In Ujjain’s Mahakal temple premises, ancient remnants of a Shiva temple that were unearthed during excavation are being restored under the supervision of archaeological experts. Devotees will soon have the chance to witness how the temple appeared 1000 years ago. Based on the reports from Nai Dunia, the Mahakal Temple Committee announced that the reconstructed temple would be 36 feet tall, with the restoration expected to take about six months.
Approximately two years ago, during excavation for new construction, the temple’s foundation was discovered, along with fragmented remains and ancient statues, including a Shivling. Upon this discovery, the temple committee notified the Madhya Pradesh Archaeological Department. Experts from Bhopal were dispatched to Ujjain to investigate these remains.
Temple damaged by invaders
Investigations revealed that the temple dates back roughly 1000 years and had been damaged by invaders during that time. The department decided to reconstruct the temple on the same site to preserve the ancient architectural heritage.
About six months ago, the scattered remnants were cataloged and numbered to facilitate their reconstruction. Now, the stones are being reassembled according to their numbers. Archaeological officer Dr. Ramesh Yadav mentioned that the work of joining the remnants has begun, and in cases where stones are missing, similar stones are being sourced from other districts of Madhya Pradesh. The process has been slow due to material sourcing and the monsoon season.
Ropeway routes to boost tourism
Based on the reports from Navbharat Times, the ropeway will extend from Ujjain Railway Station to Ganesh Colony via Triveni, covering a total distance of 1.76 kilometers. It will feature three stations, 13 towers, and 48 cabins, each capable of seating approximately 10 people. The journey will take around seven minutes. During a meeting held on Friday at the Ujjain Administrative Complex, the details of the ropeway project were discussed. Officials from the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) confirmed that the project will commence in October 2024 and is expected to be completed by October 2026.
Under the Parvatmala Scheme, an agreement has been made between the National Highways Logistics Management Company and the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) to construct the ropeway in Ujjain. This will ease transportation for people and improve access to hilly areas. NHLML and MPRDC will work together to execute the project, which is expected to serve thousands of passengers daily, significantly benefiting tourism in the region.
Similar restoration of Bateshwar temple
The Archaeological Department noted a similar restoration project in the Bateshwar Temple group, which was constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries during the reign of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. Located 25 kilometers from the Morena district headquarters, the site is known for housing a group of 200 temples.
It is believed that an earthquake or flood destroyed these temples in the 13th century, leaving only remnants. In 1920, Bateshwar was listed as a protected site, but its restoration did not begin until 2005 under the guidance of Archaeological Superintendent K.K. Mohammed. Using the scattered stones, about 60 temples were restored to their original form. The restoration work halted around 14 years ago due to a lack of funds. However, two and a half years ago, Sudha Murty from the Infosys Foundation provided financial assistance, allowing the largest temple in Bateshwar, the Vishnu Math Temple, to be restored to its former glory.
The development of Hindu religious sacred sites like Ujjain through initiatives such as the ropeway project showcases the Madhya Pradesh government’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the ancient heritage of Hindu dharma. Two years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mahakal Corridor of the Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple on October 11. By modernizing infrastructure while maintaining the sanctity of these sacred spaces, the government is not only making these sites more accessible but also ensuring that the rich cultural and religious legacy continues to thrive.
