The Varanasi Court on Wednesday granted permission to the Hindu side petitioners to perform puja in the ‘Vyas Tekhana’ — basement — portion of the Gyanvapi mosque premises.

Gyanvapi verdict: Court allows Hindus to offer prayers in Gyanvapi mosque's basement

Gyanvapi verdict: Hindus allowed to pray in mosque's basement: Court

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Saturday (Jan 27) refuted Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)&nbsp;report stating&nbsp;evidence of a Hindu temple there.

AIMPLB executive member Qasim Rasool Ilyas released a statement saying that the report of the ASI is not "conclusive evidence" in this contentious case.

"By doing this the opposition party has created a feeling of anarchy and insecurity in the society," he added.

Ilyas also condemned the Hindu side for 'insulting' the court by releasing the ASI report in the press.

"Hindu communal organizations have been misleading the public for many years regarding the Gyanvapi Masjid. The latest example of this is a report of the Archaeological Survey of India which they filed in the court and made available to the plaintiff and defendant only on the orders of the court. This report was for their study and preparation but by publishing it in the press, the opposition party has not only insulted the court but has also tried to mislead the simple people of the country," he was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.

He&nbsp;went on to allege that the Hindu side made attempts to deceive the public and create turmoil in the society after a survey team released&nbsp;a report of a&nbsp;fountain present in the reservoir as Shivalinga.

"A few months ago, when the survey team in its report had described the fountain present in the reservoir as Shivalinga, the opposition party had tried its best to mislead the public and create unrest in the society by publicizing it, even though experts It could not be investigated nor did the court give any decision on it," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hindu-temple-existed-at-gyanvapi-mosque-site-pillars-reused-advocate-citing-archaeological-survey-report-683660">Also read: Gyanvapi mosque dispute: Hindu temple 'existed' at site, pillars reused, says Archaeological survey report</a>

<h2>VHP chief says Gyanvapi mosque committee should handover structure to Hindus</h2>

Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) released a statement on Saturday (Jan 27), demanding the Gyanvapi mosque committee to handover the structure to Hindus.

“The ASI, an official and expert body, has submitted its report to the district judge hearing the Gyanvapi matter in Kashi. The evidence collected by the ASI from the Gyanvapi structure reconfirms that the mosque had been constructed after demolishing a magnificent temple. A part of the temple structure, particularly the western wall is the remaining part of the Hindu Temple,” VHP working president Alok Kumar said in a statement.

He also said that the Hindus should be allowed to offer "sewa puja" to the 'Shivlinga' that as per the report has been discovered in the Wazukhana area.

"Thus, even as per Section 4 of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the structure should be declared as a Hindu temple," he further said.

Kumar also called upon the Intezamia Committee, to "respectfully shift" the&nbsp;mosque to another appropriate location and&nbsp;hand over the original site of “Kashi Vishvanatha to the Hindu society”.

"The VHP believes that this righteous action shall be an important step towards creating amicable relations between the two prominent communities of Bharat," he added.

A conclusive finding of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) indicated that a large Hindu temple existed at the site of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, media reports said quoting advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side.

As per the ASI findings, modifications were made to the mosque using pillars and plaster from the Hindu temple, with attempts to erase carvings on the pillars, as per Jain.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Saturday (Jan 27) refuted Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report stating evidence of a Hindu temple there.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Saturday (Jan 27) refuted Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report stating evidence of a Hindu temple there. AIMPLB executive member Qasim Rasool Ilyas released a statement saying that the report of the ASI is not "conclusive evidence" in this contentious case. "By doing this the opposition party has created a feeling of anarchy and insecurity in the society," he added. Ilyas also condemned the Hindu side for 'insulting' the court by releasing the ASI report in the press. "Hindu communal organizations have been misleading the public for many years regarding the Gyanvapi Masjid. The latest example of this is a report of the Archaeological Survey of India which they filed in the court and made available to the plaintiff and defendant only on the orders of the court. This report was for their study and preparation but by publishing it in the press, the opposition party has not only insulted the court but has also tried to mislead the simple people of the country," he was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI. He went on to allege that the Hindu side made attempts to deceive the public and create turmoil in the society after a survey team released a report of a fountain present in the reservoir as Shivalinga. "A few months ago, when the survey team in its report had described the fountain present in the reservoir as Shivalinga, the opposition party had tried its best to mislead the public and create unrest in the society by publicizing it, even though experts It could not be investigated nor did the court give any decision on it," he said. Also read: Gyanvapi mosque dispute: Hindu temple 'existed' at site, pillars reused, says Archaeological survey report VHP chief says Gyanvapi mosque committee should handover structure to Hindus Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) released a statement on Saturday (Jan 27), demanding the Gyanvapi mosque committee to handover the structure to Hindus. “The ASI, an official and expert body, has submitted its report to the district judge hearing the Gyanvapi matter in Kashi. The evidence collected by the ASI from the Gyanvapi structure reconfirms that the mosque had been constructed after demolishing a magnificent temple. A part of the temple structure, particularly the western wall is the remaining part of the Hindu Temple,” VHP working president Alok Kumar said in a statement. He also said that the Hindus should be allowed to offer "sewa puja" to the 'Shivlinga' that as per the report has been discovered in the Wazukhana area. "Thus, even as per Section 4 of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the structure should be declared as a Hindu temple," he further said. Kumar also called upon the Intezamia Committee, to "respectfully shift" the mosque to another appropriate location and hand over the original site of “Kashi Vishvanatha to the Hindu society”. "The VHP believes that this righteous action shall be an important step towards creating amicable relations between the two prominent communities of Bharat," he added. A conclusive finding of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) indicated that a large Hindu temple existed at the site of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, media reports said quoting advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side. As per the ASI findings, modifications were made to the mosque using pillars and plaster from the Hindu temple, with attempts to erase carvings on the pillars, as per Jain. (With inputs from agencies)

Gyanvapi mosque case: All India Muslim Personal Law Board rejects ASI report, says it is 'inconclusive'

In a significant move, a real-time AI-based translation tool was used during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi on Sunday (Dec 18).

PM Modi, during his address, welcomed the participants at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi and called them his family.

"Today, the use of new technology has taken place here through Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is a new beginning and hopefully, it makes it easier for me to reach you," PM Modi said at Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

The speech by the Indian prime minister was translated through 'Bhashini' for the ones who in the audience understood the Tamil language.

'Bhashini' is an AI-led language translation system that enables people to speak in their own language while talking to speakers of other Indian languages.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-clears-the-air-on-diplomatic-rows-in-us-canada-slams-un-security-council-as-old-club-670623">Jaishankar clears the air on diplomatic rows with US and Canada, slams UNSC</a>

The Indian Prime Minister further said that the Sengol, which was installed in the new Parliament building was brought from Tamil Nadu.

"This feeling of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' was also visible when we entered the new building of Parliament. The Sengol has been installed in the new Parliament building. Under the guidance of the saints of Adheenam, this same Sengol became the symbol of the transfer of power in 1947," he added.&nbsp;

"If you look at any civilization of the world, you will hardly find such a simple and superior form of intimacy in diversity anywhere. Even recently, during the G-20 Summit, the world was amazed to see this diversity of India," PM Modi added.

Calling India a nation of spiritual beliefs, he said the country is united by saints like Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, "who awakened the national consciousness of India through their travels."

Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2.0 at Namo Ghat. He also flagged off the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express train that is bound to run between Kanyakumari and Varanasi.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In a significant move, a real-time AI-based translation tool was used during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi on Sunday (Dec 18).

