As many as 127 temples in Ujjain city and nearby areas are being renovated in view of Simhastha to be held from April 22 to May 21 this year. A sum of `10 crore has been sanctioned for renovation of 84 Mahadev and 43 other temples. Of these, renovation of 90 temples is nearing completion.
The renovation works mainly include whitewashing/painting, boundary wall, flooring of premises, laying marble blocks in sanctum sanctorum, repairing of Sabha Mandal and water proofing. Approach roads are also being constructed in some temples.
As many as 5 crore devotees are estimated to visit Ujjain during Simhastha. A number of voluntary organisations have expressed desire to render services in Mela area. Jan-Abhiyan Parishad's 12 thousand workers will also render their services. Parishad will also make arrangements for Ayurvedic mobile dispensaries during Simhastha.
Besides, 5500 volunteers of NCC, Scouts and NSS will also render services apart from 1000 volunteers of Congress Sewa Dal and 1100 workers of Sewa Samiti. Sewa Bharti will provide 10 ambulances during Simhastha. A list of 1000 blood donors is being chalked out.
Mela area for this Simhastha has been developed for stay of 20 lakh devotees. Arrangements are being made to render services to one crore devotees daily. Simhastha will have arrangements for 5 crore persons.