Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the first phase of the ‘Shri Mahakal Lok’ corridor in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain city, to the nation on Tuesday. The grand inaugural of the corridor was also attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangu Bhai Patel. The more than 900-metre-long ‘Mahakal Lok’ corridor is built as one of the largest such corridors in the country.
Speaking at a public function after the inaugural ceremony, PM Modi said it is a memorable day as the Mahakal Lok project was inaugurated, which will add to Ujjain’s vibrancy. “The grandeur of Mahalkal Lok is unparalleled and this will add impetus to the global cultural significance of the country," he said.
WATCH | Breathtaking live visuals of revamped #MahakalCorridor as PM Modi takes a walk through the redevloped site after inaugurating it @ShivaniGupta_5 | #PlainSpeak #MahakalLok #Ujjain #PMModi #MahakaleshwarTemple pic.twitter.com/x19CcZgzRD— News18 (@CNNnews18) October 11, 2022
He noted that Ujjain has been central to India’s spiritual ethos. “Spirituality is contained in every particle and divine energy is transmitted in every corner of Ujjain. Ujjain has led India’s prosperity, knowledge, dignity and literature for thousands of years," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister explained that the cultural splendour of a nation only grows when the flag of its success flutters on the world stage. “To reach the pinnacle of success, it is necessary that the nation touches its cultural heights, and stand up proudly with your identity," he said.
Talking about the development of the corridor, PM Modi said the development of the Jyotirlingas is the development of India’s spiritual vibrancy adding, “I believe, the development of Jyotirlingas is powering India’s spiritual consciousness…There is nothing ordinary in the company of lord Mahakal. Everything is supernatural, extraordinary, unforgettable, and unbelievable."
The Prime Minister noted that for India, ‘Dharm’ means completion of duties. “Our duties are service to the world, service to humanity," he said, adding that during the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal’, India 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," he said.
“Where there is innovation, there is renovation. India is renovating and restoring our lost glory. Mission Chandrayaan and Mission Gaganyaan are examples of successful astronomical advancements of the new India. Today, new India is accelerating its pace towards scientific research while keeping its values and ethics intact," he added.
Earlier, PM Modi greeted sadhus present at the venue, before unveiling a Shivling replica to dedicate Mahakal Lok to the nation. He also offered prayers at the temple before he inaugurated the corridor project.
The project is aimed at helping in enriching the experience of pilgrims and boosting tourism in the city. It spreads around the old Rudrasagar Lake which has also been revived as part of the redevelopment project around the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 ‘jyotirlingas’ in the country which attracts a large number of devotees.
Two majestic gateways — Nandi Dwar and Pinaki Dwar — separated by a short distance, have been erected near the starting point of the corridor, which winds its way to the temple’s entrance and offers an aesthetic view along the way.
A colonnade of 108 ornate pillars made of intricately carved sandstones, gushing fountains and a running panel of more than 50 murals depicting stories from the ‘Shiv Puran’ are among the major highlights of the Mahakal Lok.
The grand event is part of the Rs 856 crore Mahakaleshwar Temple corridor development project. The first phase of ‘Mahakal Lok’ has been developed at Rs 316 crore.
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