Pavagadh: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated development works worth Rs. 121 crores at Shree Mahakali Mataji Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths located at Pavgarh on June 18, 2022. Since then, significant changes have taken place at the temple now the state government under the ropeway extension project has decided to install a hydraulic lift on the temple premises.

The government had planned the overall development of Pavagadh in two phases. In Phase 1, various facilities have been developed, including the widening of the pathway, construction of a toilet block, police booth, water hut, sitting pavilion, chowk, otla, food court, water supply, drainage, signage, and more. The pathway has been expanded to a total length of 3.01 km, divided into 25 stretches with a total of 2374 steps.

In Phase 2, the expansion of the temple premises was carried out. The existing temple premises, which covered an area of 545 sq.m, have been expanded across three levels. Level 1 encompasses 400 sq.m, Level 2 covers 1395 sq.m, and Level 3 extends over 1185 sq.m, resulting in a total expansion of 2980 sq.m. Additionally, pathway electrification, a public address system, and CCTV operation have been implemented.

The pilgrimage to Pavgarh is divided into three parts: Taleti, Manchi, and Shree Mahakali Mataji Temple. Phase 3 aims to provide necessary amenities to devotees at Manchi Chowk, the foothill area of Pavgarh Yatragham. An administrative sanction of Rs. 1 crore has been granted for the construction of food stalls, an information center, health and police facilities, water supply, electricity, and an administrative block at Manchi Chowk.

Phase 3 also involves the construction of an Office Block at Manchi Chowk to accommodate pilgrims arriving at Pavagadh Yatragham. Additionally, stone flooring of Chachar Chowk, a multi-level parking facility, toilets, an entrance gate, signages, fire-fighting systems, water supply, drainage, and electrification works are planned, with an estimated cost of Rs. 13 crore.

Considering the large number of devotees visiting Yatragham Pavgarh, the government is undertaking Phase 3-B projects, including the construction of two parking lots at Champaner, road works inside and outside Champaner, and lighting electrification of the fort, with a total cost exceeding Rs. 40 crore. These projects will commence soon.

For the comprehensive development of Jagatjan’s Maa Kalika temple, the government has allocated Rs. 10 crore in the financial year 2023-24. The project’s total cost is Rs. 238 crores, and various departments will be involved in its operation, providing employment opportunities.

To facilitate darshan of Mahakali Mataji, especially for the elderly devotees, the government is working on installing a hydraulic lift as part of the ropeway extension project. Additionally, a dining hall capable of serving more than 5,000 devotees is under construction. With these efforts by the state government, faith and devotion will flourish in this pilgrimage, attracting a multitude of devotees to the divine presence of Mai Bhakto Maa. DeshGujarat