Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has approved a ₹13.02 crore Phase-II development project for the Shri Yaha Mogi Mataji Temple at Devmogra in Sagbara taluka of Narmada district. The initiative aims to improve facilities for devotees while giving a further push to religious tourism in the tribal region.
The project was approved by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The planned infrastructure will also support the large number of devotees visiting the temple from Gujarat and neighbouring states.
Phase II to Focus on Temple and Pilgrim Facilities
The second phase will concentrate on improving core temple infrastructure as well as facilities for visitors.
The major works include:
- Renovation of the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Yaha Mogi Mataji Temple.
- Construction of a new dharamshala on land belonging to the Temple Trust.
- Construction of two modern toilet blocks to improve sanitation and hygiene for devotees.
The new accommodation facility is expected to provide greater convenience to pilgrims, particularly those travelling from other parts of Gujarat and neighbouring states.
The sanitation facilities will also help address the needs of visitors as footfall increases during important religious occasions.
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Phase I Already Added Major Amenities
The Phase-II project builds on infrastructure created under the first phase, which was executed by the Gujarat Tourism Corporation at a cost of ₹11.33 crore.
Several visitor-oriented facilities were developed during the first phase, including a dharamshala, Central Vista, toilet block, stone entrance gate and parking facilities.
Pathways were also developed to improve movement around the temple complex. In addition, 295 shops were created as part of the infrastructure development.
These facilities have laid the foundation for further development of the temple precinct and surrounding visitor amenities.
Temple Holds Importance for Tribal Community
The Shri Yaha Mogi Mataji Temple at Devmogra has deep spiritual and cultural importance for the tribal communities living in the Satpura hills.
The shrine is regarded as an ancestral deity temple and attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees from Gujarat as well as neighbouring states.
For the tribal region, the temple is more than a religious destination. Its growing visitor base creates opportunities for local businesses, traders, transport operators and other service providers.
The latest development phase is therefore expected to have an impact beyond the temple premises by strengthening the infrastructure supporting religious tourism.
Infrastructure Push Could Support Local Economy
Improved accommodation, sanitation, parking, pathways and commercial facilities can make pilgrimage destinations more accessible and comfortable for visitors.
The development of 295 shops in Phase I, along with the new facilities planned under Phase II, can also create greater opportunities for local vendors and businesses to serve pilgrims.
As visitor numbers grow, increased demand for transport, food, accommodation and other services could contribute to local employment and economic activity.
For the tribal region of Narmada district, the focus on religious tourism provides an additional avenue for strengthening the local economy while improving facilities at an important cultural site.
Gujarat Continues Focus on Tourism Infrastructure
The phased development of the Devmogra temple reflects an approach of combining religious significance with visitor infrastructure.
Rather than limiting the project to renovation of the shrine, the development includes accommodation, sanitation, access facilities and commercial infrastructure. This can help create a more organised pilgrimage experience while supporting the surrounding tourism ecosystem.
The ₹13.02 crore Phase-II investment, following the ₹11.33 crore first phase, is expected to further transform the temple complex and improve its ability to accommodate devotees.
The project also highlights the potential of religious and cultural destinations in tribal areas to contribute to tourism-led development. With better infrastructure and visitor facilities, Devmogra can strengthen its position as an important pilgrimage destination while creating opportunities for communities in the region.
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