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String of facilities along the 70-km route
108 temples, 44 Dharamshalas and ponds to be renovated
Jobs and business set to get a boost on Parikrama route
Varanasi: Panchkosi Yatra occupies an important place in rituals of Sanatan Dharma. The Jyotirlinga-shaped Parikrama route of Kashi is of special significance since ancient times. Under an initiative was taken by the Yogi Adityanath Government, extensive renovation and beautification of the Panchkosi Parikrama in Varanasi are taking shape.
As per the plan, temples, ponds, tourist shelters and inns (dharamshalas) are being beautified to give the entire 70-km route a facelift of international standards.
There is also a proposal to organise various events and programmes spread over a year. The facelift and events will lead to the creation of new avenues of employment and business.
The General Secretary of the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, Prof Ram Narayan Trivedi, says that the devotees undertake a barefoot walk to traverse this 70-km Panchkosi Yatra. There are five halts on this route – Kandva, Bhimchandi, Rameshwar, Paancho Pandav and Kapildhara. The five-day yatra includes one-night stays every day.
There are old temples, ponds and shelter houses for the pilgrims along the route. “A very important aspect of this route is that all the religious places are situated on the right side of the yatra,” he adds.
The Yogi Government has prepared a plan for the overall development of this stretch to make the yatra easier and comfortable for the pilgrims. Upon completion, the devotees will be able to traverse the route throughout the year and thus a many more people will come to know about its significance.
The Government has also planned a series of events and programmes on the Panchkosi Marg, that will lead to the creation of jobs and new business opportunities. These include wellness centres, resorts, hotels and tourism-related ventures.
The VC of Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) Isha Duhan said that there are 108 main temples, 44 Dharamshalas (pilgrim shelters or night shelters) and ponds along the yatra route. As per the plan, wells and chaupal structures will also be repaired and beautified.
All the ponds having historical significance located at the shelters will be beautified. The gardens at open spaces of discourse lawns will be beautified with landscaping. Temporary shelters and resting places will be created near the halts and temples for the convenience of the pilgrims.
In addition, the signages to be put up along the Panchkosi Yatra route will show the way to pilgrims. All information regarding the religious sites and places of shelter will be available at all halts. For the convenience of visitors coming from outside Varanasi, information regarding the Panchkosi Yatra will be displayed at bus stops and railway stations, besides at other public places.
The State Department of Archaeology will soon launch an initiative for the conservation of all temples having high architectural and archaeological value. A Heritage Conservation Scheme will be prepared for the Panchkosi Yatra and the passage will be created to facilitate pedestrian movement.
The vice-chairman said that a detailed project report (DPR) in this regard has already been sent to the government. Work will be started as soon as the permission is received.
The Yogi Government plans to spend Rs 55.93 crores on the project which will be completed in three phases. In the first phase, Rs 9.92 crores, in the second phase Rs 23.86 crore and the third phase, Rs 22.15 crores are to be spent on renovation and beautification of religious places and riverfront development.
