Patiala, October 30:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday launched projects worth Rs 75 crore to give facelift to historic Sri Kali Mata Temple.
Addressing the gathering, the National Convener of AAP said that it is the privilege of the state government to initiate these projects of immense public importance. He bemoaned that none of the previous state governments had ever bothered to start these works of immense public significance. Arvind Kejriwal said that fortunately the state government has been bestowed this opportunity by Mata Rani and the work will be collected within a year.
The National Convener of AAP said that the Sri Kali Mata Mandir is one of the most revered and historic temples in northern India. He said that this temple stands as a testimony to Punjab’s rich spiritual heritage and royal patronage.Arvind Kejriwal said that the main shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali, the temple complex also includes an ancient temple of Shri Raj Rajeshwari Ji, another divine form of Shakti.
The National Convener of AAP said that these two centers of devotion make the complex spiritually significant as well as architecturally unique, blending centuries-old traditions with elements of modern infrastructure. He said that the temple’s importance is evident from the fact that nearly 10,000 devotees visit daily, around 40,000 every Saturday, and the number rises to nearly one lakh during the Navratri festival. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has started several Projects worth Rs 73.52 crore to give a facelift at Shri Kali Mata Temple.
The National Convener of AAP said that the Work is underway to ensure clean water for the temple pond will come from the Bhakra Canal and an amount of Rs 1.15 crore has been approved for this project. Likewise he said that temple’s existing sewage system and rainwater drainage network are being upgraded and replaced at a cost Rs 49.06 lakh. Arvind Kejriwal said that Aam Aadmi Clinic is being set up within the temple complex at a cost of Rs 25 lakh which will provide medical assistance not only to local residents but also to visiting devotees.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that enhance the spiritual and aesthetic charm of the temple, a light and sound show will be organized near the pond, modeled after the arrangements at major pilgrimage sites. He said that the project will cost ₹6.78 crore, and tenders for the work have been issued. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that a lift is being installed in the newly constructed building at a cost of Rs 15.11 lakh.
The Chief Minister said that new passageway is being constructed near the pond to provide convenience to devotees. He said that temple’s new building, corridor, boundary wall, entry gate, and pond projects collectively have also been started. Bhagwant Singh Mann Daily Langar Seva (community meal) will be started, following Sikh and Hindu traditions, especially for devotees coming from distant or economically weaker backgrounds.
·The Chief Minister said that the temple pond will undergo complete renovation, including desilting, waterproofing, stonework along the edges, and pathway construction.
He said that this project will help preserve the temple’s sanctity and enhance its grandeur while maintaining its heritage architecture. Bhagwant Singh mann said that a proposal has been made to reopen and renovate the rear gate, often used during peak traffic times.
·Additionally, the Chief Minister said that all temple entrances will be redesigned in harmony with traditional architecture. He said that during weekends and Navratri, when large crowds gather, a systematic queue management system with barricaded lanes and signboards will be introduced to ensure orderly and respectful movement of devotees. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in consultation with urban planning and heritage experts, a comprehensive master plan is being prepared covering future construction, heritage conservation, pilgrimage facilities, sanitation, parking, and traffic management.
The Chief Minister said that to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth distribution of Prasad, a token system similar to that at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple will be introduced. He said that this will ensure organized, fair, and dignified distribution of offerings adding that for the comfort of elderly devotees, women with children, and persons with disabilities, especially under varying weather conditions, the Sangat Hall will be upgraded into a fully air-conditioned hall.Bhagwant Singh Maan said that it is the government’s duty to preserve the state’s cultural heritage so that younger generations remain connected to their glorious past.
The Chief Minister said that a hall has been constructed within the temple premises for the accommodation of visiting pilgrims, and parking space has been created for 300 vehicles. He said that the state government is fully committed to developing this divine center of faith into an architectural marvel of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for this noble task.
On this occasion Member Rajya Sabha Rajinder Gupta, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, AAP’s Senior Leader Manish Sisodia and others were present.
