The Maharashtra government has given a significant financial push to develop a major Jain pilgrimage site in Nashik district. In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Tuesday, the state approved a substantial grant of Rs 36.4 crore for the upcoming Panchkalyanak Pratishtha Mahotsav at Namokar Tirth.
Massive Infrastructure Development Planned
The funds will be utilized for extensive infrastructure work at the religious site located near Malsane village in Chandwad taluka. According to the plan, a major portion of the allocation, Rs 24.3 crore, is earmarked for permanent infrastructure development. The remaining over Rs 12 crore is designated for works directly related to organizing the grand festival, scheduled to be held between February 6 and 25.
Key permanent works include constructing a concrete road leading to the Tirth, building a protective boundary wall, and setting up a boating facility. The plan also involves creating a helipad, extensive parking arrangements, and providing robust electricity and sanitation facilities for the site.
Preparations for a Grand Congregation
Bhushan Kasliwal, an office-bearer for the festival and a Chandwad resident, provided details about the scale of the event. The festival is anticipated to attract a massive crowd of over 10 lakh (1 million) visitors from across India and abroad. To accommodate this influx, the trust has taken 40 acres of land on rent from local farmers, in addition to the 27 acres it owns, to set up temporary cottages for pilgrims.
The core religious ceremony will involve the pran pratishtha (consecration) of 3,000 idols within the Samavasaran, the sanctum sanctorum of the Tirth. To ensure smooth operations and visitor comfort, the works will also include installing numerous water tanks, 450 toilet blocks, a network of CCTV cameras for security, a dedicated control room, and a temporary medical unit on-site.
Boosting Local Economy and Religious Tourism
The development project is set to have a positive economic impact on the region. Kasliwal emphasized that the creation and maintenance of this large-scale pilgrimage site will generate significant local employment opportunities. He expressed confidence that with this infrastructural boost, Namokar Tirth will emerge as a premier religious centre for the Jain community, not just in Maharashtra but across the country.
The planning meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Chandwad MLA Rahul Aher and Nashik Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam. Nashik Collector Ayush Prasad joined the discussions virtually, underscoring the administration's coordinated effort to ensure the festival's success. The 40-acre Namokar Tirth is situated along the busy Nashik-Dhule highway, making it accessible to the expected large number of devotees.
