Inaugurating the newly built 900-metre-long Mahakal Lok Corridor today at Ujjain’s ancient Mahakaleshwar temple, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the country’s progress in all spheres must be accompanied by achievements in cultural space as well.

“In order to reach the pinnacle of success, it is necessary that the nation touches its cultural heights and stands proudly with its identity,” he said.

Addressing a massive gathering during the dedication, PM termed the development of Jyotirlingas as development of India’s spiritual light, knowledge and philosophy.

“As long as these centres of our faith are awake and active, the consciousness of India is awake, the soul of India is awake,” observed the PM.

The first phase of the Mahakal Lok project has been developed with an investment of Rs 351 crore.

Describing Ujjain as the centre of India’s spiritual ethos, Modi said: “Ujjain is not just India’s geographic centre but also the centre of the country’s soul. Ujjain has led India’s prosperity, knowledge and dignity and literature for thousands of years.”

Before unveiling the plaque to mark the dedication, the PM dressed in traditional dhoti and stole went to the inner sanctum and prayed before Lord Shri Mahakal in the presence of the temple priests following which he meditated.

Modi visited the temple complex and walked around to view the Saptrishi Mandal, the Mandapam, Tripurasura Vadh and Navgarh. He also stopped to see the murals along the path based on stories about the act of creation, the birth of Ganesha, story of Sati and Daksha among others from Shiva Purana.

The PM also witnessed a cultural programme and the Malkhamb performance at Mansarovar.

He was accompanied by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai Patel, the State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The Mahakal Lok Corridor has 108 stambhs or pillars depicting Anand Tandav Swaroop or dance form of Lord Shiva. There are several sculptures depicting the life of Lord Shiva along the path. The murals on the wall along the way are based on stories about the act of creation, the birth of Ganesha, story of Sati and Daksha among others from Shiva Purana.

The cost of the entire project is Rs 850 crore while the expenditure incurred on the first phase is Rs 316 crore.

Also read: PM to inaugurate Mahakal Lok Corridor at famous Ujjain temple today