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Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat Transforms with New Rs 17.56 Crore Corridor

A major reconstruction drive is transforming Varanasi's historic and sacred Manikarnika Ghat. The project, with a foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to develop a grand corridor with improved amenities like a wood plaza and VIP seating. The new design specifically addresses flood resilience to ensure the cremation ground remains operational. While the administration promotes better pilgrim facilities, some locals express concern over altering the ancient character of Kashi's lanes.

Key Points: Manikarnika Ghat Redevelopment: PM Modi's Varanasi Vision

  • Rs 17.56 crore redevelopment project
  • Foundation laid by PM Modi in July 2023
  • Includes VIP seating, wood plaza, and ramps
  • Designed to withstand high flood levels
  • Some local resistance over changing ancient character
3 min read

Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat undergoes massive transformation drive

Historic Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi undergoes a Rs 17.56 crore transformation for better amenities and flood resilience, part of a grand corridor project.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is to give this gateway to salvation a new look. - Project Report"

Varanasi, January 14

A massive resconstruction drive is ongoing at the historic Manikarnika Ghat, the holiest cremation ground in Varanasi, the city of Baba Vishwanath, Lord Shiva. This drive, related to the proposed corridor construction from Manikarnika Ghat to Scindia Ghat is an effort to transform the narrow lanes and historic ghats of Kashi and has now reached its next phase.

The administration's focus is entirely on rejuvenating the sacred Manikarnika Ghat. Demolition work using heavy machinery has been intensified to develop the Manikarnika pilgrimage site into a grand corridor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project on July 7, 2023 during his visit to Varanasi. The project is being devloped at a cost of Rs 17.56 crore.

Following the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is to give this gateway to salvation a new look.

The new Manikarnika Ghat will include VIP seating on the roof. In addition, special attention will be paid to the provision of ramps, viewing areas, seating arrangements, and other basic amenities. A wood plaza will also be constructed at Manikarnika Ghat, where mourners can procure wood for cremation related ceremonies.

The design of the new Manikarnika Ghat has been created keeping the high flood level in mind. Even during floods, the cremation grounds will not be submerged, and mourners will not face any difficulties. During the construction of Manikarnika Ghat, the heritage sites around the ghat will also be renovated.

This includes the restoration of the Chakra Pushkarani Kund, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, the Tarkeshwar Temple, and the Dattatreya Paduka. CCTV cameras will also be installed throughout the area.

There was some resistance to the bulldozers as rapid demolition work got underway to develop the Manikarnika Mahashmashan pilgrimage site.

The administration's master plan is to streamline and widen the area from Manikarnika Ghat to Scindia Ghat. This includes better facilities for pilgrims, easier access and strengthening connectivity to Scindia Ghat. Some of the local residents of Kashi and priests argue that the ancient character of Kashi lies in its narrow lanes and old structures, which they say is now being changed in the name of modernity.

Varanasi ADM (City) Alok Verma however clarified saying that the people living along the ghat are not opposing the project and that all development work was happening in front of them.

It is worth noting that Manikarnika Ghat, the great cremation ground of Kashi, holds immense religious significance. According to religious beliefs, after death in Kashi, Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ear of the deceased, granting them salvation. This is the only cremation ground in the world that operates 24 hours a day. This is why it is called the Mahashmashan (Great Cremation Ground). ANI)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While better facilities are welcome, I hope the soul of Kashi is not lost. The narrow lanes and ancient, untouched feel are what make Varanasi special. Modernization should not turn our most sacred spaces into just another tourist spot. The character must be preserved.
A
Aditya G
The wood plaza is a brilliant idea. It will bring some order and dignity to the process. Currently, it can be chaotic for grieving families to arrange everything. 17.56 crores seems well spent if it eases the hardship during such a sensitive time.
M
Meera T
"VIP seating on the roof"? At a cremation ghat? This feels wrong. Manikarnika is about equality in death and moksha. Introducing VIP culture there is against the very spirit of the place. The focus should solely be on facilities for the common mourner.
S
Sarah B
Visiting Varanasi was a profound experience. The energy at Manikarnika is unlike anywhere else. I'm glad to hear they are renovating the surrounding heritage temples like Ratneshwar Mahadev. Preserving history while making it accessible is a delicate but important balance.
K
Karthik V
The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has already transformed the area for the better. If this project is executed with the same care and respect for heritage, it will be a great service to the millions who visit for salvation. Hope the local priests and residents are truly on board.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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