Pilgrim Infrastructure Boost near Ghrishneshwar Temple

The National Monuments Authority approved new visitor facilities near Ghrishneshwar Temple in Maharashtra, including a shopping complex and congregation hall, while maintaining strict height limits and archaeological protections.

In an attempt to boost pilgrim infrastructure, the National Monuments Authority (NMA) has approved the construction of visitor facilities in the restricted area near the Ghrishneshwar Temple in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, an official said on Tuesday.

The approval was granted on Monday following a presentation by District Collector Vinay Gowda GC regarding the required amenities during a meeting held in New Delhi on May 20, an official release stated.

The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and considered the 12th Jyotirlinga in the country, sees heavy footfall of devotees throughout the year.

Under the newly sanctioned project, a shopping complex, a waiting room, a Bhakt Nivas (pilgrim inn), a Sabha Mandap (congregation hall), and a foot overbridge will come up in the area.

The height of these ground-plus-one (G+1) structures will be strictly capped at 13.88 metres, including the overhead water tank and parapet wall, the release said.

The release further stated that no construction activities will be permitted in the strictly prohibited area surrounding the ASI-protected shrine.

If any archaeological remains or artefacts are found during excavation or construction, the work will be halted immediately, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will be informed, it stated.