NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma laid the foundation stone for the Poonchari Ka Loutha and Govardhan Parikrama Development Project in Deeg on Sunday. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the spiritual and infrastructural facilities for the millions of devotees who visit these sacred sites annually.
Speaking at the ceremony, CM Sharma emphasized that with the blessings of Giriraj Ji, the state would continue its journey towards prosperity. “This project will not only provide better facilities to devotees but will also enhance the spiritual beauty of the area,” he said. The development will address both religious and infrastructural needs, ensuring comfort for the large number of pilgrims who visit the region every year.
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The 21-kilometer Giriraj Ji Parikrama, which attracts around 2 crore devotees annually, will be revitalized under this project. The Chief Minister highlighted that the state government was working on a broader vision to improve both pilgrimages and infrastructure across Rajasthan. “We are focusing on road networks and expressways, which will benefit the devotees as well as boost the state’s growth,” he added.
The Parikrama Path, which spans 1.2 kilometers in Rajasthan, will be developed in four phases. The first zone, for which the foundation was laid, will feature key sites such as Shreenathji Temple, Poonchri Ka Loutha Temple, and Apsara Kund. The development will include beautification of the route, entry and exit gates, illumination, rest pavilions, and amenities like drinking water, food joints, and stalls.
In the subsequent zones, the project will introduce cultural and spiritual centers, including a 250-foot high idol in the fourth zone, along with meditation halls, ashram villages, and a handicraft market. The initiative is expected to transform the region into a center for both spiritual and cultural tourism.
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The project has received significant financial backing from Vedanta Group, which has contributed Rs 100 crore towards its development. CM Sharma acknowledged this support, noting that the development of Govardhan is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to uplift sacred sites across the country, such as Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath.
In addition to the Parikrama project, the Rajasthan government is investing Rs 300 crore in the development of 20 major temples and spiritual sites, including Khatushyamji and Kailadevi. The Chief Minister also visited the Lotha Temple and Shrinathji Temple, offering prayers for the prosperity of Rajasthan.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat and Vedanta Group Chairman Shri Anil Agarwal.