PM opens Mahakal Lok corridor at Mahakaleshwar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India has now broken the “shackles of colonialism” and cultural destinations across the country are seeing overall development.
The PM was speaking after dedicating to the nation the first phase of the “Shri Mahakal Lok” corridor at Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, amid chanting of “mantras” and performing of pujas. The project is being developed at a cost of `856 crore.
“Blessed to have got the opportunity to dedicate #ShriMahakalLok to the nation. This is an important endeavour that will deepen the connection of our citizens with our rich history and glorious culture,” Modi tweeted.
The PM unveiled a large “shivaling” covered in strands of sacred red threads placed below the grand gateway — Nandi Dwar — of “Mahakal Lok” to mark the inauguration of the mega corridor in Ujjain.
The PM unveiled the shivaling by pressing a remote-control button from a short distance from the gateway in the presence of a large number of seers in the background.
Speaking at a public function afterward, Modi said the corridor project will add to Ujjain’s vibrancy.
“Spirituality is contained in every particle and divine energy is being transmitted in every corner of Ujjain,” he said, adding, “Ujjain has led India’s prosperity, knowledge, dignity and literature for thousands of years.”
“Innovation comes with renovation. India is renovating what it had lost in the era of slavery. India is renovating it and restoring its glory,” he said. The country has now broken the “shackles of colonialism” and cultural destinations across India are seeing all-around development, the PM said.
The project, making an elaborate makeover around the Mahakal temple, aims to decongest the entire area and also to put special emphasis on conservation and restoration of heritage structures. The first phase of “Mahakal Lok” has been developed at `351 crore.
The 900 metre-long Mahakal Lok corridor built at the Mahakaleshwar temple at Ujjain. The corridor now has around 108 aesthetically ornate pillars made of intricately carved sandstones that depict the Anand Tandav Swaroop (Lord Shiva’s dance form), 200 statues and murals of Lord Shiva and goddess Shakti. Modi offered prayers at the temple before he inaugurated the corridor project. The world-class modern amenities would enliven the experience of the pilgrims visiting the temple, top officials said. Under the project, the temple precinct will be expanded nearly seven times.
Modi took a round of the corridor on foot as also on battery-operated vehicles along with Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangu Bhai Patel and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Ahead of dedicating to the nation the first phase of the Shri Mahakal Lok corridor, the PM performed puja at Lord Mahakal temple in Ujjain.
Modi, attired in traditional dhoti and gamcha (stole), entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord Mahakal temple around 6 pm.
The ‘Mahakal Lok’ corridor, built as one of the largest such corridors in the country, spreads around the old Rudrasagar Lake which has also been revived as part of the redevelopment project around the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 ‘jyotirlingas’ in the country which attracts a large number of devotees.
Two majestic gateways — Nandi Dwar and Pinaki Dwar — separated by a short distance, have been erected near the starting point of the corridor, which winds its way to the temple’s entrance and offers an aesthetic view along the way, he said. A majestic colonnade of 108 ornate pillars made of intricately carved sandstones, gushing fountains and a running panel of more than 50 murals depicting stories from the ‘Shiv Puran’ are among the major highlights of the Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, the official said.
The pedestrian corridor is dotted with 108 murals and 93 statues depicting stories related to Lord Shiva, such as Shiv Vivah, Tripurasur Vadh, Shiv Puran, and Shiv Tandav Swaroop. There are also 128 convenience points, eateries and shopping joints, florists, handicraft stores, etc. along this pedestrian corridor.
The second phase, pegged at Rs 310.22 crore, includes expansion of the eastern and northern fronts of the temple. It also provides for the development of various areas of Ujjain city, such as Maharajwada, Mahal Gate, Hari Phatak Bridge, Ramghat façade, and Begam Bagh Road. Buildings in Maharajwada will be redeveloped and connected to the Mahakal temple campus, while a heritage dharamshala and Kumbh museum will be built.
Earlier, the PM arrived at Indore airport from Ahmedabad where he was welcomed by Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra, Water Resources Minister Tulsi Silawat, former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijaywargiya.
