Shiva looms large in Ujjain. The screen of the autorickshaw that I take to the Mahakaleshwar Temple has “Jai Shree Mahakal” printed on it. And the security guard who ushers me into the compound chants the mantra.
It is a crisp spring morning, and a state-of-the-art sound system fills the air with “Om”. I am at Nandi Dwar, a 26fthigh gate that opens to a 900m corridor leading to the centuries-old temple. Both the gate and the corridor are designed to dwarf visitors.
The corridor is the longest of its kind in the country. It is being constructed along the banks of the Rudra Sagar lake and the river Kshipra at a cost of more than ₹850 crore. Named ‘Mahakal Lok’, the corridor will have 200 statues and a 100ft-wide mural wall.
Beyond Nandi Dwar is a lotus pond. In the middle is a towering statue of a meditating Shiva surrounded by gushing fountains.
Bu hikaye THE WEEK India dergisinin May 07, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye THE WEEK India dergisinin May 07, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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