Bhopal/Pandhurna, April 2 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday inaugurated the first phase of the “Shri Hanuman Lok” project at Jam Sawli Dham in Pandhurna tehsil of Chhindwara district, coinciding with Chaitra Navratri and Hanuman Jayanti.

Describing Lord Hanuman as the ultimate symbol of strength, wisdom, humility, selfless service, and devotion, the Chief Minister said Hanuman Ji teaches that real power lies not in arrogance but in complete surrender to duty and service.

“Hanuman Ji inspires us to achieve our goals through unwavering effort, mental discipline and concentration,” he added.

The Chief Minister said Shri Hanuman Lok is not just a religious project but also a major step towards developing religious tourism in the state.

Spread over nearly 30 acres, the project is being developed by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department in collaboration with the temple trust.

With this project, Pandhurna — already known for orange production — is set to gain prominence on Madhya Pradesh’s spiritual map alongside religious centres such as Mahakal Lok in Ujjain.

The government is simultaneously developing several other devotional corridors across the state, including Ahilya Lok in Maheshwar, Pashupatinath Lok in Mandsaur, Pitambara Mai Mahalok in Datia, and Maa Narmada Mahalok in Amarkantak.

The first phase of Shri Hanuman Lok features a grand main entrance gate, an impressive entrance plaza, and the newly constructed ‘Chiranjeevi Path’ — a pathway lined with statues depicting various divine forms of Hanuman Ji, leading to the temple complex.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that the second phase of the project, estimated to cost Rs 65.24 crore, will begin shortly.

This phase will include the development of a Bhakti Sagar (devotional lake), discourse hall, yagyashala, Sanskrit college, bhojshala (community kitchen), dharmashala (pilgrim rest house), and parking facilities.

He also announced the construction of a 10-bed hospital for visiting devotees.

Earlier on Ram Navami, the Chief Minister performed bhoomi pujan for 33 development works worth Rs 251.18 crore and inaugurated 31 projects valued at Rs 111.63 crore in the Pandhurna area, taking the total investment to over Rs 362 crore, including Shri Hanuman Lok.

Key announcements included new offices for the Collector, Superintendent of Police, District Panchayat and Janpad Panchayat, a women’s police station, a 10-acre indoor-outdoor stadium, and an Agricultural Development Centre in Sausar.

–IANS

sktr/pgh