An action plan worth Rs 156 crore has been announced for the expansion and development of Omkareshwar temple after the decision to develop the world-famous Mahakaal Temple in Ujjain on the lines of Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi was taken.
Chief Minister Kamal Nath said that it’s a matter of pride that two Jyotirlingas are situated in Madhya Pradesh and the government will develop both of them as world-famous tourist centres. He said that their aim is to develop the two places with Jyotirlingas into world-famous tourist centres apart from religious attraction. They will table a detailed plan and pass an Act in the winter session of assembly for the development of the two centres. Nath also said that they will ensure that the development project is completed within the prescribed period.
The plan includes construction of a grand Omkareshwar entrance gate, conservation of temple, `prasad’ counter, beautification and development of the temple premises and periphery, construction of shopping complex, suspension bridge, retaining wall near Vishranjan Kund, multi-level parking, approach road to the temple and Parikrama (circuit) road.
The chief minister has instructed to form a coordination committee under the chairmanship of the district collector to give final shape to the project. The committee has also been asked to keep a watch on the development of the project in a phased manner.
The Omkareshwar project has been planned to be developed as part of the Omkareshwar-Mahakaal-Maheshwar circuit. State health minister Tulsiram Silawat has finalised the detailed plan of the project. The plan includes construction of a grand Omkareshwar entrance gate, conservation of temple, `prasad’ counter, beautification and development of the temple premises and periphery, construction of shopping complex, suspension bridge, retaining wall near Vishranjan Kund, multi-level parking, approach road to the temple and Parikrama (circuit) road.
It has been also decided to construct sheds for tourists, landscaping of the area, development of a library of religious and mythological books, development of Omkar island, re-construction of Gau Mukh ghat, residence of devotees, kitchen (Bhojanshala), renovation of old palace, Vishnu temple, Brahma temple, Chandreshwar temple, facility of e-cycle, e-rickshaw to pilgrims and tourists, boating facility, bus stand and development of tourist facilitation centre, an official communique said.
Earlier, an estimated expense of Rs 300 crore was announced by the Kamal Nath government for the development plan of Mahakaal temple. Nath had stated that Mahakaal temple will be developed like Kashi Vishwanath temple with the construction of Mahakaal theme park, corridor, lawn, expansion of Maharaj Bada, Kumbh museum, Anna Kshetra, Dharmshala, landscaping of Rudra Sagar, beautification of Ramghat Marg, the revival of Rudra Sagar lake and facilities for devotees visiting the temple.
If you plan to visit Omkareshwar soon, we’ve got you some lesser-known interesting facts about the Omkareshwar’s Jyotirlinga and it’s relevance in today’s world, here
