Dang: The Gujarat government has initiated a Rs 10 crore development project at tribal pilgrim place Shabari Dham for the convenience of devotees. The first phase, completed with Rs 4.89 crore, includes a Yatri Niwas with bhojanshala, special rooms, and waiting areas. The second phase will introduce 16 new facilities, including a meeting hall, parking, and a solar system. 

Shabari Dham, located three kilometres east of Subir village, is an important religious site associated with God Ram. According to local belief, God Ram met Shabari here during his exile, as mentioned in the Ramayana. This connection attracts many tourists and devotees to the site. In fact, Dang district is named after Dandakaranya, a region mentioned in Ramayan.

The Gujarat Pavitra Yatra Vikas Board (GPYVB) initiated the development works in December 2018. The first phase involved the construction of a Yatri Niwas and an Admin Block. The Yatri Niwas includes bhojanshala, dining facilities, store rooms, wash areas, 5 executive rooms, 3 special rooms, waiting area, separate dormitories with 11 beds, a living room and a kitchen area. The Admin Block houses a hall, dining area with kitchen, 2 sitting rooms, 2 bedrooms, kitchen area, drinking water and toilet facilities, and a Sant Niwas.

The second phase of development is estimated to cost Rs 5.74 crore. It includes new parking areas, renovation of the Hanumanji temple, paver blocks, retaining walls, and Sabha mandap sheds. Additional amenities include new toilets, canteens, ramps, water tanks, gardening, footpath renovation, signage, solar light poles, solar systems, and electrification. DeshGujarat