Synopsis
On March 24, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the three-day Shiva Panchayat Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav in Vadnagar, where he offered prayers and inaugurated significant projects at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.Key Takeaways
- Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel participated in a religious festival.
- A modern Light and Sound Show was inaugurated.
- The show aims to educate visitors about the temple.
- Vadnagar is gaining popularity as a heritage tourism spot.
- Hatkeshwar Temple has significant historical value.
Gandhinagar, March 24 (NationPress) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took part in the three-day Shiva Panchayat Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav held in Vadnagar, where he offered prayers and inaugurated significant religious projects at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
The Gujarat government has launched a modern Light and Sound Show at the Hatkeshwar Temple, akin to those at Somnath, Ambaji, Modhera, and the Statue of Unity.
This show, developed at a cost of Rs 5.53 crore by the Gujarat Tourism Corporation Limited (TCGL), aims to enlighten visitors about the temple's rich mythology and history. During the festival, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the temple's golden spire, conducted a flag-hoisting ceremony, and unveiled a newly constructed Yagyashala.
While addressing the crowd, he underscored Vadnagar's increasing status as a heritage tourism hub, mentioning major attractions like the Archaeological Experience Museum, Kirti Toran, Sharmishtha Lake, Tana-Riri Park, and the Buddhist Monastery.
Hatkeshwar Mahadev, known as the deity of the Nagar community, holds immense religious and historical importance. The temple, referenced in ancient texts such as Nagar Khand and Skanda Purana, is celebrated for its intricate architecture, featuring a grand mandap and artistic representations of Vishnu's Dashavatar and the Pandavas' exile.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Light and Sound Show will enrich visitors' comprehension of the temple's legacy, thereby enhancing their spiritual journey.
He pointed out that Vadnagar has become a major draw for both domestic and international tourists, with around 600,000 visitors recorded this year.
With the introduction of this Light and Sound Show, Hatkeshwar Temple has become Gujarat's seventh tourism site to offer such an experience, following similar setups at Somnath, Ambaji, Shamlaji, Modhera, the Statue of Unity, and Kutch's Dhordo.
Prominent figures at the event included social leader Somabhai Modi, Additional Chief Secretary M.K. Das, Principal Secretary of Tourism Rajendra Kumar, TCGL Managing Director, Member of Parliament Haribhai, local MLAs, Vadnagar Municipality officials, temple trustees, and devotees.
