Ujjain: PM Modi To Dedicate First Phase Of Shri Mahakal Lok Corridor To The Nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to dedicate to the nation the first phase of the Shri Mahakal Lok corridor today in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh.

The more than 900-metre-long Mahakal Lok corridor is built as one of the largest such corridors in the country and spreads around the old Rudrasagar Lake. The lake has also been revived as part of the redevelopment project around the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 'jyotirlingas' in the country.

Two majestic gateways -- Nandi Dwar and Pinaki Dwar -- separated by a short distance, have been erected near the starting point of the corridor till the temple's entrance, offering 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", an official said.

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.

"Prime Minister Modiji will dedicate to the nation, the first phase of Mahakal Lok. It will be a memorable moment for all of us. The entire state is waiting for that moment and we all will participate in the event in some way or the other", Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Monday.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Ujjain Smart City, Ashish Kumar Pathak, the annual tourist footfalls would double to about 3 crore after the grand opening of Mahakal Lok, as told to PTI.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday took a round of the Mahakal Lok and reviewed preparations for the event.

"After visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple and Mahakal Lok, the mystic and amazing premises should make a permanent place in the hearts of the people", Chouhan said.

Prayers will be held at temples in all villages and cities of Madhya Pradesh coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programme.

A state government release said locals will gather in one temple of each village and offer prayers. Similar programmes will also be organised at big temples in every ward of the urban areas along with the grand event in Ujjain.

(with inputs from PTI)