Kashi Witnesses Record Increase in Devotees’ Offerings during Shravan

Varanasi: The Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has not only adorned the Kashi Vishwanath Dham with a new and grandeur look but has also drawn devotees from all over the world, who are now making generous offerings with deep reverence. The commitment of the Yogi government to provide excellent facilities, easy access, and security in the religious tourism sector is establishing Kashi as a top destination for pilgrims.

In the year 2023, the holy month of Shravan has witnessed a remarkable surge in offerings compared to the previous year. Devotees collectively offered a staggering sum of INR 16.89 crores to Lord Baba Bholenath at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This significant increase in offerings during Shravan showcases the growing prominence of Kashi in the realm of religious tourism.

A record-breaking 16,317,000 devotees visited the abode of Baba Bholenath during the Shravan month this year, a considerable milestone in itself. The Yogi government’s dedication to providing top-notch amenities and ensuring safe and hassle-free darshan experiences has made Kashi a preferred choice for pilgrims across the nation. Kashi has emerged as the most favored religious destination in the country.

This year, devotees poured their hearts out with offerings to Lord Baba Bholenath. Compared to the previous year’s Shravan, offerings to the deity increased fivefold in this year’s Shravan, reflecting the depth of devotion among the pilgrims.

Devotees Open Their Hearts and Wallets

The Kashi Vishwanath Dham’s renewed allure is drawing followers of the Sanatan Dharma from around the world, who are contributing with devotion and generosity. Sunil Varma, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, disclosed that in August 2023, the total offerings amounted to a staggering INR 16.89 crores, whereas, in August 2022, the offerings stood at INR 3.4 crores . This signifies nearly a five-fold increase in offerings in the month of Shravan in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Since expanding from 3,000 square feet to 500,000 square feet, the Kashi Vishwanath Dham has improved facilities, including a more accessible and comfortable darshan experience. Consequently, the number of devotees visiting the temple has multiplied, resulting in increased contributions to the temple treasury.

Notably, this year’s Shravan lasted for almost two months due to the occurrence of an extra month in the Hindu calendar.

Enhanced Facilities by the Temple Trust

Sunil Kumar Varma also explained that after the inauguration, the temple trust has continuously worked towards improving the devotees’ amenities. Facilities such as drinking water, shade arrangements, mats, and basic infrastructure have received special attention. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust has employed 50 staff members for a comfortable darshan experience. Additionally, 200 personnel are deployed for cleanliness and to provide security and convenience to devotees.

The temple trust has also established locker and helpdesk facilities at various locations within the temple complex. Free wheelchairs have been provided for elderly and differently-abled devotees. Furthermore, various arrangements have been made for the convenience of darshan seekers by the temple trust.

The transformation of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham into a magnificent and grand destination has significantly increased the number of tourists and pilgrims in Varanasi. Consequently, Varanasi’s economy is also witnessing rapid growth in sectors such as transportation, hotels, guesthouses, boating, labor, textile industries, handicrafts, and various other businesses.