With the proposed tourism development projects recently being accorded approval by the Union Government, the authorities in Uttarakhand may start work on developing a heritage tourism circuit in the near future. This project will entail the development of tourism infrastructure in Jageshwar-Devidhura-Katarmal-Baijnath sites with the total project cost being placed at about ` 83 crore. The State authorities aver that the facilitation of eco log huts, presentation of sound and light show along with upgradation of temple pathways will be among the striking features of this tourism development project.
The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Ministry of Tourism has approved projects totaling in estimated cost to about Rs 450 crore for development of heritage circuits in Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh apart from the Ramayana circuit in Uttar Pradesh, North East circuit in Sikkim and coastal circuit in Tamil Nadu. According to government officials, the heritage circuit in Uttarakhand will be focused on the development of tourism infrastructure in the Jageshwar-Devidhura-Katarmal-Baijnath sites located in the Kumaon region with a total project cost estimated to be about `83 crore.
It is pertinent to mention here that, located in Almora district, Jageshwar temple town has a complex of about 124 ancient temples comprising both small stone temples and bigger temples mainly to lord Shiva. In the main shrine, lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Nagesh/Jageshwar. Going around Jageshwar, one can also see the architecture of shrines like Dandeshwar temple which presents elegant depictions of ancient iconography. The archeological museum of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), displays idols and statuettes removed from Jageshwar shrine dating 9th to 13th century AD. Jageshwar is also known for two of the major fairs celebrated here — the Jageshwar monsoon festival held during the month of August and the Shivaratri Mela which is held during the spring season. Also in Almora district, Katarmal is known for a unique Surya temple constructed under the rule Katyuri king Katarmalla with 44 smaller temples around the main deity of Surya. This rare temple is believed to have been constructed in the 9th century CE.
Situated on the banks of the Gomati river in Bageshwar district, the ancient temple town of Baijnath consists of the main shrine here dedicated to lord Shiva. This place is also believed to be the place where lord Shiva and goddess Parvati got married. In addition to its religious significance, Bageshwar is also an attraction for trekkers. Bageshwar is also the entry point to popular trekking routes including those to Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdunga glaciers. Observers aver that the approval granted to the tourism development project may bring about various positive developments if executed sensibly but the authorities need to retain the authentic ambiance, preserve architectural and cultural heritage intact not distorted for commerce influencing the religious and heritage aspects.