Gandhinagar, Sep 5 (IANS) The Gujarat government has approved a Rs 13.02 crore Phase-II development project for the Shri Yaha Mogi Mataji Temple at Devmogra in Narmada district’s Sagbara taluka, with a focus on improving accommodation, sanitation and temple facilities for devotees and visitors.
The project was approved by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi as part of the state’s phased development of Devmogra, an important place of faith for the tribal community.
The temple is associated with Pandori Mata, also known as Yaha Mogi Mataji, and attracts devotees from tribal communities. The annual Devmogra Mataji Mela is also recognised as a major festival associated with the Satpuda tribal communities.
Under Phase II, two new toilet blocks will be constructed, while a dharamshala will be developed on land belonging to the temple trust.
The project also includes renovation of the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Yaha Mogi Mataji Temple.
The latest approval follows the completion of Phase I works at a cost of Rs 11.33 crore. These works included a dharamshala, Central Vista, toilet block, stone entrance gate, parking facilities, pathways and 295 shops.
According to the state government, the facilities have improved basic amenities for devotees and tourists visiting Devmogra.
The development is being undertaken by the Gujarat Tourism Corporation under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The second phase is intended to build on the infrastructure created during the first phase, particularly by adding accommodation and sanitation facilities and improving the temple premises.
The government said the works are expected to strengthen religious tourism in the tribal region while creating opportunities for local employment and economic activity.
The Devmogra temple is located in the Satpura hills and is regarded as the ancestral deity shrine of the tribal community, with devotees travelling from Gujarat and neighbouring states for religious observances.
The Rs 13.02 crore approval for Devmogra comes amid a wider push by Gujarat to develop religious and tourism destinations.
Earlier this week, the state approved development works worth Rs 133.41 crore across 10 religious and tourism sites, covering pilgrim facilities, temple redevelopment and tourism infrastructure.
–IANS
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