In a significant move, a real-time AI-based translation tool was used during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi on Sunday (Dec 18). PM Modi, during his address, welcomed the participants at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi and called them his family. "Today, the use of new technology has taken place here through Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is a new beginning and hopefully, it makes it easier for me to reach you," PM Modi said at Kashi Tamil Sangamam. The speech by the Indian prime minister was translated through 'Bhashini' for the ones who in the audience understood the Tamil language. 'Bhashini' is an AI-led language translation system that enables people to speak in their own language while talking to speakers of other Indian languages. Also read: Jaishankar clears the air on diplomatic rows with US and Canada, slams UNSC The Indian Prime Minister further said that the Sengol, which was installed in the new Parliament building was brought from Tamil Nadu. "This feeling of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' was also visible when we entered the new building of Parliament. The Sengol has been installed in the new Parliament building. Under the guidance of the saints of Adheenam, this same Sengol became the symbol of the transfer of power in 1947," he added. "If you look at any civilization of the world, you will hardly find such a simple and superior form of intimacy in diversity anywhere. Even recently, during the G-20 Summit, the world was amazed to see this diversity of India," PM Modi added. Calling India a nation of spiritual beliefs, he said the country is united by saints like Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya, "who awakened the national consciousness of India through their travels." Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2.0 at Namo Ghat. He also flagged off the Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express train that is bound to run between Kanyakumari and Varanasi. (With inputs from agencies)

AI-based translation tool used during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Varanasi

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday (Dec 18) submitted the Gyanvapi mosque 'scientific survey'&nbsp;report to a court of the district judge in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.

The next hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, but it's unclear whether or not the 1,000-page document by ASI will be shared with either side - the Hindu&nbsp;and the Muslim side.&nbsp;

The Gyanvapi Mosque is located in Varanasi, a holy place and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was constructed by Aurangzeb in 1669 and the Hindu side claims that the mosque was built after demolishing an ancient temple of Shiva deity.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-inaugurates-worlds-largest-meditation-centre-swarved-mahamandir-in-varanasi-670897">PM Modi inaugurates world’s largest meditation centre ‘Swarved Mahamandir’ in India’s Varanasi</a>&nbsp;

Advocate Madan Mohan Yadav, who is representing the Hindu petitioners, said, "The report in sealed cover was placed before the court by the ASI's standing counsel Amit Srivastava."&nbsp;

A site survey was launched after the Allahabad High Court upheld the Varanasi court order, stating that the survey was "necessary in the interest of justice". It added that the survey would benefit both sides in the dispute.&nbsp;

The Muslim side has opposed a public report, but advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi survey case, said that the "report cannot be filed in a sealed cover". He said, "ASI has violated the Supreme Court order."&nbsp;

"We've filed our petition before the court that the copy of the ASI report should be made available in the public domain and this issue will be raised during the hearing on December 21," Jain added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-of-india-suspends-78-opposition-mps-in-single-day-of-winter-session-670916">Parliament of India suspends 78 opposition MPs in single day of winter session</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India's EAM Jaishankar to review agreements across sectors with Russia&nbsp;

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<h2>Krishna Janmabhoomi case&nbsp;</h2>

In another temple-related case, the Allahabad High Court on Monday reserved its order on the plea filed by the Muslim side seeking an adjournment of the scientific survey on the Shahi Idgah complex in Mathura, another popular religious city in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

This comes after the High Court last week allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah premises, which adjoins the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura.&nbsp;

The court has approved a commission to inspect Mathura's disputed mosque and the survey will be carried out by three appointed commissioners who are advocates.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday (Dec 18) submitted the Gyanvapi mosque 'scientific survey' report to a court of the district judge in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday (Dec 18) submitted the Gyanvapi mosque 'scientific survey' report to a court of the district judge in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi. The next hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, but it's unclear whether or not the 1,000-page document by ASI will be shared with either side - the Hindu and the Muslim side. The Gyanvapi Mosque is located in Varanasi, a holy place and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was constructed by Aurangzeb in 1669 and the Hindu side claims that the mosque was built after demolishing an ancient temple of Shiva deity. Also read: PM Modi inaugurates world’s largest meditation centre ‘Swarved Mahamandir’ in India’s Varanasi Advocate Madan Mohan Yadav, who is representing the Hindu petitioners, said, "The report in sealed cover was placed before the court by the ASI's standing counsel Amit Srivastava." A site survey was launched after the Allahabad High Court upheld the Varanasi court order, stating that the survey was "necessary in the interest of justice". It added that the survey would benefit both sides in the dispute. The Muslim side has opposed a public report, but advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi survey case, said that the "report cannot be filed in a sealed cover". He said, "ASI has violated the Supreme Court order." "We've filed our petition before the court that the copy of the ASI report should be made available in the public domain and this issue will be raised during the hearing on December 21," Jain added. Also read: Parliament of India suspends 78 opposition MPs in single day of winter session Watch: India's EAM Jaishankar to review agreements across sectors with Russia × Krishna Janmabhoomi case In another temple-related case, the Allahabad High Court on Monday reserved its order on the plea filed by the Muslim side seeking an adjournment of the scientific survey on the Shahi Idgah complex in Mathura, another popular religious city in Uttar Pradesh. This comes after the High Court last week allowed a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah premises, which adjoins the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura. The court has approved a commission to inspect Mathura's disputed mosque and the survey will be carried out by three appointed commissioners who are advocates. (With inputs from agencies)

India: ASI submits sealed cover report on scientific survey of ‘disputed’ Gyanvapi Mosque

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Dec 18) inaugurated the newly-built Swarved Mahamandir,&nbsp;which is the world's largest meditation centre, in Umaraha, Varanasi.

While addressing the audience, PM Modi said that India has declared freedom from the slave mentality and is feeling proud of its heritage.

"In the era of slavery, the oppressors who made an effort to weaken India first targeted our symbols. After Independence, re-building of these cultural symbols was essential," he said.

Modi said that after the country gained Independence, "there was an opposition to the rebuilding of the Somnath temple and this thought process remained dominant for decades."

He said because of this, the country descended into an inferiority complex and somehow ignored the rich heritage it possessed.

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काशी का दिव्य और भव्य स्वर्वेद महामंदिर प्राचीनता और आधुनिकता का बेजोड़ उदाहरण है। मुझे विश्वास है कि योग और ध्यान के क्षेत्र में यह विश्व में अपनी अलग पहचान बनाएगा और समग्र विकास के हमारे संकल्प में मील का पत्थर साबित होगा। <a href="https://t.co/DIRmRFiYyo">pic.twitter.com/DIRmRFiYyo</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1736688339523367409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"After seven decades of Independence, the wheel of time has turned once again. The country has declared from the Red Fort freedom from the slave mentality and a feeling of pride about its heritage."

"The work which started from Somnath has now become a campaign. Today, the grandeur of Vishwanath is singing the tales of India's glory," Modi said.

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वाराणसी का स्वर्वेद महामंदिर संपूर्ण मानवता के कल्याण के लिए एक अनमोल धरोहर है, जिससे भारत की सांस्कृतिक विरासत और समृद्ध होगी। <a href="https://t.co/LuRnx5wYdt">pic.twitter.com/LuRnx5wYdt</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1736688026540232819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He then said that India, for the longest time, has been an example of economic prosperity and physical development and that the government, society and saints were making all the required efforts to rejuvenate Kashi.

Chief Minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath was also present during the inauguration.

CM Yogi along with PM Modi took a tour of the centre that can seat around 20,000 people at a time for meditation.&nbsp;

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आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> जी ने आज काशी में विहंगम योग संत समाज के 100वें वार्षिकोत्सव 'शताब्दी समारम्भ महोत्सव' एवं सद्गुरु सदाफलदेव जी महाराज को समर्पित 'स्वर्वेद महामंदिर धाम' का लोकार्पण किया। 
 
जब एक संत की साधना मूर्तरूप लेती है, तब ऐसा पावन धाम बनकर तैयार होता… <a href="https://t.co/99Dla8KtC5">pic.twitter.com/99Dla8KtC5</a>
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1736707686589206645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Verses of the Swarveda have been carved upon the walls of the Mahamandir, a seven-floor grand structure.

The Indian prime minister is on a two-day visit to his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi.

On the first day, he launched projects including the Kanyakumari-Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train and multi-language and braille translations of Thirukkural, Manimekalai and other classic Tamil literature.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-clears-the-air-on-diplomatic-rows-in-us-canada-slams-un-security-council-as-old-club-670623">Jaishankar clears the air on diplomatic rows with US and Canada, slams UN Security Council as ‘old club’</a>

He also participated in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

He is set to launch several other projects in the city besides the new Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to New Delhi.&nbsp;

<h2>AI-based tool used to translate PM Modi's speech in Varanasi</h2>

In a first, a real-time AI-based tool was used to translate PM Modi's speech at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi on Sunday (Dec 18).

During the address, PM Modi welcomed the participants and called them his family.

