Ram Raja Lok to revive Bundela-era glory of Orchha, emerge as major pilgrimage hub: CM Yadav

Orchha, Aug 31 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said preserving the state’s religious and cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations was a priority of his government. He said the grand Ram Raja Lok being developed in Orchha would revive the glory of the Bundela-era town and emerge as a major pilgrimage destination for devotees from across the country and abroad.

Yadav made the remarks after inspecting the ongoing construction and restoration works at the historic Shri Ram Raja Lok in Orchha in Niwari district on Monday.

He reviewed the progress of various projects and directed officials to complete the works within the stipulated timeframe while ensuring quality.

“Preserving our glorious heritage in accordance with our religious and cultural sentiments and connecting it with future generations is the priority of the state government,” Yadav told reporters after the inspection.

The Chief Minister said Orchha was once the capital of the glorious Bundela rulers and its ancient temples, palaces and other structures represented the rich religious, cultural and architectural heritage of Bundelkhand. He said the government was working to restore these historic structures in their original form, using materials similar to those used during their construction and engaging skilled craftsmen in the restoration work.

Yadav said the development of Ram Raja Lok would strengthen the religious identity of Bundelkhand while giving a boost to religious tourism, the local economy and employment.

“Orchha is being developed as an extraordinary centre of tourism. The grand Shri Ram Raja Lok will strengthen the identity of Bundelkhand and give a boost to the local economy and employment,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the state government was also working on a plan to develop and connect major religious and historical destinations across Madhya Pradesh.

Citing the example of Shri Mahakal Mahalok in Ujjain, Yadav said its development had led to a significant increase in the number of devotees visiting the city and brought a major change in the local economy. He said comprehensive development was being undertaken at major religious destinations, including Orchha, Chitrakoot, Datia, Nalkheda and Pashupatinath in Mandsaur.

Yadav said Chitrakoot held special significance in the Ramayana tradition as Lord Ram spent a considerable part of his 14-year exile there.

He added that Sandipani Ashram in Ujjain, associated with Lord Krishna’s education, and other places linked to Krishna’s life would also be developed as pilgrimage destinations.

“Our objective is to preserve our glorious religious and cultural heritage and introduce the coming generations to this rich past,” Yadav said.

During the inspection, Yadav also visited Jujhar Singh Mahal and Jahangir Mahal and reviewed ongoing construction and restoration works.

He was briefed about the conservation of the ancient Sawan-Bhado pillars at the Ram Raja Temple complex. Officials said special care was being taken to preserve the original structure and architectural significance of the pillars while carrying out new development around the temple complex.

–IANS

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