Manikarnika Ghat being redeveloped at a cost of Rs 17.56 crore, giving a new form to the soul of Kashi: UP minister

Uttar Pradesh Minister of AYUSH Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ said the controversy surrounding Manikarnika Ghat owed it to social media posts.

Dr. Mishra said on Tuesday that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kashi is attracting the attention of the entire world with its divine and magnificent form. “Varanasi has created history by welcoming a record 7.26 crore devotees and tourists in 2025. After the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor, the comprehensive redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is further strengthening the spiritual soul of Kashi. At Manikarnika Ghat, modern, eco-friendly, and devotee-friendly facilities such as ramps, a wood plaza, a viewing area, improved access paths, rooftop and VIP seating are being developed at a cost of Rs 17.56 crore,” he said.

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The foundation stone for this project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by 2026. The project aims to make this sacred gateway to salvation more respectful, organized, and accessible, while preserving the sanctity of faith and tradition.

The AYUSH Minister said that the Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment project is being funded and implemented by Rupa Foundation under its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) commitments. This project has been under implementation for the past year. Under this project, arrangements related to cremation—such as pyre platforms, wood storage and sales areas, pre-cremation sites, tonsure areas, visitor seating facilities, toilets, and drinking water facilities—are being improved and streamlined.

The minister stated that during the reconstruction work initiated on the ghat’s steps, some figures, artifacts, and sculptures installed on the walls of the ‘Madi’ (a small shrine) adjacent to the steps had become dislodged and fallen during the demolition process. All the affected sculptures and artifacts have been safely collected and placed in storage so that they can be restored to their original form and location as soon as the work is completed.

It was clarified that all the temples at Manikarnika Ghat, including the Masannath Temple, Mahakal Temple, and Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, are completely safe and have not suffered any damage. Attempts are being made on social media to portray that the temples are being damaged, while the reality is that only the cremation facilities are being upgraded.

“The same Manikarnika Ghat, which was left neglected and in a state of disrepair for years, is now becoming a symbol of world-class facilities and spiritual dignity. Today, Kashi is not just a pilgrimage site, but is establishing a global identity as a confluence of faith, heritage, and development. The public is witnessing and understanding that this golden age of Kashi has been made possible under this strong and visionary leadership,” he said.