Ujjain : The millions of people, who would be visiting Ujjain during the Simhastha Fair in April-May, 2016, will witness beautiful temple architecture through big entry gates at various approach roads to the city. Named as ‘stambhas’, these gates will be replica of the present stupas of prime temples like Mahakaleshwar Temple, Harsiddhi Temple and Omkareshwar Temple.
A high power committee on the Simhastha Fair-2016, headed by the Chief Secretary Anthony de Sa, invested considerable time to assess the need of erecting such entry gates, the cost on their construction and, most importantly, their designs. Four prominent architects on the occasion presented their designs of these gates through power point presentation at the Simhastha Fair Office, here on Friday night. The meet gave approval to erect an entry gate at Dewas Road at the cost of about Rs 1.75 crore. The design was prepared by architect-cum-planner from Bhopal, G Venkatesh. He informed that the stambhas or the entry gates will replicate the temple architecture as despite modifications the temple architecture in Madhya Pradesh still resembles to the ancient architecture.
According to the Principal Secretary, Culture and Archaeology, Manoj Shrivastava, elaborate preparations are being made to make this Simhastha Fair as memorable and of international repute. He informed that besides erecting stambhas or the entry gates, the Interpretation Center developed in the Mahakaleshwar Temple area will be used to showcase the traditions related to Shiva, Rama and Krishna times. A proposal to recruit new staff and depute it at the Center will be put before the State Cabinet. Shrivastava also informed that a sum of Rs 1.65 crore will be spent on the conservation of ancient temples like Vishnu Chatushthika Mandir, Bhartrahari Caves, Garhkalika Mandir, Kaal Bhairav Mandir, etc. Likewise, Rs 4.50 crore will be spent on developing the haat bazaar near the Hariphatak Over-bridge.