RAIPUR: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Sekhawat on January 1, laid the foundation stone of ‘Bhoramdeo Corridor’ which will be developed at the ancient temple of Bhoramdeo in Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh.
Other than the Union Minister, the ground breaking ceremony was also attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh deputy chief ministers Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao, Union Minister from Chhattisgarh, Tokhan Sahu and other senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Addressing the meeting, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said its a historic day for Chhattisgarh as we have carried out the Bhoomi Pujan (ground-breaking ceremony) of this project. He added that the project will pave way for many other development works in the region.
Union Minister Sekhawat stated that the Bhoramdeo project is being built as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing our cultural and religious sites. Hailing the ‘Rishi Parmapara’ (tradition) of Bharat, the Union Minister said that despite challenges, our Sants have kept our Sanatan culture intact for thousands of years.
Sekhawat lauded the Chhattisgarh government, emphasising that the state has successfully contained the Naxal-insurgency under the leadership of CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Home Minister Vijay Sharma. He pointed out that Naxalism was the largest speed-breaker in state’s development and the double engine government in the last two years has paved the way for a developed state.
Earlier in the day, Sekhawat paid a visit to Sirpur, the capital of ancient Dakshin Koshal state which existed between 5th to 8th century, covering parts of modern day Chhattisgarh.
The state government in a release earlier had announced to develop The ‘Bhoramdeo Corridor’ with an estimated cost of around Rs 146 crore. The corridor is being developed as part of the Union Government’s Swadesh Darshan Yojna 2.0.
The proposed project will encompass the overall development of the main temple, Cherki Mahal, Madwa Mahal, Ramchua and Sarodha Dadar. The government says this is the first time that modern initiative like water treatment plant is being implemented in the 1000-year-old history of the temple.
The corridor upon completion will have six entry gates, a park and a museum, decorated boundary walls, drinking water from borewell, tree plantation area and a shade. The construction will be done on lines of Kashi Vishwanath corridor, Varanasi.
Further, beautification of the historic pond will also be carried out, with green areas, seating areas, and pedestrian paths coming up along its banks.
The corridor will also have a modern shade for devotees which will be equipped with all the modern facilities including clean drinking water and resting facility, providing a secured and comfortable stay to Kanwar Yatris and other devotees visiting the ancient religious site.
The project, according to the government, upon its completion will provide a new impetus to religious and cultural tourism. It will also create employment opportunities to the locals, enhancing the region’s economy.
The ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shiv was carved on rocky stones and features Nagar style. It was said to be built somewhere around the 11th century by king Gopaldev of Nag dynasty. The temple resembles Odisha’s sun temple and also called ‘Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh’.
