Explaining how the project was conceptualised, architect Patel told ThePrint that the current Kashi Vishwanath temple, built in 1780, and many other temples surrounding it were hemmed in on all sides by very dense and haphazard development.1

In 2019, the area between the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Ganga was cleared for a comprehensive redevelopment, and many have raised concerns that the project will erase heritage and promote ‘mall culture’. However, Bimal Patel contended that the project is designed to reinforce Varanasi’s heritage, culture and spirituality.2

The administration cites an incident from 1916 to stress on the fact that the project is the need of the hour.3

In the 105 years since, pilgrims and tourists have increasingly felt that navigating Varanasi’s narrow bylanes and ghat steps has been a difficult job. Obviously, things have been worse for senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities, especially since they have to be in queue for several hours.

Another major complaint has been the lack of time pilgrims get to spend inside the temple. This is why a Mandir Chowk is being created.4

The project has been designed with an average of two lakh visitors per day in mind, with three access routes by road and a waterway.5

The project will house 24 buildings within the temple complex, Agrawal added. “It will create a number of public amenities to cater to the visitors — guest house, tourist facilitation centres, public amenities like toilets, locker rooms, hospice and a number of other buildings,” commissioner Agrawal added.

....

  • 1. “The many temples and fine houses in the area were insensitively built over, and public spaces were encroached upon. Access to the temple was severely constricted, unsafe and unfriendly to those with mobility issues,” he said.
  • 2. “The temple and the redeveloped precinct are a very tiny portion of Varanasi. Much care is being taken to ensure that the additions here fit well with the surrounding area. Retaining its significance in the complex, the temple will be enclosed by an ornate colonnade, creating the spacious and sacred Mandir Parisar. The Mandir Chowk, a large open space in front of the Mandir Parisar, will descend on to the main path leading to the ghats,” he said.
  • 3. “In 1916, when Mahatma Gandhi came to Varanasi and visited the temple, he gave a speech at the Banaras Hindu University stating that things have to be improved in the area around the temple,” said divisional commissioner Agrawal.
  • 4. “Earlier, people used to spend a few seconds inside the temple, and they used to be out in a matter of minutes. They used to spend days coming here, but did not have time to sit and meditate and pray to God. So, we are creating a very big Mandir Chowk, around 40 metres by 70 metres, where people can sit, relax and meditate and spend quality time with their family and friends,” said an official.
  • 5. “People can take boats from Khidkiya Ghat and Raj Ghat and simply take a jetty to Jalasen Ghat. We have placed escalators and ramps to ensure easy access from the ghats to the temple,” an official said.