Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated Phase 1 of the 900 metre-long Mahakal Lok corridor project at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. The total cost of the project is Rs 856 crore, with the first phase being developed for Rs 351 crore.
Modi, accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangu Bhai Patel and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, pressed a remote button to unveil a Shivling replica to dedicate the Mahakal Lok to the nation. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia was also present on the occasion.
Later addressing a gathering, Modi said Ujjain has led India's prosperity and knowledge for thousands of years. "Spirituality is contained in every particle and divine energy is being transmitted in every corner of Ujjain," he said.
"Innovation comes with renovation. India is renovating what it had lost in the era of slavery. India is renovating it and restoring its glory," he further said.
The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that the 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.
The project aims to decongest the entire area and also put special emphasis on the conservation and restoration of heritage structures. Under the project, the temple precinct will be expanded nearly seven times.
According to the PMO, the existing footfall of the temple, which is currently around 1.5 crore per annum, is expected to be doubled once the project is completed.
The Mahakaleshwar temple houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The corridor has around 108 aesthetically ornate pillars made of intricately carved sandstones that depict the Anand Tandav Swaroop (Lord Shiva's dance form), 200 statues and murals of Lord Shiva and goddess Shakti.
Modi offered prayers at the temple before he inaugurated the corridor project.