Fact Check: Has Kashi Vishwanath Temple Undergone Renovation?

New Delhi: A video showing spanking new interiors with crystal Jyotirlingas at Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi has gone viral on social media.

The temple complex, located in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency, is undergoing a Rs 800-crore expansion and beautification drive. The project, covering an area of 5.3 lakh square feet, has been delayed because of the pandemic.

As many as 296 structures were demolished and many buildings were purchased. Rs 300 crore was spent on purchase of these buildings surrounding the temple. The main temple and the sanctum sanctorum will, however, not undergo changes in the beautification plan.

The viral video is not of Kashi Vishwanath temple, but of Mani Mandir in Varanasi. Mani Mandir, a temple at Durgakund area of Varanasi, was set up last year in February.

According to a report in the India Today, Sunil Verma, CEO of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, confirmed that there is no plan to change anything in the main temple, the sanctum sanctorum or the surrounding areas of the temple. He also stated that the project is expected to be completed by November 15, 2021.