Varanasi: In a symbolic gesture reminiscent of previous election campaigns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerged from the sanctum sanctorum of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (KVT) holding a trishul (trident) and a damru (drum) on Wednesday, as the final phase of voting began in West Bengal. This act followed a pattern observed in March 2022, when he played a damru ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, and in March 2024, when he raised a trishul before the Varanasi Lok Sabha election.
Rituals and Blessings at the Temple
Amid the resounding of conch shells and Vedic chants from 108 batuks of Annapurna Rishikul Brahmcharya Vidyalaya at Gate-4 of KV Dham, Modi entered the shrine. Guided by five priests, he performed elaborate rituals at the sanctum sanctorum. As he stepped out, Varanasi Mayor Ashok Tiwari presented him with a trishul and damru. Temple priests noted that this was the third instance since the rejuvenated KV Dham was inaugurated on December 13, 2021, that Modi carried these symbols after offering prayers to Lord Vishwanath.
PM's Message and Vedic Clock Visit
In a post on X before departing for Hardoi to launch the Ganga Expressway, Modi wrote: "Har Har Mahadev! I was fortunate to have darshan and perform pooja at Baba Vishwanath Temple in Kashi. Here, I prayed to Lord Bholenath for happiness, prosperity, and a healthy life for all citizens of the country." He added, "The darshan of Maa Annapurna and Maa Ganga brought immense peace. May their grace infuse positive energy in everyone! Salutations once again to the people of Kashi." Later, Modi walked to Mandir Chowk to view the 'Vikramaditya Vedic Clock' — a 700-kg marvel of tradition and technology installed on April 5 after a gift from Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. He lingered for minutes before the clock, which maps India's ancient timekeeping by dividing the day into 30 muhurtas and showing Local Mean Time, tithi, nakshatra, and more, before taking the corridor toward the Ganga.
Interaction with Devotees and Roadshow
On his way back to the main temple, Modi noticed children among the pilgrims in the barricaded area and called them over. He spoke with them briefly before exiting the shrine. Devotees and supporters raised slogans such as "Har Har Mahadev" and "Jai Shri Ram" to welcome the prime minister, who greeted them by waving and folding his hands. Modi's convoy left the BLW guest house for Kashi Vishwanath temple around 8:45 am. Despite the harsh bright sun, a huge crowd lined the barricaded roads to greet him, and he kept waving back. The fleet moved through Banaras Railway Station, Phulwaria overbridge, Central Jail Road, Hockey Chauraha, Kachahari Golghara, Police Lines crossing, Hukulganj, Teliabagh, Jagatganj, Lahurabir, Kabirchaura, and Maidagin before reaching Gate-4 of KV Dham.
BJP media in-charge Arvind Mishra said people in Varanasi were eager to catch a glimpse of the prime minister, with a large number of party workers, office-bearers, and local residents lining the entire route. Multiple welcome points had been set up along the route, where party workers and locals welcomed the prime minister with rose petals, drum beats, and conch shells. The roadshow, stretching around 14 kilometres, is being described by party leaders as one of the largest ever in the city. Jubilant BJP workers, who had gathered at many points, welcomed Modi with chants of Har-Har Mahadev and Jai Shri Ram amidst showering of rose petals. Throughout this, PM Modi greeted people from inside his vehicle, sometimes with folded hands and sometimes by waving.
