Rs 17.81 crore revamp of Ujjain's Gadkalika temple complex begins ahead of Simhastha 2028

Devotees visiting Maa Gadkalika's shrine in Ujjain will no longer have to stand in queues in the sun and rain for darshan. Maa Gadkalika is the presiding deity of the poet Kalidas. Preparations are under way to change the entire look of the temple complex before Simhastha 2028.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav performed the bhoomipujan for renovation and development works to be carried out at a cost of Rs 17.81 crore. The biggest challenge now is to complete construction in the stipulated time. The project contract is for 18 months, but the Public Works Department, keeping in view the Simhastha preparations, has set a target of finishing the work in 14 months. The construction agency will therefore have to complete the work four months early.

Keeping in view the future needs of the temple complex and the crowd expected during Simhastha, the earlier approved tender of Rs 13.14 crore was cancelled. The Ujjain Development Authority then prepared a revised plan, with the cost raised to Rs 17.81 crore. Of this, Rs 13.51 crore is for civil work, Rs 1.38 crore for electrical work and Rs 89.40 lakh for supervision charges.

The temple complex spreads over 7,150.75 square metres, about 1.70 acres. It will be developed according to the master plan. The biggest change will be in the movement of devotees and crowd management.

Rs 3.58 crore will be spent on the waiting hall and corridor. A covered waiting hall of 2,215 square metres and an organised corridor will be built so that large numbers of devotees can wait in queues and have darshan.

Two entrance gates will be built on the main road at Rs 61.84 lakh. The complex will also have three canopy entrances. Parking will be developed over 4,515 square metres at Rs 1.56 crore, with space for 62 cars and 33 VIP vehicles.

In addition, a large yajnashala, an administrative building, an inquiry centre, a prasad distribution counter and modern toilets will be built. The complex will also have two fountains, 30 shops, paver blocks, storm water drains and a fire-fighting system.

The Maa Gadkalika temple is not only a centre of faith but is also linked to the ancient cultural and literary heritage of Avantika. Thousands of devotees come for darshan during both Navratras, and large numbers are expected during Simhastha as well. The waiting hall, parking, and entry and exit arrangements could prove to be permanent facilities. The new look has to be ready before Simhastha, so there is no room for delay.