Ujjain: The government has unveiled a major ₹1100 crore redevelopment initiative aimed at restoring and upgrading key temples in preparation for the upcoming Simhastha festival in Ujjain. The plan focuses on improving religious infrastructure, enhancing pilgrim facilities, and boosting tourism in the ancient spiritual city.
As part of the initiative, the state government will begin restoration work on 11 prominent temples, including 10 located in Ujjain and one in Nalkheda in Agar district, where the famous Maa Baglamukhi Temple is situated.
Temple Bond Framework to Fund Development Projects
A key feature of the redevelopment plan is the introduction of temple bonds to raise funds for restoration and infrastructure development. A high-level meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh outlined the implementation roadmap.
According to officials, the funding structure for the ₹1100 crore project includes:
- ₹200 crore through temple bonds
- ₹275 crore from the Urban Challenge Fund
- ₹625 crore via bank financing
The temple bonds will be issued for a tenure of 10 years, and the process is expected to be completed in phases leading up to their launch.
Read also: Madhya Pradesh to Become Model State for Crowd Management at Religious Sites, Says CM Mohan Yadav
List of Temples Identified for Restoration
The redevelopment project covers some of the most significant religious sites in and around Ujjain, including:
- Shri Kal Bhairav Temple
- Shri Mangalnath Temple
- Shri Sandipani Ashram
- Navagrah Temple
- 84 Mahadev Temple
- Shri Angarshwar Mahadev Temple
- Maa Bhookhi Mata Temple
- Maa Gadh Kalika Temple
- Shri Siddhvat Temple
In addition, the Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda (Agar district) is also included in the restoration plan.
Temple Bonds to Be Issued via Ujjain Development Authority
Officials confirmed that the temple bonds will be issued through the Ujjain Development Authority. The reimbursement for investors is expected to come from donations and offerings collected at the temples.
Authorities have been directed to complete the issuance process by July 15, with the official launch of temple bonds scheduled for July 31.
Focus on Pilgrim Facilities and Tourism Growth
The state government aims to modernize temple infrastructure and improve amenities for pilgrims visiting during Simhastha. Enhanced facilities are expected to make the city more accessible and comfortable for large-scale religious gatherings.
Officials also emphasized that the redevelopment will significantly boost religious tourism, strengthening Ujjain as a major spiritual and cultural destination in India.
Strengthening Ujjain’s Spiritual and Cultural Infrastructure
The ₹1100 crore temple redevelopment initiative marks a major step in preparing Ujjain for the upcoming Simhastha. By combining financial innovation through temple bonds and large-scale infrastructure upgrades, the project aims to enhance both pilgrimage experience and tourism-driven economic growth in the region.
