The project “Development of Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple” in Dongargarh, Chhattisgarh, marked a significant milestone as the Union Minister of State(IC) for Tourism & Culture, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, virtually laid the Foundation Stone.
The event, which took place in New Delhi and was attended virtually by contemporaneous Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel of Chhattisgarh, is part of the PRASHAD Scheme initiated by the Ministry of Tourism.
Development of Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple Dongargarh
This PRASHAD scheme, officially known as the ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive,’ it is a Central Government Scheme fully financed by the Government of India and focuses on the integrated development of pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
The Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple project, approved by the Ministry of Tourism in October 2020 with an estimated cost of Rs. 43.33 Cr, encompasses various elements aimed at enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.
The development includes the creation of a ‘Pilgrimage Activity Center‘ with a Shri Yantra shaped iconic building, steps, sheds, walkways, area illumination, lakefront, parking, and other public amenities for the temple and the pilgrimage site at Pragyagiri.
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During the virtual event, Minister Shri Patel expressed optimism about the positive impact of the project on the pilgrims’ experience. He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to providing necessary infrastructure for pilgrimage sites, emphasizing that successful execution would lead to an enhanced experience for visitors to the destination.
PRASHAD Scheme
The PRASHAD Scheme, launched in 2014-15, aims to facilitate the integrated development of pilgrimage and heritage destinations. The projects under this scheme focus on infrastructure development, covering aspects such as road, rail, and water transport entry points, last-mile connectivity, tourism facilities, eco-friendly transport, lighting, parking, water facilities, toilets, waiting rooms, first aid centers, and more.
Notably, the PRASHAD scheme has seen successful completion of 13 projects so far, contributing to the promotion of spiritual tourism. Among these all completed projects are two each in Somnath, Mathura, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar, and one each in Kashi/Varanasi, Guruvayur, Amaravati (Guntoor), Kamakhya, and Amritsar.
These projects stand as testament to the Ministry’s dedication to fostering pilgrimage rejuvenation and heritage augmentation.
Also Read: Maa Bamleshwari Temple: History, Location, Temple Timings and Spiritual Significance
As the Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple project unfolds, it aligns with the broader vision of the PRASHAD Scheme, aiming to create a holistic and enriching experience for pilgrims. The Shri Yantra-shaped iconic building and the planned pilgrimage infrastructure are poised to become integral elements of the pilgrimage site, adding to its spiritual and cultural significance.
Conclusion
The virtual laying of the Foundation Stone for the “Development of Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple” is a noteworthy event in the realm of spiritual tourism and heritage development.
The PRASHAD Scheme continues to play a pivotal role in shaping these destinations, and with each completed project, the Ministry of Tourism reinforces its commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
