Mahakal Lok corridor: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening performed puja at Lord Mahakal temple in Ujjain and dedicated to the nation the first phase of the 'Shri Mahakal Lok' corridor. Modi, attired in traditional dhoti and gamcha (stole), entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord Mahakal temple at around 6 PM. He was accompanied by Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Earlier, the prime minister 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. Later, he flew to Ujjain in a chopper where he was received by the governor Mangu Bhai Patel and Chouhan. Under the project, the temple precinct will be expanded nearly seven times. The total cost of the entire project is around Rs 850 crore.
- Amid Vedic chants, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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.
- Prior to dedicating the corridor to people, Modi performed puja at the ancient Mahakaleshwar Temple.
- The prime minister 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.
- Modi then walked through the Nandi Dwar accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai C Patel and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan amid tight security in the sprawling premises.
- A bilingual plaque bearing inscription in Sanskrit and Hindi was also unveiled to mark the inauguration.
- Later, Modi also walked in the premises of the 'Mahakal Lok' to see the structures, murals and sculptures in the 'Mahakal Lok' while a number of artists performed along the route in separate groups.
- Speaking at the event, PM Modi said spirituality is contained in every particle and divine energy is being transmitted in every corner of Ujjain. Ujjain has led India's prosperity, knowledge, dignity and literature for thousands of years.
- First time since Independence, roads are developed and an 'All-weather highway development project' is undertaken to connect all four Dhams under the Char Dham Project.
- During the #AzadiKaAmritKaal, we broke the shackles of colonialism with the spirit of Panch Pran. Today, cultural destinations across India are seeing all-around development. For the first time, Char Dham is being connected with all-weather roads.
- The first phase of the Rs 856-crore Mahakaleshwar Temple corridor development project is expected to significantly boost tourism in this holy city of Madhya Pradesh.
- The corridor measures over 900 metres in length and is dotted with 108 ornate sandstone columns in a row which bear decorative 'trishul' design on top and 'mudras' of Lord Shiva.
- It also has gushing fountains surrounded by artistic sculptures of the deity as well as 53 illuminated murals depicting stories from the Shiv Puran.
- Phase I of the Mahakal Lok project will help in enriching the experience of pilgrims visiting the temple by providing them with world-class modern amenities.
- Project aims to decongest the entire area and also put special emphasis on conservation and restoration of heritage structures. Under the project, the temple precinct will be expanded nearly seven times. The total cost of the entire project is around Rs 850 crores.
ALSO READ | PM Modi In Ujjain: Why 'Mahakal Lok' corridor is so special | 10 Points
ALSO READ | Our government carried out surgeries to change the old system, says Narendra Modi
