The Yogi Adityanath government is leaving no stone unturned to make the Mahakumbh 2025 memorable.
Extensive projects are underway in Prayagraj for the mega religious event. As part of this, there is a proposal for rejuvenation of the Bade Hanuman temple located in the Mahakumbh fair area. The temple, also known as the Lete Hanuman temple, is visited by lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad every year.
The Uttar Pradesh government has planned the rejuvenation of the Bade Hanuman temple premises before the Mahakumbh in view of the risk of accidents with increased crowds. The plan includes expansion of the temple premises by taking the surrounding land on lease at an estimated cost of around Rs 40 crore. Additionally, the government plans to enhance facilities for tourists.
As part of the plan, the Prayagraj Mela Authority may take on long-term lease the encroached areas from the Defence Authority and Cantonment Board. The encroached area can be utilised under the Uttar Pradesh Prayagraj Mela Authority Allahabad Act, 2017.
The plan for the Lete Hanuman temple will be implemented under the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA). A legal opinion has been obtained from a retired judge of the High Court for the entire project. The state government is planning to host the world’s largest fair in the form of the Mahakumbh. As part of this plan, along with the preparations for Mahakumbh, nearby religious places and tourist places are also being developed.
According to the temple’s layout plan, the entrance will have multiple exits. Around the ‘garbhagriha’, there will be an open space of 30 metre for easy entry and better crowd management, to avoid a rush. Additionally, there will be a robust security system. A 9-metre queue shed will be set up for the convenience of devotees waiting in line for darshan. To accommodate a larger number of people for having darshan simultaneously, a ‘garbhagriha’ (prayer hall) based on the concept of an open-air theatre will be constructed.
Furthermore, there will be facilities like the priest’s area, prasad distribution area, pilgrim shed and a storehouse on the premises. An exit door will be placed at the back. The area will also have a VIP entry and exit, along with provision for ample parking.
The convenience of people coming to the temple premises will also be taken care of. This will include common necessities such as toilets, drinking water facilities, shoe racks, signage, benches, etc. The entire premises, including the prayer area and gathering hall, will be illuminated with solar lights. The estimated cost of the rejuvenation and beautification of the temple premises is expected to be between Rs 40 crore to Rs 48 crore, according to the specified estimate. The time frame for this project is 10 months.
