At Shri Kali Mata Temple, Patiala, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and Arvind Kejriwal inaugurate development projects worth ₹75 crore

With the blessings of Goddess Kali, the project will be completed within one year – Arvind Kejriwal
Preserving Punjab’s glorious heritage and spiritual legacy for future generations is our commitment: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

Patiala, Oct 2025 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal today inaugurated projects worth ₹75 crore for the renovation of the historic Shri Kali Mata Temple in Patiala.

Addressing the gathering, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said that it is the special responsibility of the state government to give priority to projects of significant public importance. He expressed regret that previous state governments never showed the will to carry out such people-centric works. Kejriwal said that it is his good fortune that Goddess Kali has blessed the AAP-led government with this opportunity. He added that the project will be completed within one year.

The AAP leader said that Shri Kali Mata Temple is one of the most revered and historic temples in North India. He added that this temple stands as a testimony to Punjab’s rich spiritual heritage and royal patronage. Kejriwal noted that along with the main temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, the temple complex also houses the ancient shrine of Shri Raj Rajeshwari Ji, a divine manifestation of Shakti.

He said that these two sacred shrines make the temple complex spiritually more significant and architecturally unique, where centuries-old traditions beautifully blend with modern infrastructure. Kejriwal further said that the temple’s importance is evident from the fact that nearly 10,000 devotees visit it daily, about 40,000 every Saturday, and during Navratri, the number reaches around one lakh. The state government, he said, has initiated multiple projects worth ₹73.52 crore to give the temple a new look.

He added that work is underway to ensure the supply of clean water from the Bhakra Canal to the temple’s sacred pond, with an allocation of ₹1.15 crore. Similarly, the existing sewage and rainwater drainage systems are being upgraded at a cost of ₹49.06 lakh. Kejriwal also announced that an Aam Aadmi Clinic is being set up inside the temple premises at a cost of ₹25 lakh to provide medical assistance to both local residents and visiting devotees.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to enhance the temple’s spirituality and beauty, a Light and Sound Show will be organized near the sacred pond, similar to major pilgrimage sites. This project will cost ₹6.78 crore, and tenders have already been issued. He added that a lift is being installed in the newly constructed building at a cost of ₹15.11 lakh.

For the convenience of devotees, a new pathway is being built near the pond. The Chief Minister said that the temple’s new building, corridor, boundary wall, entrance gates, and pond-related projects have been collectively initiated. Following Sikh and Hindu traditions, Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced that daily langar seva (community kitchen) would be organized for visiting devotees, especially those coming from distant or economically weaker backgrounds.

The Chief Minister stated that the temple pond will undergo complete renovation, including desilting, waterproofing, stonework along the edges, and pathway development.

He said that the project will play a vital role in preserving the temple’s sanctity and heritage architecture while enhancing its grandeur. Mann added that a proposal has been made to reopen and renovate the rear gate, which is often used during high-traffic periods.

He said that all entry gates of the temple will be redesigned in accordance with traditional architectural styles. During weekends and Navratri, when large crowds gather, a planned queue management system with barricaded lanes and signboards will be introduced to ensure smooth movement. Mann added that a comprehensive master plan covering future construction, heritage preservation, pilgrimage facilities, sanitation, parking, and traffic management is being prepared in consultation with urban planning and heritage experts.

To prevent crowding and ensure smooth distribution of prasad, a token system similar to that at Vaishno Devi Temple will be introduced. He further said that to ensure comfort for elderly devotees, mothers, and differently-abled persons during various seasons, the Sangat Hall will be upgraded into a fully air-conditioned hall.

Chief Minister Mann emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to preserve the state’s cultural heritage so that the younger generation remains connected to its glorious past. He added that a hall has been constructed inside the temple complex for pilgrims’ accommodation, and parking has been arranged for 300 vehicles.

Mann affirmed that the state government is fully committed to developing this spiritual center as a model of architectural excellence in Punjab and will leave no stone unturned in this noble endeavor.

On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia were also present.