Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav performed the bhoomi pujan for the first phase of the Maa Baglamukhi Devi Lok project in Nalkheda, Agar-Malwa district, on Monday.
The first phase, estimated to cost ₹85.40 crore, aims to transform the renowned pilgrimage site into a major centre for faith, spirituality and religious tourism.
The project will be developed across approximately 20 hectares, or 55 acres, with the aim of providing modern facilities to devotees visiting the famous Maa Baglamukhi Temple from across India and abroad.
108-Foot Temple Spire and 220 Yagyashalas
The first phase includes construction of the main temple across 2,800 square metres, featuring a 108-foot-high shikhara, the sanctum, the upper structure and stone cladding.
The complex will also feature 220 yagyashalas for religious ceremonies and Vedic rituals, along with a 625-square-metre gaushala. Four grand entrance gates, measuring 18 metres, 12 metres and 9 metres in width at different locations, are planned as part of the development.
Boundary walls will also be constructed to secure the premises. The temple corridor and courtyard will be developed to improve access and facilitate smoother darshan for devotees.
Parking, Prasad Zone and Modern Facilities
The development plan includes a dedicated prasad shopping zone, shoe stands, handwashing facilities and a designated area for depositing mobile phones. Public amenities will include toilet blocks, separate parking facilities for four-wheelers and buses, and internal roads and driveways.
A protocol building will be constructed to accommodate visiting dignitaries. The project also includes site levelling, land filling and compaction, landscaping, gardens and green spaces to improve the overall appearance of the complex.
Electrical infrastructure, façade lighting, plumbing and fire-safety arrangements are also part of the planned development.
Existing Temples and Riverfront to Be Beautified
The first phase includes renovation of two existing Shiva temples within the complex. The banks of the Lakhunder River will be developed with attractive ghats, enhancing the surroundings and improving facilities for pilgrims.
The broader development plan also envisages better accommodation facilities in dharamshalas, clean surroundings and improved access for visitors.
₹55-Crore Bypass and ₹13.77-Crore Bridge
Alongside the Devi Lok project, the government is undertaking separate infrastructure works to improve connectivity to Nalkheda.
A new bypass of approximately 14 kilometres between Amla and Nalkheda, costing more than ₹55 crore, is being developed to ease traffic movement. Roads and a culvert along the approach to the temple will also be widened where required.
A new high-level bridge over the Lakhunder River, estimated to cost ₹13.77 crore, is planned to ensure safer and smoother movement for devotees. The bypass and bridge are separate projects and are not included in the ₹85.40-crore first-phase cost of the Devi Lok complex.
Religious Tourism Push Across Madhya Pradesh
CM Yadav said the state government was committed to developing more than 14 religious destinations as major pilgrimage centres. These include Shri Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, Ekta Dham at Omkareshwar, Orchha and Chitrakoot.
The Chief Minister said the Maa Baglamukhi Devi Lok project would strengthen Nalkheda's religious identity and provide devotees with improved facilities. The government is also working to strengthen road, rail and air connectivity to the region.
With the first phase now inaugurated, the project is expected to improve pilgrimage infrastructure and give a further boost to religious tourism in Agar-Malwa district.