Mamata Banerjee Lays Foundation for Mahakal Temple in Siliguri
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for the Mahakal Mahatirtha temple on Friday. She made this announcement during a ceremony in Matigara, near Siliguri. Banerjee declared her vision to transform Siliguri into a major global tourism and spiritual destination.
Details of the Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple Project
The temple will occupy 17.41 acres of land in the Laxmi Township area of Matigara. It will feature a towering 216-foot-tall Mahakal idol. This impressive structure will rank among the largest Shiva temples worldwide. The main bronze idol will stand at 108 feet tall.
The complex will include several notable features. It will house a museum and a cultural hall. Replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas will adorn the premises. Two pradakshin routes will guide pilgrims through the site. Four deities will occupy the four corners: Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartik, Lord Shakti, and Lord Vishnu.
Banerjee explained the temple's capacity. It can accommodate up to one lakh visitors daily. Two sabha mandaps will seat 6,000 people at once. Fresco paintings and stone art will depict legends of Mahakal. The complex will also feature Rudraksh Kund and Amrit Kund. Pilgrims can collect sacred Abhishek water from these kunds.
Additional facilities will support visitors. These include a prasad distribution centre, a souvenir arcade, and a cafeteria. A dala complex and residence complex for priests will also be part of the project. A trust board will manage the entire temple complex.
Siliguri's Transformation into a Tourism Hub
Chief Minister Banerjee emphasized Siliguri's new role. She stated that the city will no longer serve merely as a transit point. Instead, it will become a vibrant hub for faith, pilgrimage, business, and employment. The project aims to unite the spiritual legacy of Bengal's plains and hills. This connection references the preexisting Mahakal temple in Darjeeling.
Banerjee compared the project to other successful ventures. She mentioned the Jagannath Dham complex in Digha. That project cost Rs 30 crore and attracted 1.25 crore pilgrims. She also cited the 17.18-acre Durga Angan complex in New Town. The Mahakal temple will follow this successful model.
The Chief Minister outlined broader development plans for Siliguri. She expressed readiness to provide land free of cost for an international convention centre. She invited private parties to participate in this initiative. Banerjee believes this will make Siliguri a hub for business and tourism.
Project Timeline and Economic Impact
The state government has already allocated land for the temple. Officials have floated tenders for construction. Land filling will commence immediately. The project is expected to take two to two and a half years for completion.
The estimated cost for the Mahakal Mahatirtha temple is ₹344.2 crore. This investment is projected to boost local employment significantly. It will also stimulate economic growth in the region. The state government is allocating substantial resources to ensure the project's success.
Additional Initiatives for North Bengal
Banerjee launched several other initiatives during her visit to North Bengal. These projects focus on improving connectivity, education, and tourism in the region.
Transportation Enhancements:
- 37 new buses will operate in North Bengal.
- 31 of these buses will be eco-friendly CNG vehicles.
- 6 luxury sleeper Volvo buses will provide comfortable travel options.
- 12 Volvo buses will establish a direct link between North Bengal hills and Digha.
Educational Development:
- The foundation stone was laid for a new Eklavya Model School building in Kalimpong.
- This initiative aims to expand educational opportunities for local youth.
Support for Tea Garden Workers:
- Banerjee announced several measures to assist tea garden workers.
- These include providing land pattas and financial assistance under the Chaa Sundari housing scheme.
- The government inaugurated creches and new ambulances for garden workers.
- Dedicated school buses named Chaa Sathi will transport children of tea garden workers.
Banerjee affirmed the government's commitment to local communities. She promised that Siliguri's growth into an international destination will benefit all residents. The Chief Minister described tea garden workers as the backbone of the region. She assured them of continued support through these initiatives.