"Today, the use of new technology has taken place here through Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is a new beginning and hopefully, it makes it easier for me to reach you," PM Modi said at Kashi Tamil Sangamam.

The speech by the Indian prime minister was translated through 'Bhashini' for the ones who in the audience understood the Tamil language.

'Bhashini' is an AI-led language translation system that enables people to speak in their language while talking to speakers of other Indian languages.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Dec 18) inaugurated the newly-built Swarved Mahamandir, which is the world's largest meditation centre, in Umaraha, Varanasi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Dec 18) inaugurated the newly-built Swarved Mahamandir, which is the world's largest meditation centre, in Umaraha, Varanasi. While addressing the audience, PM Modi said that India has declared freedom from the slave mentality and is feeling proud of its heritage. "In the era of slavery, the oppressors who made an effort to weaken India first targeted our symbols. After Independence, re-building of these cultural symbols was essential," he said. Modi said that after the country gained Independence, "there was an opposition to the rebuilding of the Somnath temple and this thought process remained dominant for decades." He said because of this, the country descended into an inferiority complex and somehow ignored the rich heritage it possessed. काशी का दिव्य और भव्य स्वर्वेद महामंदिर प्राचीनता और आधुनिकता का बेजोड़ उदाहरण है। मुझे विश्वास है कि योग और ध्यान के क्षेत्र में यह विश्व में अपनी अलग पहचान बनाएगा और समग्र विकास के हमारे संकल्प में मील का पत्थर साबित होगा। pic.twitter.com/DIRmRFiYyo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2023 × "After seven decades of Independence, the wheel of time has turned once again. The country has declared from the Red Fort freedom from the slave mentality and a feeling of pride about its heritage." "The work which started from Somnath has now become a campaign. Today, the grandeur of Vishwanath is singing the tales of India's glory," Modi said. वाराणसी का स्वर्वेद महामंदिर संपूर्ण मानवता के कल्याण के लिए एक अनमोल धरोहर है, जिससे भारत की सांस्कृतिक विरासत और समृद्ध होगी। pic.twitter.com/LuRnx5wYdt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2023 × He then said that India, for the longest time, has been an example of economic prosperity and physical development and that the government, society and saints were making all the required efforts to rejuvenate Kashi. Chief Minister of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath was also present during the inauguration. CM Yogi along with PM Modi took a tour of the centre that can seat around 20,000 people at a time for meditation. आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी ने आज काशी में विहंगम योग संत समाज के 100वें वार्षिकोत्सव 'शताब्दी समारम्भ महोत्सव' एवं सद्गुरु सदाफलदेव जी महाराज को समर्पित 'स्वर्वेद महामंदिर धाम' का लोकार्पण किया। जब एक संत की साधना मूर्तरूप लेती है, तब ऐसा पावन धाम बनकर तैयार होता… pic.twitter.com/99Dla8KtC5 — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) December 18, 2023 × Verses of the Swarveda have been carved upon the walls of the Mahamandir, a seven-floor grand structure. The Indian prime minister is on a two-day visit to his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi. On the first day, he launched projects including the Kanyakumari-Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train and multi-language and braille translations of Thirukkural, Manimekalai and other classic Tamil literature. Also read: Jaishankar clears the air on diplomatic rows with US and Canada, slams UN Security Council as ‘old club’ He also participated in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. He is set to launch several other projects in the city besides the new Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to New Delhi. AI-based tool used to translate PM Modi's speech in Varanasi In a first, a real-time AI-based tool was used to translate PM Modi's speech at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi on Sunday (Dec 18). During the address, PM Modi welcomed the participants and called them his family. "Today, the use of new technology has taken place here through Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is a new beginning and hopefully, it makes it easier for me to reach you," PM Modi said at Kashi Tamil Sangamam. The speech by the Indian prime minister was translated through 'Bhashini' for the ones who in the audience understood the Tamil language. 'Bhashini' is an AI-led language translation system that enables people to speak in their language while talking to speakers of other Indian languages. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi inaugurates world’s largest meditation centre ‘Swarved Mahamandir’ in India’s Varanasi

The Indian prime minister is on a visit to his parliamentary constituency in the city of Varanasi to launch a slew of development and infrastructure projects. Moments ago Prime Minister Modi spoke at a rally dedicated to India's development.

PM Modi in Varanasi: India's Prime Minister on two-day visit to his home constituency

PM Modi in Varanasi: India's Prime Minister on a visit to his Lok Sabha constituency

Cutting across to India's Varanasi where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived on a two-day visit. The Indian prime minister is on a visit to his parliamentary constituency to launch a slew of development and infrastructure projects.

After Surat visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Varanasi

The Varanasi district court has granted an additional 10 days to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete its survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises and submit a comprehensive report. The Gyanvapi dispute is related to the Gyanvapi Mosque located in Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

This historical and religious dispute over the contentious premises is over the question of whether the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing Hindu temple or not.&nbsp;

The Allahabad High Court had earlier upheld a Varanasi district court order, directing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey to determine the historical context of the site.

The latest decision came in response to the ASI's plea seeking three more weeks to assimilate information from various experts and generate a detailed report. District Judge A K Vishvesh expressed hope that this extension would be the final one during a hearing attended by counsel Madan Mohan Yadav, representing the Hindu side.

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The court fixed December 11 as the next date of hearing.

The ASI initiated the survey on August 4, as mandated by court orders. The Muslim side, represented by lawyer Mohammad Ikhlaq, has been raising objections saying that the ASI had already delayed filing the report. On the other hand, the ASI's counsel explained the challenges involved in assimilating data from diverse sources and tools.&nbsp;

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ASI on November 2 spoke of the completion of the survey but requested additional time for compiling the report and detailing the equipment used.

The court, having granted extensions till November 17, subsequently set the deadline for submission to November 28.

The ongoing scientific survey is being conducted to determine the historical context of the Gyanvapi premises, situated next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

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Earlier, the Allahabad High Court deemed the survey crucial "in the interest of justice" for both Hindu and Muslim parties.

The court has consistently spoken of the importance of a thorough survey while ensuring that no invasive actions are taken. The survey remains crucial in resolving the historical dispute surrounding the Gyanvapi complex.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Varanasi district court has granted an additional 10 days to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete its survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises and submit a comprehensive report.

The Varanasi district court has granted an additional 10 days to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to complete its survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises and submit a comprehensive report. The Gyanvapi dispute is related to the Gyanvapi Mosque located in Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This historical and religious dispute over the contentious premises is over the question of whether the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing Hindu temple or not. The Allahabad High Court had earlier upheld a Varanasi district court order, directing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey to determine the historical context of the site. The latest decision came in response to the ASI's plea seeking three more weeks to assimilate information from various experts and generate a detailed report. District Judge A K Vishvesh expressed hope that this extension would be the final one during a hearing attended by counsel Madan Mohan Yadav, representing the Hindu side. Also Read | India has walked the talk in climate action, says PM Modi as he departs for COP28 The court fixed December 11 as the next date of hearing. The ASI initiated the survey on August 4, as mandated by court orders. The Muslim side, represented by lawyer Mohammad Ikhlaq, has been raising objections saying that the ASI had already delayed filing the report. On the other hand, the ASI's counsel explained the challenges involved in assimilating data from diverse sources and tools. Also Read | Kissinger should have apologised for 1971 war role: Bangladesh FM A.K. Abdul Momen ASI on November 2 spoke of the completion of the survey but requested additional time for compiling the report and detailing the equipment used. The court, having granted extensions till November 17, subsequently set the deadline for submission to November 28. The ongoing scientific survey is being conducted to determine the historical context of the Gyanvapi premises, situated next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Watch | Uttarkashi tunnel rescue: Man who spearheaded India's tunnel rescue operation on WION × Earlier, the Allahabad High Court deemed the survey crucial "in the interest of justice" for both Hindu and Muslim parties. The court has consistently spoken of the importance of a thorough survey while ensuring that no invasive actions are taken. The survey remains crucial in resolving the historical dispute surrounding the Gyanvapi complex. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Varanasi court allows 10 more days to ASI for Gyanvapi mosque survey, next hearing on Dec 11

Indian High Court has allowed the survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque complex in the city of Varanasi and rejected the Muslim side's plea challenging the survey. There is a legal battle going on over the mosque as it is claimed that it used to be a temple earlier.

