Create separate darshan route for Varanasi residents: UP CM to Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Varanasi (UP), Jul 8 (PTI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday directed the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple administration to create a separate darshan route for Varanasi residents to provide them easier access to the temple, an official said. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and temple official Shambhu Sharan said the new arrangement was announced following the chief minister's directions during his visit to Varanasi on Wednesday. He said the temple trust introduced "Kashi Dwar" (gate number 4B) in 2024 to facilitate local devotees. Under the earlier arrangement, Varanasi residents could enter the temple through the gate from 4 am to 5 am and again from 4 pm to 5 pm by producing a valid identity card. "Following the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the temple administration has decided to significantly extend the entry timings for residents for the entire day," Sharan said. Under the revised system, Varanasi residents will be allowed to enter the temple through Kashi Dwar (gate number 4B) from 4.15 am until 10.45 pm after showing valid identification, he said. The official, however, clarified that the facility would not be available during major festivals and important religious occasions, when the temple witnesses exceptionally heavy footfall. He said the revised arrangement is aimed at ensuring greater convenience for local devotees while maintaining smooth crowd management at one of the country's most visited pilgrimage centres. PTI CORR ABN ASD ASD