Redevelopment plan for Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar temple

Context

The first phase of the Mahakaleshwar Corridor, which cost Rs 350 crore, is complete now and all set for inauguration.

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What is the Mahakal corridor?

Mahakal Maharaj Mandir Parisar Vistar Yojna is a plan for the expansion, beautification, and decongestion of the Mahakaleshwar temple and its adjoining area in Ujjain district.
Under the plan, the Mahakaleshwar temple premises of around 2.82 hectares is being increased to 47 hectares, which will be developed in two phases by the Ujjain district administration.
This will include the 17 hectares of
The project is expected to increase annual footfall in the city from the current 1.50 crore to nearly three crore.

First phases of the Mandir Parisar Vistar Yojna

One of the aspects of the Vistar Yojna’s first phase is a visitor plaza with two entrances or Dwaars — the Nandi Dwaar and the PinakiDwaar.
- The visitor plaza can hold up to 20,000 pilgrims at a time.
- A circulation plan to reduce congestion has also been developed, keeping in mind the entry of visitors into the city and their movement up to the temple.
A 900-metre pedestrian corridor has been constructed, connecting the plaza to the Mahakal temple, dotted with 108 murals and 93 statues depicting stories related to Lord Shiva, such as Shiv Vivah, TripurasurVadh, Shiv Puran, and Shiv TandavSwaroop.
The first phase is complete and will be inaugurated by PM Modi on October 11. In a cabinet meeting held recently in Ujjain, the Mahakal corridor was renamed as

Second phase of the plan:

It also includes development of various areas of Ujjain city, such as Maharajwada, Mahal Gate, Hari Phatak Bridge, Ramghat façade, and BegamBagh Road.
Buildings in Maharajwada will be redeveloped and connected to the Mahakal temple campus, while a heritage dharamshala and Kumbh museum will be built.
The second phase is being developed with funding from AgenceFrancaise de Development (AFD) under the City Investments to Innovate Integrate and Sustainable (CITIIS) programme.

Mahakaleshwar Temple

Mahakaleshwar, which means the ‘Lord of time’, refers to Lord Shiva. As per Hindu mythology, the temple was constructed by Lord Brahma and is presently located alongside the holy river Kshipra.
MahakaleshwarJyotirlinga in Ujjain is one of the 12 jyotirlingas considered the most sacred abodes of Shiva.
The temple’s Mahakal Lingam is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested) and unlike any other jyotirlingas in the country, the idol of Mahakaleshwar faces south.
The shrine is revered as one the 18 MahaShaktiaPeeth in India.
The temple in its present form was built by the Maratha general RanojiShinde in 1734 CE.