India: Allahabad High Court gives nod to ASI for Gyanvapi Mosque's survey, top court to hear plea

Gyanvapi survey to continue, rules court; needed in interest of justice

The Allahabad High Court has temporarily delayed the survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, which was ordered by a Varanasi court. Last Monday, a Varanasi court ordered the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a scientific examination of the mosque to ascertain whether the "present structure" was "constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple."

Gyanvapi mosque 'scientific survey' stayed

In the Gyanvapi mosque case which has been gripped in a legal battle for decades now, the Varanasi district court on Friday allowed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the barricaded area of the mosque complex, excluding its sealed area, the wuzukhana.

Wazukhana is a space inside a mosque where Muslim worshippers wash their hands before delivering namaaz. The contention revolves around claims of the existence of a 'Shivling', a structure considered holy to Hindus, in the wazukhana of the mosque..

Gyanvapi is situated next to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. A group of women had petitioned the local court for permission to worship daily before the idols on the mosque's exterior walls.

In May 2022, after a videographic survey of the Gyanvapi complex, the Hindu devotees claimed that there was a 'Shivling' inside the mosque premises. However, the Muslim side denied the claims. They said that it was not 'Shivling' but a&nbsp;fountain.

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In its order, the Varanasi court said the entire&nbsp;mosque complex will be subjected to&nbsp;ASI's "scientific survey". However, it will exclude&nbsp;wuzukhana (place for ablution) where the 'Shivling' was found.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-women-paraded-naked-was-spontaneous-act-say-authorities-618069">Manipur women paraded naked was 'spontaneous act', say authorities</a>

An order to conduct an archaeological survey of the Gyanvapi complex was issued on April 8, 2021.&nbsp;Later, a local court in May 2022 ordered the Varanasi district administration to seal the location in the Gyanvapi Masjid complex where a Shivling was allegedly discovered during a three-day court-ordered videography survey.

<h2>What did the court say?&nbsp;</h2>

As per the court order, the ASI has been directed to produce a study report by August 4. In addition, District Judge A K Vishwesha ordered that the scientific survey by ASI should be done between 8 am in the morning to 12 in the noon.

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Despite the ASI survey order, the court made it clear that the survey will not hinder 'Namaz'. Furthermore, it added that no damage should be caused to the Gyanvapi mosque.

<h2>Hindu side welcomes ASI survey&nbsp;</h2>

The court order was welcomed by the Hindu side. The counsel for the Hindu side, Vishnu Shankar Jain, termed the order by the court a "turning point" in the long-standing Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque dispute.

He reportedly said that the survey is needed in order to "uncover whether the current structure (Gyanvapi mosque) was built on barren land or was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple."&nbsp;

"It is also important to examine the age and nature of the construction of the western wall of the building and domes to check whether the top of temples existed beneath them. Besides, marks of Swastik, verses of shlokas evident on many walls and many other facts should also be examined," media reports said citing his comments before the court.

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&nbsp;

In the Gyanvapi mosque case which has been gripped in a legal battle for decades now, the Varanasi district court on Friday allowed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the barricaded area of the mosque complex, excluding its sealed area, the wuzukhana.

In the Gyanvapi mosque case which has been gripped in a legal battle for decades now, the Varanasi district court on Friday allowed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the barricaded area of the mosque complex, excluding its sealed area, the wuzukhana. Wazukhana is a space inside a mosque where Muslim worshippers wash their hands before delivering namaaz. The contention revolves around claims of the existence of a 'Shivling', a structure considered holy to Hindus, in the wazukhana of the mosque.. Gyanvapi is situated next to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. A group of women had petitioned the local court for permission to worship daily before the idols on the mosque's exterior walls. In May 2022, after a videographic survey of the Gyanvapi complex, the Hindu devotees claimed that there was a 'Shivling' inside the mosque premises. However, the Muslim side denied the claims. They said that it was not 'Shivling' but a fountain. Also Read | Terrorist threatens to target India's foreign minister Jaishankar, home minister Amit Shah In its order, the Varanasi court said the entire mosque complex will be subjected to ASI's "scientific survey". However, it will exclude wuzukhana (place for ablution) where the 'Shivling' was found. Also Read | Manipur women paraded naked was 'spontaneous act', say authorities An order to conduct an archaeological survey of the Gyanvapi complex was issued on April 8, 2021. Later, a local court in May 2022 ordered the Varanasi district administration to seal the location in the Gyanvapi Masjid complex where a Shivling was allegedly discovered during a three-day court-ordered videography survey. What did the court say? As per the court order, the ASI has been directed to produce a study report by August 4. In addition, District Judge A K Vishwesha ordered that the scientific survey by ASI should be done between 8 am in the morning to 12 in the noon. Watch | Rainfall in India and Pakistan × Despite the ASI survey order, the court made it clear that the survey will not hinder 'Namaz'. Furthermore, it added that no damage should be caused to the Gyanvapi mosque. Hindu side welcomes ASI survey The court order was welcomed by the Hindu side. The counsel for the Hindu side, Vishnu Shankar Jain, termed the order by the court a "turning point" in the long-standing Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque dispute. He reportedly said that the survey is needed in order to "uncover whether the current structure (Gyanvapi mosque) was built on barren land or was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple." "It is also important to examine the age and nature of the construction of the western wall of the building and domes to check whether the top of temples existed beneath them. Besides, marks of Swastik, verses of shlokas evident on many walls and many other facts should also be examined," media reports said citing his comments before the court. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India: Varanasi court allows archaeological survey of entire Gyanvapi complex, excluding 'wuzukhana'

Monday marked the first day of the second phase of G20 Development Ministers meeting. The event which was held in the Indian city of Varanasi took an unprecedented turn with Russia distancing itself from the unanimous conclusions drawn at the meet. According to official G20 documents, Russia is said to have disassociated itself from references made to Ukraine. The context elaborates on the global impact of Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

India: Varanasi hosts Day 1 of the G20 meeting

AI-generated images of Hollywood stars walking through the streets of Varanasi

India, under the G20 presidency, is currently hosting a three-day meeting of development ministers of the member nations in the northern Indian city of Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

G20 Summit 2023: Prime Minister Modi addresses participants in Varanasi

Dreaded gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari has been convicted in a 32-year-old murder case and awarded life imprisonment. A Varanasi court in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh found him guilty of the murder of Awadesh Rai on Monday (June 5).

Dreaded gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari has been convicted in a 32-year-old murder case and awarded life imprisonment. A Varanasi court in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh found him guilty of the murder of Awadesh Rai on Monday (June 5). The court had reserved its judgement after hearing a final round of arguments from both sides on May 19. The jailed mafia don who has been a five-time MLA was charged with the murder of Rai, a Congress leader in 1991. Awadhesh was the brother of former MLA Ajai Rai and he was shot outside the latter's house in Varanasi. After the killing, Ajay Rai lodged an FIR against Ansari, naming him in the complaint. Bheem Singhm former MLA late Abdul Kalam, Rakesh Nyayik and two others were also named in the FIR. "Today, we have won after a 32-year-long battle. We welcome the verdict of the court...If any incident happens with me, its responsibility will be on the BJP government," said Rai after the verdict was announced. #WATCH | Today, we have won after a 32-year-long battle. We welcome the verdict of the court...If any incident happens with me, its responsibility will be on the BJP govt: Ajay Rai, Congress leader & brother of Awadhesh Rai on life imprisonment for jailed gangster Mukhtar Ansari pic.twitter.com/gqBWzYvMRo — ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2023 × Interestingly, after the case was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), it was found during one of the hearings that the case diary had disappeared. Afterwards, the entire case was heard on the basis of photocopies, making it the first such instance when a verdict has been pronounced based on duplicate papers. WATCH | Gravitas | Atiq Ahmed killing: A shot in the arm for rule of law? | Extrajudicial killings in India × Second conviction for Ansari This is the second conviction that Ansari has received in as many months. In April, he was convicted by a Ghazipur court in a Gangster Act case filed after the kidnapping and murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Krishnanand Rai. Ansari, produced virtually before a special court for MP/MLA, was also fined Rs 500,000 (approx. US $6116) and handed a 10-year prison sentence. Mukhtar Ansari's elder brother and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Member of Parliament (MP) Afzal Ansari, too, was convicted in the case and was sentenced to four years in prison and fined Rs 100,000 (US$1,223 approx.) Also read | Indian mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari jailed for 10 years in 2007 Gangster Act case Ansari, who has 61 cases registered against him, has been in jail since 2005 after he surrendered in a communal riot case in Mau district in which seven people died. He contested from the Mau Sadar constituency seat five times—twice as a BSP candidate and thrice as an Independent—and won comfortably. In the last assembly election, Ansari stepped down and fielded his elder son Abbas from the same Mau Sadar seat on the ticket of Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), which had allied with the Samajwadi Party for the polls. At his prominence, Ansari commanded a reign of fear in the entire state. Politicians in the state, as well as the public, feared him. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari awarded life imprisonment in Awadhesh Rai murder case

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 laid foundation stones and inaugurated 28 development projects worth over Rs 1,780 crore in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi. One of the most anticipated ones is the passenger ropeway project. Watch this to know more.

