Uttar Pradesh authorities are making preparations to ensure devotees can have a safe and fulfilling experience during the holy month of Sawan at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Sawan is a significant period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts a large number of devotees who come from far and wide, carrying Kanwars to perform ‘Jalabhishek’ for Lord Shiva.
To this end, Commissioner of Varanasi Division, Kaushal Raj Sharma, chaired a meeting on Sunday to discuss facilities and security arrangements at the temple. Attendees included Additional Commissioner of Police S.S. Chinnappa, DCP Security Suryakant Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Vishwa Bhushan, and other relevant officers.
Officials discussed arrangements for providing facilities such as drinking water, medical services, and crowd management. Additional security measures include CCTV systems, the smooth functioning of electrical equipment, and secure hanging electrical wires in the area.
Special facilities will be available for residents of Kashi to access darshan facilities between 4 am – 5 am and jhanki darshan from Gate 4B (Kashi Dwar) between 4 am and 5 pm every day, except Sawan Mondays and festival days. This arrangement is subject to valid identification like Aadhaar card, voter ID, EPIC card, and driving license.
For the first time, arrangements have been made to offer online live darshan of Kashi Vishwanath Mahadev’s pujan accessible through the temple trust’s website, its official YouTube channel, and Tata Sky’s platform. Other special facilities include industrial air coolers and awnings in areas with high temperatures, a zig-zag entry route design for crowd management, and a ramp for extra crowd seating at Saraswati Park for reduced pressure on Saraswati Gate entrance.
Authorities will also install barricade logs to prevent defacement due to the crowd pressure, while railings have been installed on steep stairs from the ghat side for safety and convenience. Medical provisions, including ORS and glucose, will be in place for those in need.
Sawan is an auspicious period for Lord Shiva’s devotees, and the cooling rains of this time symbolize his compassion and benevolence. Uttar Pradesh’s authorities are working tirelessly to put measures in place for a safe and fulfilling experience at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during this holy month of Sawan.
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