PM Modi to inaugurate 'Mahakal Lok' tomorrow in Ujjain

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the first phase of the Rs 856-crore Mahakaleshwar Temple corridor development project on Tuesday. It is expected to significantly boost tourism in this holy city of Madhya Pradesh.

A large-size 'shiva ling' covered in strands of 'moli' (sacred) threads has been placed below the grand gateway -- Nandi Dwar -- of the 'Mahakal Lok', sources on Monday said, adding that according to plan, the PM is to officially unveil the 'shiva ling' to symbolically mark the opening of the mega corridor.

The new corridor measures over 900 meters in length and is dotted with 108 ornate sandstone columns in a row bearing decorative 'Trishul' design on top and 'mudras' of Lord Shiva on its faces. It also has gushing fountains surrounded by artistic



sculptures of the deity as well as 53 illuminated murals depicting stories from Shiv Puran.

Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Bhupendra Singh had earlier said PM Modi will land in Ujjain around 5:30 PM on October 11. Modi's chopper will land at a helipad here located on the Police Line campus. The span of the designated helipad has been widened to facilitate landing on the mega event day.

"Mega arrangements have been made for the opening of the 'Mahakal Lok' that will be dedicated to the people by the PM. After reaching Ujjain, he will drive to the temple complex in his motorcade and perform a 'puja' at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. "After that, he will go to the 'Nandi Dwar' and inaugurate the corridor," said a senior official of the Ujjain Smart City Ltd, which has executed the project.