India to be the 3rd country in the world to get its first public ropeway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off the world's longest river cruise MV Ganga Vilas today via video conferencing. He also inaugurated the Varanasi Tent City.

'A Landmark Moment', says PM Modi as he flags off world's longest river cruise

Ganga Vilas Cruise, the world's longest luxury river cruise, covering a distance of 4,000 kilometres will set sail early next year in January, announced Sarbananda Sonowal, union minister of ports, shipping and waterways.

The maiden river voyage will commence on January 10, 2023, from the holy city of Varanasi in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and will culminate in Dibrugarh, Assam, a northeastern state on March 1.

The minister informed that the cruise ship will also be passing through Bangladesh, covering 1,100 kilometres,&nbsp;en route Assam, bringing both nations closer in the process.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The world's longest river cruise will commence its journey in Jan next year. Ganga Vilas, will set sail from sacred Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh covering 4,000 km on the two greatest rivers of India, Ganga &amp; Brahmaputra. Watch," tweeted Sonowal.&nbsp;

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The world's longest river cruise will commence its journey in Jan next year. Ganga Vilas, will set sail from sacred Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh covering 4,000 km on the two greatest rivers of India, Ganga &amp; Brahmaputra. Watch 🎥 <a href="https://t.co/1buzy8ISig">pic.twitter.com/1buzy8ISig</a>
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarbanandsonwal/status/1591345655393681408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The 50-day cruise ship trip will be the first-of-its-kind cruise service based on a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Reportedly, private entities Antara Luxury River Cruises and JM Baxi River Cruises alongside the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), a government body will be collaborating on the project.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/luxury-cruise-liner-mv-empress-arrives-in-kochi-gives-a-boost-to-pandemic-hit-tourism-in-kerala-415326">Read more:&nbsp;Luxury cruise liner MV Empress arrives in Kochi, gives a boost to pandemic-hit tourism in Kerala</a>

The fare for boarding the cruise ship hasn't been announced yet but according to reports, the central government will not be interfering in the setting of the price. The operators will&nbsp;set the price based on a cost-plus basis.&nbsp;

The highlights of the cruise trip will include witnessing the mesmerising 'Ganga Aarti', traversing through the Sundarban (the world's largest mangrove forest) and&nbsp;visiting Mayong, the cradle of 'black magic' in India.&nbsp;

The ship will pass through three major waterways viz. the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, the&nbsp;Indo-Bangla Protocol Route (Kolkata-Dhubri) and&nbsp;National Waterway 2 over Brahmaputra.

Sonowal added that in addition to promoting passenger traffic on rivers,"the development of inland waterway systems would expedite trade and cargo services and attract tourists along its route.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ganga Vilas Cruise, the world's longest luxury river cruise, covering a distance of 4,000 kilometres will set sail early next year in January, announced Sarbananda Sonowal, union minister of ports, shipping and waterways.

Ganga Vilas Cruise, the world's longest luxury river cruise, covering a distance of 4,000 kilometres will set sail early next year in January, announced Sarbananda Sonowal, union minister of ports, shipping and waterways. The maiden river voyage will commence on January 10, 2023, from the holy city of Varanasi in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and will culminate in Dibrugarh, Assam, a northeastern state on March 1. The minister informed that the cruise ship will also be passing through Bangladesh, covering 1,100 kilometres, en route Assam, bringing both nations closer in the process. "The world's longest river cruise will commence its journey in Jan next year. Ganga Vilas, will set sail from sacred Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh covering 4,000 km on the two greatest rivers of India, Ganga & Brahmaputra. Watch," tweeted Sonowal. The world's longest river cruise will commence its journey in Jan next year. Ganga Vilas, will set sail from sacred Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh covering 4,000 km on the two greatest rivers of India, Ganga & Brahmaputra. Watch 🎥 pic.twitter.com/1buzy8ISig — Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) November 12, 2022 × WATCH | WION Traveller: S2, Episode 27- On board India's first premium cruise liner, the Jalesh Karnika × The 50-day cruise ship trip will be the first-of-its-kind cruise service based on a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Reportedly, private entities Antara Luxury River Cruises and JM Baxi River Cruises alongside the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), a government body will be collaborating on the project. Read more: Luxury cruise liner MV Empress arrives in Kochi, gives a boost to pandemic-hit tourism in Kerala The fare for boarding the cruise ship hasn't been announced yet but according to reports, the central government will not be interfering in the setting of the price. The operators will set the price based on a cost-plus basis. The highlights of the cruise trip will include witnessing the mesmerising 'Ganga Aarti', traversing through the Sundarban (the world's largest mangrove forest) and visiting Mayong, the cradle of 'black magic' in India. The ship will pass through three major waterways viz. the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, the Indo-Bangla Protocol Route (Kolkata-Dhubri) and National Waterway 2 over Brahmaputra. Sonowal added that in addition to promoting passenger traffic on rivers,"the development of inland waterway systems would expedite trade and cargo services and attract tourists along its route.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Varanasi to Assam via Bangladesh, world's longest luxury river cruise to start operations in Jan

On Friday (October 7), the Varanasi court deferred the order on the plea seeking&nbsp;carbon dating of the structure deemed to be a 'shivling,' a significant object of worship in the Hindu religion.&nbsp;The next hearing is expected to be held on October 11.

The scientific probe has been opposed by Rakhi Singh, one of the five plaintiffs in the case, saying this method might harm&nbsp;the&nbsp;structure.

Singh's representative, Jitendra Singh Bisen, said that this can be viewed as an "act of sacrilege." He further added that it was like casting doubt on the shivling's existence.

On the other hand, the mosque committee has also raised objections to the scientific investigation and argued that the object that the petitioners are referring to is actually a ‘fountain’ and not a ‘shivling’.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-mosque-case-verdict-indian-court-admits-hindu-womens-plea-seeking-right-to-worship-515355">Also read |&nbsp;Gyanvapi Mosque case verdict: Indian court admits&nbsp;Hindu petitioners' plea seeking right to worship</a>

Reportedly, this structure was found in a pond in the Gyanvapi mosque complex, which was being used as a "wazoo pond" for purification before Muslim prayers.&nbsp;On September 12, the Varanasi court had dismissed a plea challenging the maintainability of the case.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the district judge had also dismissed the committees’ challenge that the Hindu women who had been worshipping in the mosque complex had no legal backing. Notably, the challenge was dismissed on all three counts put forth.

Previously, the court had also ordered the filming of the centuries-old mosque based on the petition filed by the five women. This led to a major controversy as prior to the court date, the video of the mosque complex was allegedly leaked by the Hindu petitioners, claiming that there was a ‘shivling’ or relic of Lord Shiva.

The ongoing case is regarding the Gyanvapi mosque, which is located in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is also one of the several structures that a faction of Hindu hardliners assert is built on the ruins of Hindu temples.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Friday (October 7), the Varanasi court deferred the order on the plea seeking carbon dating of the structure deemed to be a 'shivling,' a significant object of worship in the Hindu religion.

