Chief Minister Lays Foundation Stone for Punchhri Ka Lotha and Govardhan Parikrama Development Project

Fulfilling Rajasthan’s Dream of Development with the Blessings of Giriraj Ji – CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Jaipur : Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that with the blessings of Banshiwale Giriraj Ji Maharaj, we will fully realize the dream of a developed Rajasthan, ensuring continuous progress towards prosperity. He added that the development of Punchhri Ka Lotha and Govardhan Parikrama will enhance the spiritual beauty of this sacred site while providing better facilities for devotees.

Sharma was addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Punchhri Ka Lotha and Govardhan Parikrama Development Project in Deeg on Sunday. He stated that while the state is witnessing the development of pilgrimage sites, rapid infrastructural growth is also taking place. The government is committed to creating a network of roads and new expressways, which will benefit pilgrims as well.

Spiritual Development Projects to Be Fulfilled with Public Support

The Chief Minister noted that approximately 20 million devotees from across India and abroad visit this place annually to perform the parikrama of Giriraj Ji. The 21-kilometer-long parikrama has become an integral part of many Indian families’ lives, with devotees walking barefoot or performing the ritual through prostrations. The sight of processions adorned with the 56 Bhog Prasad creates a festive atmosphere. Sharma said this project will add to the spiritual charm of the sacred site and reaffirmed the commitment to completing all spiritual development projects with the blessings of the people.

Sharma highlighted that the 1.2-kilometer stretch of the parikrama path that falls in Rajasthan is a vital segment, featuring key temples like Shrinath Ji Temple, Punchhri Ka Lotha, and holy sites like Apsara and Naval Kund. He assured that visitors from across the country and the world will soon have access to all necessary facilities in Punchhri.

Parikrama Path Development to Be Executed in Four Zones

The Chief Minister revealed that the Govardhan Parikrama Path will be developed in four zones. The foundation stone for the first zone was laid today. This includes the development of Shrinath Ji Temple, Punchhri Ka Lotha Temple, Dauji Temple, Ganga Temple, Narasimha Temple, Mukharbind, Apsara Kund, Naval Kund, fountains, Radha Vatika, a botanical garden, lotus pond, peacock garden, and Vishnu Avatar Garden.

In the second zone, plans include constructing grand entry and exit gates, beautifying roads, installing lighting, building rest pavilions, providing drinking water facilities, setting up food joints and stalls, and creating statues and galleries related to Lord Krishna.

For the third zone, the focus will be on developing entry plazas outside the parikrama path, a green canal waterfront, parking facilities, goth (resting) areas, bhajan and kirtan venues, a mythological art gallery, a Giriraj Ji museum, cultural centers, spiritual centers, and an art village.

The fourth zone will feature a 250-foot-tall statue that will serve as a major attraction for devotees. This zone will also include the development of an ashram village, meditation halls, gaushalas (cow shelters), and a Rajasthani handicraft market. Sharma expressed gratitude to the Vedanta Group for its financial support and unwavering commitment to the project. During the event, the Chief Minister also visited an exhibition based on the Punchhri Ka Lotha and Govardhan Parikrama Development Project.

Prime Minister’s Leadership Key to Cultural Renaissance

The Chief Minister described the Punchhri Ka Lotha and Govardhan Parikrama Development Project as a remarkable moment in the cultural renaissance. He recalled how, on January 22 this year, the country witnessed the end of a 500-year-long wait with the opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in transforming Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath into grand pilgrimage sites, which has invigorated the nation.

Following the same vision, the state government is investing ₹100 crore to enhance the grandeur of Khatu Shyam Ji. Additionally, the state budget has allocated funds for the decoration and special aarti in nearly 600 temples during festivals like Diwali, Holi, Shivratri, and Ram Navami. Development projects are also underway at various temples and religious sites across Rajasthan, including Kaila Devi Temple and Ganga Temple. Sharma noted that the state government is spending ₹300 crore on development work at 20 major temples and pilgrimage centers in Rajasthan.

Chief Minister Prays for the Prosperity of the People at Punchhri Ka Lotha Temple

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the Punchhri Ka Lotha Temple and Shrinath Ji Temple, where he performed prayers for the well-being and prosperity of the people of Rajasthan. He also participated in cow worship and seva (service). Additionally, Sharma observed a voluntary blood donation camp organized at the Government Upper Primary School in Punchhri Ka Lotha.

Vedanta Resources Limited Chairman Anil Agarwal praised the divine presence in every particle of Giriraj Ji and said the Chief Minister has been chosen by the Lord to bring development to the region. He announced that Vedanta Group is contributing ₹100 crore towards the Govardhan Ji project and assured full cooperation with the state government.

The event was attended by Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat, Minister of State for Home Affairs Jawahar Singh Bedham, Rajasthan Heritage Authority Chairman Omkar Singh Lakhawat, MLAs Dr. Shailesh Singh and Bahadur Singh Koli, Nauksham Choudhary, Dr. Ritu Banawat, public representatives, senior officials, and a large number of people.