Pilgrimage is significant to Indian economy. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Rajasthan—the desert state of India, seeking solace in the rustic religious shrines and temples. Realizing how important religious sites are for tourism, Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje has decided to renovate around 180 holy sites existing in the state. The pious shrines will be revamped to restore their long-lost glory. Developing them as principle historic sites will boost tourism economy of Rajasthan.
While addressing a religious ritual and yajna at Alakhji Maharaj Temple in Manda (Pali district), the CM reflected on the cultural significance of these religious sites. Besides being the centre of faith, religious shrines remind us of Indian traditions and play a vital role in connecting various people. Saying so, she further added that Rajasthan government will soon restore Sugali Mata temple in Pali.
Apart from renovating such structures, the government will develop greenery outside the temple premises. The shrines, surrounded by manicured green lawns, fresh water ponds and animal shelter homes serves two purpose—attracting tourists and preserving local biodiversity of that region. The biggest example of social and cultural harmony is the 415-year-old Alakhji Maharaj Temple. The site welcomes members from all 36 communities in Rajasthan. It’s interesting to note that the temple itself was constructed by members of different communities.
Taking example from this holy structure, Raje government will launch drives to restore many such temples all over the state. Concurrently, Rajasthan government is running its ambitious water harvesting project ‘MJSA’ or Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan that aims to restore the drooping water table levels in Rajasthan. Under MJSA phase II, the government will plant lakhs of trees around religious site to enhance their aesthetic value.
Simultaneously, they’ll focus on strengthening irrigation system so that residential neighborhoods, fields as well as tourist sites receive water for irrigation 24×7. The CM presented a check worth Rs 2 lakh 50 thousand to Pali collector for launching MJSA in Manda village.
Her efforts will produce positive outcomes for Rajasthan tourism in future.