On Friday (October 7), the Varanasi court deferred the order on the plea seeking carbon dating of the structure deemed to be a 'shivling,' a significant object of worship in the Hindu religion. The next hearing is expected to be held on October 11. The scientific probe has been opposed by Rakhi Singh, one of the five plaintiffs in the case, saying this method might harm the structure. Singh's representative, Jitendra Singh Bisen, said that this can be viewed as an "act of sacrilege." He further added that it was like casting doubt on the shivling's existence. On the other hand, the mosque committee has also raised objections to the scientific investigation and argued that the object that the petitioners are referring to is actually a ‘fountain’ and not a ‘shivling’. Also read | Gyanvapi Mosque case verdict: Indian court admits Hindu petitioners' plea seeking right to worship Reportedly, this structure was found in a pond in the Gyanvapi mosque complex, which was being used as a "wazoo pond" for purification before Muslim prayers. On September 12, the Varanasi court had dismissed a plea challenging the maintainability of the case. Earlier this month, the district judge had also dismissed the committees’ challenge that the Hindu women who had been worshipping in the mosque complex had no legal backing. Notably, the challenge was dismissed on all three counts put forth. Previously, the court had also ordered the filming of the centuries-old mosque based on the petition filed by the five women. This led to a major controversy as prior to the court date, the video of the mosque complex was allegedly leaked by the Hindu petitioners, claiming that there was a ‘shivling’ or relic of Lord Shiva. The ongoing case is regarding the Gyanvapi mosque, which is located in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is also one of the several structures that a faction of Hindu hardliners assert is built on the ruins of Hindu temples. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Gyanvapi row: Indian court defers order on carbon dating of 'shivling' structure

An Indian court in northern Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district pronounced its verdict on Monday admitting the plea of the five Hindu women seeking the right to worship inside the city's Gyanvapi mosque, located next to the famous Kashi Viswanath temple.

Delivering the verdict, a single bench of district Judge AK Vishvesh said that plea in the Gyanvapi-Shrinagar Gauri dispute case is maintainable.

The district order ruled that the suit filed by the Hindu Worshippers is not barred by The Places of Worship Act or the Waqf Act.

The Varanasi court will now further hear the suit of the Hindu worshippers.

“The court rejected the Muslim side's petition and said the suit is maintainable. The next hearing of the case is on Sep 22,” advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi mosque case, told reporters.

The plaintiffs, Hindu women worshippers, had sought a right to worship Goddess Shringar Gauri on the outer wall of the mosque complex located next to the Kashi temple.

The maintainability of that suit was challenged by the Anjuman Committee, which manages Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, arguing that their plea is barred by the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

The Hindu worshippers have claimed that the present mosque premises was once a Hindu temple and it was demolished by Mughal Ruler Aurangzeb upon which the present mosque structure was built.

The Anjuman Masjid committee, on the other hand, objected to their plea citing Order 7, Rule 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) which questions the maintainability of the suit filed by the plaintiffs and the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

Order 7, Rule 1 of the CPC states that the court, even before hearing the case on merit, needs to first decide if there is a ‘cause of action’ and consider whether the reliefs sought in the plaint – meaning, the petition filed by the party who has approached the court – can be granted or not.

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An Indian court in northern Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district pronounced its verdict on Monday admitting the plea of the five Hindu women seeking the right to worship inside the city's Gyanvapi mosque, located next to the famous Kashi Viswanath temple.

An Indian court in northern Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district pronounced its verdict on Monday admitting the plea of the five Hindu women seeking the right to worship inside the city's Gyanvapi mosque, located next to the famous Kashi Viswanath temple. Delivering the verdict, a single bench of district Judge AK Vishvesh said that plea in the Gyanvapi-Shrinagar Gauri dispute case is maintainable. The district order ruled that the suit filed by the Hindu Worshippers is not barred by The Places of Worship Act or the Waqf Act. The Varanasi court will now further hear the suit of the Hindu worshippers. “The court rejected the Muslim side's petition and said the suit is maintainable. The next hearing of the case is on Sep 22,” advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in the Gyanvapi mosque case, told reporters. The plaintiffs, Hindu women worshippers, had sought a right to worship Goddess Shringar Gauri on the outer wall of the mosque complex located next to the Kashi temple. The maintainability of that suit was challenged by the Anjuman Committee, which manages Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, arguing that their plea is barred by the Places of Worship Act, 1991. The Hindu worshippers have claimed that the present mosque premises was once a Hindu temple and it was demolished by Mughal Ruler Aurangzeb upon which the present mosque structure was built. The Anjuman Masjid committee, on the other hand, objected to their plea citing Order 7, Rule 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) which questions the maintainability of the suit filed by the plaintiffs and the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. Order 7, Rule 1 of the CPC states that the court, even before hearing the case on merit, needs to first decide if there is a ‘cause of action’ and consider whether the reliefs sought in the plaint – meaning, the petition filed by the party who has approached the court – can be granted or not. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Gyanvapi Mosque case verdict: Indian court admits Hindu petitioners' plea seeking right to worship

On Monday, lawyers representing the Hindu petitioners claimed to have found a “Shivling” (the symbol of Hindu god Shiva) idol at the disputed Gyanvapi mosque during a court-ordered video survey of the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex in Varanasi in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

The claim was made despite the fact that the district court had strictly forbidden the officials concerned to reveal the nature of the mosque to the public.

The Muslim petitioners rejected the allegation, claiming it was a "fountain, not a shivling".

Even the Varanasi District Magistrate, Kaushal Raj Sharma, did not confirm the reports of a "shivling" being found.

Earlier, the court-ordered filming was challenged before Allahabad High Court, which dismissed the case in April.

Later, a lawyer representing the Gyanvapi Mosque trust approached the Supreme Court and said the order is against the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

The apex court refused to stop the filming but agreed to consider a Muslim petitioner's plea against the survey of the mosque complex.

The latest issue of the Gyanvapi Mosque has brought the focus back to the Places of Worship Act, 1991, on the basis of which the mosque trust is contesting the order.

What is Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991?

The law was passed in 1991 by former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao during the peak of the Ram Mandir movement, exactly a year before the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

The law aims to maintain the “religious character” of places of worship as it was in 1947 — except in the case of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.

What are its clauses?

Section 3 of the Act bars the conversion of a religious place of worship or a section of a religious place of worship into a place of worship of a different religion or a different denomination of the same religion.

Section 4(2)&nbsp;states that all appeals, suits or other proceedings with respect to converting the religious character of a place of worship shall end on the commencement of the Act. Also, fresh appeals won’t be allowed to be filed.

Notably, the act states that legal proceedings could be initiated if the change of religious character of the place of worship was done after August 15, 1947.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-shiva-idol-found-in-gyanvapi-mosque-well-hindu-lawyer-claims-479423" hreflang="en">Lord Shiva idol found in well located in Gyanvapi mosque, lawyer claims</a>

Moreover, the Places of Worship Act imposes a positive obligation on the state (read government) to maintain the religious character of all places of worship as it existed at the time of independence.

Penalty under the Act

The Act imposes a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment along with a fine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-masjid-survey-over-what-we-know-so-far-479503" hreflang="en">Gyanvapi Masjid survey over: What we know so far</a>

Supreme Court’s views

In the 2019 Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi verdict, the SC Constitution Bench upheld the law and said that it is reflective of the secular credentials in the Constitution of India and that it prohibits retrogression.

On Monday, lawyers representing the Hindu petitioners claimed to have found a “Shivling” (the symbol of Hindu god Shiva) idol at the disputed Gyanvapi mosque during a court-ordered video survey of the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex in Varanasi in northern Uttar Pradesh state.

