New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple projects in Somnath, Gujarat via video conferencing today. During the virtual event, PM inaugurated Somnath Promenade, Somnath Exhibition Centre and reconstructed temple precinct of Old (Juna) Somnath, and laid the foundation stone of Shree Parvati Temple.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Tourism Minister along with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy CM of Gujarat attended the event.
Speaking during virtual meet, PM Modi said, "We need to strengthen religious tourism. This will also provide employment to youth. They (youth) will also get knowledge about our past. Faith can't be crushed from terror. We should learn from the past."
The Somnath Promenade has been developed under PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) Scheme at a total cost of over Rs 47 crore. The Somnath Exhibition Centre, developed in the premises of ‘Tourist Facilitation Centre’, displays the exhibits from dismantled parts of old Somnath temple and its sculptures having Nagar style temple architecture of old Somnath.
The reconstructed temple precinct of Old (Juna) Somnath has been completed by Shree Somnath Trust with a total outlay of Rs 3.5 crore. This temple is also referred to as Ahilyabai Temple since it was built by Queen Ahilyabai of Indore, when she found that the old temple was in ruins. The entire old temple complex has been holistically redeveloped for the safety of pilgrims and with augmented capacity.
Shree Parvati Temple is proposed to be constructed with a total outlay of Rs 30 Cr. This will include temple construction in Sompura Salats Style, development of Garbha Griha and Nritya Mandap.