Why in News:

• The 400-metre-long Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi connecting the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva to the banks of the Ganges was inaugurated by Prime Minister 

About the temple

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi, also known as the Golden temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
• It was constructed in the year 1780 by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
• The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. 
• The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor

• The project entails a complete overhaul of the sacred shrine and its surroundings. This is the first major renovation since the Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore rebuilt the temple and surrounding region in 1780 AD.
• The Kashi Vishwanath temple lacked direct access to the Ganga, and a 20-foot-wide corridor was envisaged to connect Lalita Ghat on the holy river to Mandir Chowk on the temple premises.
• Pilgrims and travellers will view a freshly erected museum exhibiting Varanasi’s ancient history and culture along the corridor.

How did it help

• The improvement of the infrastructure in Varanasi is expected to give a boost to tourism in the holy city as well as in the region, including the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath.
• Ganga cruises are planned for tourists, road infrastructure has been upgraded.
• LED screens will display information for tourists, including on the history, architecture, and art of Kashi. The famous Ganga Aarti and the aarti at the Kashi Vishwanath temple will be shown on the screens throughout the city.
• During demolition of the buildings, more than 40 ‘lost’ temples like the Gangeshwar Mahadev temple, the Manokameshwar Mahadev temple, the Jauvinayak temple, and the Shri Kumbha Mahadev temple were discovered. 
• A gallery has been devoted to showcase some of the excavated remains at the National Museum in New Delhi, and to run a narrative on their histories on screens alongside.
• In Varanasi, “smart signages” have been erected to provide information on the cultural importance of heritage sites and the city’s 84 ghats, which are known for their antiquity and architectural significance.

References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-to-open-kashi-vishwanath-corridor-today/article37941370.ece
2. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/kashi-vishwanath-temple-narendra-modi-varanasi-7669709/