of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, constructed at a cost of around `339 crore after taking a holy dip in the river Ganga at Lalita Ghat and offering prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple here on Monday. The PM asked people to take three pledges on the occasion: Swachchhta, Srijan and Atma Nirbhar (cleanliness, innovation and self-reliance).
“It is not just a building but a symbol of Sanatan culture, spirituality and tradition of India which would give a new energy and continuity to the development of the nation,” he said while addressing the dignitaries and seers across the country who came to attend the function.
The PM said India is maintaining the ancient heritage, along with giving this newness for accelerating the pace of growth for the future of the nation.
The PM looked emotional while praising the unique lifestyle of the local residents of his Parliamentary constituency.
“This date of Vikram Samvat 2078 Shukla Dashmi would be remembered long as this project was inaugurated on Monday, a pious day of Lord Shiva as the lost glory of this famous temple across the world has been restored with grandeur,” he said, adding that it all happened due to the blessings of Baba Vishwanath.
“Earlier, the temple was just housed in 3,000 square feet but today it is in sprawling premises of five lakh square feet where at a time more than 50,000 devotees can get entry, For providing facilities to the Divyang and elderly, escalator and lift facilities have been added so that they can also reach the temple easily after taking bath in the sacred water of river Ganga which has now been linked with the Dham,” said the PM, praising the Yogi Government for its dedication to complete the projects on time despite all hurdles and Covid-19 pandemic.
Modi said that whenever the devotees came to offer prayers, they sought some blessings from Baba Vishwanath apart from taking pledges.
“As for me the public are like our deities, so I sought three pledges from them on Swachhta, Srijan and Atma Nirbhar (cleanliness, innovation and self-reliance),” he said.
Seeking support from the people on these pledges, Modi appealed to all to keep their surroundings clean because this would solve several problems and keep the river Ganga pollution-free also. “Cleanliness is a lifestyle and discipline which inspires one towards one’s duty,” he said.
Describing the second pledge of innovation, he narrated how many youths have created history through new ideas in their startup projects. “We’re celebrating our platinum jubilee of independence so by becoming more vocal to our local products by adopting them, we can help the nation become self-reliant but also reach a new height when we would be celebrating the centenary of our independence,” he said.
According to the PM, the Banarasis had seen several destructions and re-buildings from time to time during the last 1000 years. “If Aurangzeb had demolished this temple, it was rebuilt by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar who was born in Maharashtra but a queen of Indore. Not only this, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh of Punjab donated gold for the temple,” he said, highlighting the relations between Kashi and South India.
He also quoted words of several leading scholars of the south who had spoken a lot about the glories of this holy city. He also highlighted the history of bravery of Shivaji and Raja Suheldev.
“Our Government is trying to revive the lost heritage where it is the facilitation of Kartarpur Sahib or Vellore Math and important places of worship in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other States,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of Varanasi as an ancient city where Adi Shankaracharya impressed with the teachings of Dom Raja had started working for the spiritual unity of the nation, Gautam Buddha preached non-violence to the world, Sant Tulsidas wrote Ramcharitmanas, Sant Kabir worked for social reform, and Sant Ravidas raised the problems of the downtrodden. He also referred several freedom fighters, scholars, litterateurs, and artists who were associated with this city.
Earlier, as per tradition, Modi offered prayers at Kal Bhairav temple and then reached Lalita ghat from the newly-beautified Khirkhiya ghat through a cruise.
In the function, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, terming Modi as the world’s most popular leader, praised the PM for his efforts to revive rich heritage along with helping the nation march towards overall development and prosperity. UP Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Neelkanth Tiwari welcomed the guests. Governor Anandiben Patel. Bhartiya Janata Party President Dr JP Nadda, Union Minister Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, both the deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma and many others were also present.