On Monday, lawyers representing the Hindu petitioners claimed to have found a “Shivling” (the symbol of Hindu god Shiva) idol at the disputed Gyanvapi mosque during a court-ordered video survey of the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex in Varanasi in northern Uttar Pradesh state. The claim was made despite the fact that the district court had strictly forbidden the officials concerned to reveal the nature of the mosque to the public. The Muslim petitioners rejected the allegation, claiming it was a "fountain, not a shivling". Even the Varanasi District Magistrate, Kaushal Raj Sharma, did not confirm the reports of a "shivling" being found. Earlier, the court-ordered filming was challenged before Allahabad High Court, which dismissed the case in April. Later, a lawyer representing the Gyanvapi Mosque trust approached the Supreme Court and said the order is against the Places of Worship Act, 1991. The apex court refused to stop the filming but agreed to consider a Muslim petitioner's plea against the survey of the mosque complex. The latest issue of the Gyanvapi Mosque has brought the focus back to the Places of Worship Act, 1991, on the basis of which the mosque trust is contesting the order. What is Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991? The law was passed in 1991 by former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao during the peak of the Ram Mandir movement, exactly a year before the demolition of the Babri Masjid. The law aims to maintain the “religious character” of places of worship as it was in 1947 — except in the case of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. What are its clauses? Section 3 of the Act bars the conversion of a religious place of worship or a section of a religious place of worship into a place of worship of a different religion or a different denomination of the same religion. Section 4(2) states that all appeals, suits or other proceedings with respect to converting the religious character of a place of worship shall end on the commencement of the Act. Also, fresh appeals won’t be allowed to be filed. Notably, the act states that legal proceedings could be initiated if the change of religious character of the place of worship was done after August 15, 1947. Also read | Lord Shiva idol found in well located in Gyanvapi mosque, lawyer claims Moreover, the Places of Worship Act imposes a positive obligation on the state (read government) to maintain the religious character of all places of worship as it existed at the time of independence. Penalty under the Act The Act imposes a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment along with a fine. Also read | Gyanvapi Masjid survey over: What we know so far Supreme Court’s views In the 2019 Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi verdict, the SC Constitution Bench upheld the law and said that it is reflective of the secular credentials in the Constitution of India and that it prohibits retrogression.

What is Places of Worship Act that is at the centre of Gyanvapi mosque issue?

Advocates of the Hindu side have claimed that a 'Shivling' (idol of Lord Shiva) has been found inside a well of Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. The claim was made as court-mandated videography took place on third consecutive day.

Lawyer Vishnu Jain said that he would go to civil court to seek protection of the idol.

An advocate from the Hindu side, Madan Mohan Yadav, claimed that the shivling is Nandi faced.

"The shivling is 12 feet by 8 inches in diameter," he added.

Heavy security was deployed at the complex as court-appointed committee reached spot to carry out the survey on Monday (May 16). On Sunday, nearly 65 per cent of the exercise was completed.

On Sunday, the survey of the areas of the mosque which, according to lawyers Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Jain, used to be a part of the temple, was done.

On the western wall of the Gyanvapi complex, the remains of Hindu temple demolition are visible and the pictures will be surveyed. For this, the fourth lock was opened on Monday, while the first three rooms were opened during the survey on Saturday.

What is the Gyanvapi mosque issue?

Gyanvapi Mosque is near the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the holy city Varanasi. The mosque is currently facing a legal battle. A court in Varanasi has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to probe the structure of the Gyanvapi Masjid.

The Hindu side&nbsp;wants permission to worship in the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex daily. It has demanded videography of the structure to support its claim that in order to prove the existence of Shringar Gauri (a Hindu deity) idol, entry into the mosque is necessary.

The Muslim side, which is, Anjuman Intezamiya Masajid (mosque management committee) says that the idol of Shringar Gauri is on the western side of the mosque.

It is claimed that the temple was built more than two thousand years ago. The claim says that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb demolished the Hindu temple and built a mosque.

Five Delhi-based women -- Rakhi Singh, Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu and others moved the court with their plea on April 18, 2021, seeking permission for daily prayers before the idols of Hindu deities.

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Advocates of the Hindu side have claimed that a 'Shivling' (idol of Lord Shiva) has been found inside a well of Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. The claim was made as court-mandated videography took place on third consecutive day.

Advocates of the Hindu side have claimed that a 'Shivling' (idol of Lord Shiva) has been found inside a well of Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi. The claim was made as court-mandated videography took place on third consecutive day. Lawyer Vishnu Jain said that he would go to civil court to seek protection of the idol. An advocate from the Hindu side, Madan Mohan Yadav, claimed that the shivling is Nandi faced. "The shivling is 12 feet by 8 inches in diameter," he added. Heavy security was deployed at the complex as court-appointed committee reached spot to carry out the survey on Monday (May 16). On Sunday, nearly 65 per cent of the exercise was completed. On Sunday, the survey of the areas of the mosque which, according to lawyers Hari Shankar Jain and Vishnu Jain, used to be a part of the temple, was done. On the western wall of the Gyanvapi complex, the remains of Hindu temple demolition are visible and the pictures will be surveyed. For this, the fourth lock was opened on Monday, while the first three rooms were opened during the survey on Saturday. What is the Gyanvapi mosque issue? Gyanvapi Mosque is near the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the holy city Varanasi. The mosque is currently facing a legal battle. A court in Varanasi has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to probe the structure of the Gyanvapi Masjid. The Hindu side wants permission to worship in the Gyanvapi-Shringar Gauri complex daily. It has demanded videography of the structure to support its claim that in order to prove the existence of Shringar Gauri (a Hindu deity) idol, entry into the mosque is necessary. The Muslim side, which is, Anjuman Intezamiya Masajid (mosque management committee) says that the idol of Shringar Gauri is on the western side of the mosque. It is claimed that the temple was built more than two thousand years ago. The claim says that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb demolished the Hindu temple and built a mosque. Five Delhi-based women -- Rakhi Singh, Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu and others moved the court with their plea on April 18, 2021, seeking permission for daily prayers before the idols of Hindu deities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Lord Shiva idol found in a well located in Gyanvapi mosque complex, lawyer claims

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba along with his wife Arzu Deuba and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple and offered prayers on Sunday, following their visit to Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Deuba arrived in India on Friday on a three-day visit. It is his first such visit abroad after assuming office in July 2021. Today on the last day of his official visit he came to Varanasi to offer prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple and Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple.

After offering puja at the Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple, Adityanath, Nepalese PM and his wife were felicitated with `shawl` by the priest of the temple.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-india-agree-on-expansion-of-power-corporation-467707">Nepal, India agree on expansion of power cooperation</a>

Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Temple in the holy city of Varanasi which stood as a symbol of India-Nepal unity is attracting scores of tourists and pilgrims after the development of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is also known as Nepali Mandir.

Earlier in the day, Deuba along with his wife offered prayers at Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers.

At Kaal Bhairav temple, Nepalese PM was welcomed as per the Indian ritual, with conch, damru and "bel patra" garland while at Kashi Vishwanath temple, Deuba was welcomed by applying `tilak`.

The streets of Varanasi were all decked up with Deuba`s posters and hoardings to greet him. Children could be seen standing with the national flags of both countries (India and Nepal).

Watch |&nbsp;Nepal PM Deuba is on a 3-day visit to India to strengthen ties after Oli's shake up

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was already in Varanasi before the Nepal Prime Minister`s arrival.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deuba met and held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The two Prime Ministers jointly launched multiple projects which are likely to boost connectivity between the two countries while they expressed hope that the key initiatives being taken by them would take India-Nepal relations to new heights.

Both PMs first inaugurated a 35-km long cross-border rail link from Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal and also a passenger train service built under India`s Grant Assistance in a joint address at Hyderabad House. Deuba is on a three-day India visit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-nepal-boundary-issue-must-be-addressed-through-dialogue-not-politicisation-foreign-secretary-shringla-467684">Indo-Nepal boundary issue must be addressed through dialogue, not politicisation: Foreign Secretary Shringla</a>

Deuba met Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda at the party headquarters on Friday and discussed strengthening the ties between the Nepali Congress and the BJP.

