BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple corridor project at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday evening.
The Mahakal Corridor project is being developed into two phases, and the temple complex is planned to be expanded from 2.82 hectares to 47 hectares. The project cost is of about Rs 856 crore, which is expected to give a major boost to spiritual tourism.
The first phase of the project has a 900-metre long corridor, a theme park, a heritage mall, food court, parking and e-transportation facilities. A Lord Ganesh pond has been built in front of the entrance. Around 200 small and big idols are enshrined in the Mahakal courtyard.
The corridor has 108 pillars in the courtyard, like the 108 beads of a rosary. Also, Lord Shiva’s life is told through statues and murals, including 25 mythological tales. Traditional Rajasthani stone is used to build the idols of gods and goddesses. Several hi-tech facilities such as Smart Ticket Counters have been established.
In the second phase, the area will be further developed to make Ujjain a smart city. Ancient remains of the temple were found during the excavation work at the temple premises, and the State and Ministry of Culture has planned to preserve all the remains. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the construction of the Mahakal Corridor is expected to give a major boost to tourism.