Virtual Reality Worship at Kashi Vishwanath Dham Sets Record During Mahakumbh
Varanasi : The Mahakumbh period witnessed an unprecedented rise in virtual reality-based worship at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, with devotees embracing new technology for divine experiences. Alongside the physical presence of nearly three crore pilgrims at the temple, a record number of worshippers participated through virtual reality, marking a significant moment in digital devotion.
As per agency report, the Durlabh Darshan Kendra and Divya Darshan Kendra released data highlighting the growing popularity of virtual reality-enabled worship. In January and February, including the Mahakumbh period, a total of 50,993 devotees experienced the sacred presence of Baba Vishwanath through virtual reality at the Durlabh Darshan Kendra, while 10,566 devotees used the Divya Darshan Kendra for the same. The numbers reflect the increasing acceptance of modern technology in religious practices, allowing devotees to connect spiritually from distant locations.
The Mahashivaratri festival saw elaborate rituals at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, with a three-day Rudrabhishek performed at multiple shrines from February 20 to 22. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust officials conducted ceremonies for various revered deities, including Chandragupteshwar Mahadev, Manokameshwar Mahadev, Avimukteshwar Mahadev, Tarkeshwar Mahadev, Navgrah Mandap, Baikuntheshwar Mahadev, and Dandpaanishwar Mahadev on February 20. The following day, worship was conducted for Amriteshwar Mahadev, Neelkantheshwar Mahadev, Balmukundeshwar Mahadev, Mandhateshwar Mahadev, and Gangeshwar Mahadev, while on February 22, rituals were held at Trisandheshwar Mahadev and Kubershwar Mahadev temples. The festival also included Rudrabhishek at the principal shrine of Avimukteshwar Mahadev, also known as Guru Baba, along with other main deities.
The temple premises were adorned with floral decorations, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees. A total of 14,000 garlands were used to decorate the temple during Vasant Panchami, Shri Ram Pran Pratistha Utsav, and Mahashivaratri celebrations in January and February. A special welcome was arranged for Naga Sadhus arriving at the temple’s main entrance, where 11 quintals of rose petals were used in their honor.
Throughout the Mahakumbh festivities, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust actively engaged devotees through digital platforms, sharing regular updates, religious insights, and management-related information via social media. Over 482 posts were made in two months, including 228 video updates, with 34 videos featuring devotees’ feedback on temple management and arrangements. The temple’s official Facebook page recorded 482 posts, Instagram 480, and X (formerly Twitter) 474, making the spiritual experience widely accessible to devotees around the world.