After meeting BJP President, Nepal PM met the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in Delhi.The Nepal PM was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka, Energy and Water Resources Minister Pampha Bhusal and Health Minister Mahendra Rai Yadav during the meeting.&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba along with his wife Arzu Deuba and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple and offered prayers on Sunday, following their visit to Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba along with his wife Arzu Deuba and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple and offered prayers on Sunday, following their visit to Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple. Deuba arrived in India on Friday on a three-day visit. It is his first such visit abroad after assuming office in July 2021. Today on the last day of his official visit he came to Varanasi to offer prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple and Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple. After offering puja at the Samrajeswar Pashupatinath temple, Adityanath, Nepalese PM and his wife were felicitated with `shawl` by the priest of the temple. Also read | Nepal, India agree on expansion of power cooperation Samrajeswar Pashupatinath Temple in the holy city of Varanasi which stood as a symbol of India-Nepal unity is attracting scores of tourists and pilgrims after the development of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is also known as Nepali Mandir. Earlier in the day, Deuba along with his wife offered prayers at Kaal Bhairav temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple and offered prayers. At Kaal Bhairav temple, Nepalese PM was welcomed as per the Indian ritual, with conch, damru and "bel patra" garland while at Kashi Vishwanath temple, Deuba was welcomed by applying `tilak`. The streets of Varanasi were all decked up with Deuba`s posters and hoardings to greet him. Children could be seen standing with the national flags of both countries (India and Nepal). Watch | Nepal PM Deuba is on a 3-day visit to India to strengthen ties after Oli's shake up Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was already in Varanasi before the Nepal Prime Minister`s arrival. A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deuba met and held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two Prime Ministers jointly launched multiple projects which are likely to boost connectivity between the two countries while they expressed hope that the key initiatives being taken by them would take India-Nepal relations to new heights. Both PMs first inaugurated a 35-km long cross-border rail link from Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Nepal and also a passenger train service built under India`s Grant Assistance in a joint address at Hyderabad House. Deuba is on a three-day India visit. Also read | Indo-Nepal boundary issue must be addressed through dialogue, not politicisation: Foreign Secretary Shringla Deuba met Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda at the party headquarters on Friday and discussed strengthening the ties between the Nepali Congress and the BJP. After meeting BJP President, Nepal PM met the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in Delhi.The Nepal PM was also accompanied by Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka, Energy and Water Resources Minister Pampha Bhusal and Health Minister Mahendra Rai Yadav during the meeting.

Nepal Prime Minister offers prayer at Pashupatinath temple in Varanasi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly sent 100 pairs of jute footwear for those working at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which is located in the country's northern state Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Kashi Vishwanath Dham is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The historic temple is located in&nbsp;Varanasi -&nbsp;one of the most popular cities in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi&nbsp;is also PM Modi's&nbsp;Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

Recently, PM Modi had inaugurated phase 1 of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project and had also greeted the labourers who were involved in the construction of the project with flowers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-set-up-panel-headed-by-retired-judge-to-probe-pm-narendra-modis-security-breach-443570">Supreme Court to set up panel headed by retired judge to probe PM Narendra Modi's security breach</a>

Now, in a sweet gesture, PM Modi has sent 100 pairs of jute footwear as a gift to the workers when he came to know that they had to work barefoot,&nbsp;India-based news agency ANI reported citing government sources.&nbsp;

It is forbidden for people, such as priests, people performing Seva, security guards, sanitation workers and other workers to wear footwear made with leather or rubber in the temple premises.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-starts-administering-precaution-dose-of-covid-jab-to-60-age-group-healthcare-frontline-workers-443489">India starts administering 'precaution dose' of Covid jab to 60+ age group, healthcare, frontline workers</a>

Sources have revealed that PM Modi immediately got 100 pairs of jute footwear procured and sent these over to Kashi Vishwanath Dham so that those performing their duties don't have to stay bare-footed in the chilling cold.&nbsp;

The government sources have&nbsp;also revealed that PM Modi has been deeply involved with Kashi Vishwanath Dham and keeps a tab on all issues and developments in Varanasi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly sent 100 pairs of jute footwear for those working at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which is located in the country's northern state Uttar Pradesh.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly sent 100 pairs of jute footwear for those working at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, which is located in the country's northern state Uttar Pradesh. Kashi Vishwanath Dham is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The historic temple is located in Varanasi - one of the most popular cities in Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is also PM Modi's Lok Sabha constituency. Recently, PM Modi had inaugurated phase 1 of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project and had also greeted the labourers who were involved in the construction of the project with flowers. ALSO READ | Supreme Court to set up panel headed by retired judge to probe PM Narendra Modi's security breach Now, in a sweet gesture, PM Modi has sent 100 pairs of jute footwear as a gift to the workers when he came to know that they had to work barefoot, India-based news agency ANI reported citing government sources. It is forbidden for people, such as priests, people performing Seva, security guards, sanitation workers and other workers to wear footwear made with leather or rubber in the temple premises. ALSO READ | India starts administering 'precaution dose' of Covid jab to 60+ age group, healthcare, frontline workers Sources have revealed that PM Modi immediately got 100 pairs of jute footwear procured and sent these over to Kashi Vishwanath Dham so that those performing their duties don't have to stay bare-footed in the chilling cold. The government sources have also revealed that PM Modi has been deeply involved with Kashi Vishwanath Dham and keeps a tab on all issues and developments in Varanasi.

In a sweet gesture, PM Modi sends 100 pairs of jute footwear for Kashi Vishwanath temple workers

Indian PM Narendra Modi witnesses Ganga 'aarti' in Varanasi, pictures are divine

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project that connects the temple to the banks of the river Ganga. PM Modi is in Varanasi for two days with a packed schedule.

Indian PM Modi inaugurates first phase of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: A look at the project that combines history with future

In a speech at the inauguration of the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked Mahadev Lord Shiv on Monday. &nbsp;

The prime minister said there is only one government in Kashi and it is of Lord Shiv. Modi said, “Nothing happens without Shiv's blessings.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashi-vishwanath-corridor-inauguration-pm-offers-prayers-honours-sanitation-workers-436479" hreflang="en">Kashi Vishwanath Corridor inauguration: PM offers prayers, honours sanitation workers</a>

The PM talked about Kashi’s significance in the history. “For years, Kashi has stood tall even after facing the test of time. Kashi has seen several ups and downs in history. It also faced several tyrants in history like Aurangzeb,” said Modi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The leader also talked in the local lingo at the event. “History is being created today. The Vishwanath Temple is a reflection of culture,” added Modi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kashi Vishwanath Dham will spread over five lakh square feet and connect the temple premises to the Ganga river and also provide several facilities to devotees. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-2022-foreign-destinations-uae-germany-denmark-indonesia-russia-japan-sri-lanka-rwanda-436344" hreflang="en">PM Modi's 2022 foreign destinations: UAE, Germany, Denmark, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, Sri Lanka &amp; Rwanda</a>

“Temples that disappeared were reestablished here. The ancient and present are intermingling today,” added the PM. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Modi also urged people to make a commitment to 'swachhta', 'srijan' and 'aatmanirbhar' India.&nbsp;

“The inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham will give decisive direction to India and&nbsp;herald bright future,” said PM Modi.&nbsp;

On arriving in Kashi, the leader paid obeisance at Kaal Bhairav Temple and also took dip in Ganga. &nbsp;

BJP President J P Nadda, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and a large number of saints from the country also attended the event. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a speech at the inauguration of the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked Mahadev Lord Shiv on Monday. The prime minister said there is only one government in Kashi and it is of Lord Shiv.

In a speech at the inauguration of the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked Mahadev Lord Shiv on Monday. The prime minister said there is only one government in Kashi and it is of Lord Shiv. Modi said, “Nothing happens without Shiv's blessings.” Also Read: Kashi Vishwanath Corridor inauguration: PM offers prayers, honours sanitation workers The PM talked about Kashi’s significance in the history. “For years, Kashi has stood tall even after facing the test of time. Kashi has seen several ups and downs in history. It also faced several tyrants in history like Aurangzeb,” said Modi. The leader also talked in the local lingo at the event. “History is being created today. The Vishwanath Temple is a reflection of culture,” added Modi. Kashi Vishwanath Dham will spread over five lakh square feet and connect the temple premises to the Ganga river and also provide several facilities to devotees. Also Read: PM Modi's 2022 foreign destinations: UAE, Germany, Denmark, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, Sri Lanka & Rwanda “Temples that disappeared were reestablished here. The ancient and present are intermingling today,” added the PM. Modi also urged people to make a commitment to 'swachhta', 'srijan' and 'aatmanirbhar' India. “The inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham will give decisive direction to India and herald bright future,” said PM Modi. On arriving in Kashi, the leader paid obeisance at Kaal Bhairav Temple and also took dip in Ganga. BJP President J P Nadda, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and a large number of saints from the country also attended the event. (With inputs from agencies)

Kashi Vishwanath Corridor inauguration: Indian PM Modi invokes Mahadev Lord Shiva in Varanasi

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