The Hindu : Other States / Rajasthan News : Tirupati model for Rajasthan temples

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Tuesday, May 10, 2005

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Tirupati model for Rajasthan temples

Special Correspondent

Rs 100 crores proposed for renovation

JAIPUR: Three famous temples in southern Rajasthan will be developed as "Teen Dhaam" (three abodes) on the pattern of the Tirupati Tirumala pilgrimage centre in Andhra Pradesh. The Rajasthan Government proposes to spend Rs. 100 crores on the renovation of one of these temples as well as the temple town of Nathdwara in Rajsamand district.

Announcing this at a function in the Sanwalia temple at Mandaphia in Chittaurgarh district on Saturday the Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, said the three temples would be given a magnificent look to attract pilgrims in large numbers. "These temples will not only promote godliness but will also give a multi-dimensional boost to religious tourism in Rajasthan," she said.

The three temples where the renovation project is to be launched are the Srinath temple in Nathdwara, Charbhuja temple in Rajnagar, and the Sanwalia temple in Mandaphia. At least Rs. 100 crores will be spent on refurbishing the Srinath temple and Nathdwara town, while the expenditure to be undertaken on the two other temples is yet to be finalised. Among others, the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, was present at the function.

Ms. Raje said those visiting the Srinath temple would be encouraged to pay obeisance at the two other temples as well in view of all of them being part of the `teen dhaam'. Devotees would get boarding and lodging facilities in the temple premises, she added.

Ms. Raje, who unveiled a statue of the legendary poetess-saint of medieval period, Meera, near the Sanwalia temple, congratulated the temple management on launching a website providing information on the presiding deity and the philanthropic works undertaken in the town. She said similar websites on all major temples in the country should be started for the benefit of pilgrims.

The Chief Minister also sanctioned Rs. 11 lakhs from the MP's local area development fund on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Chittaurgarh, Srichand Kriplani, for constructing a `Bhojanshala' (mess) in the temple, and donation of a new ambulance on behalf of the BJP MLA from Kapasan, Badrilal Jat.

Mr. Modi, in his address, suggested that trees be grown around the temple through `kar seva' by visiting pilgrims to give it a look similar to the Akshardham temple in Gujarat. He hoped that the temple would soon emerge as a leading centre representing the combination of piety and social consciousness.

Mr. Modi also honoured the next of kin of two persons from Bhadsoda who were killed in the terrorist attack on the Akshardham temple in 2002.

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Tirupati model for Rajasthan temples