Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the renovated 11th Century Kalika Mata temple complex in Pavagadh in Panchmahal district. The temple was redeveloped after amicably shifting a dargah that was built atop the temple. A ‘shikhar and kalash’ or spire of the temple was constructed and the temple flag was unfurled.

Calling the renovated temple of Mahakali a “symbol of religious unity” due to the presence of Jain temples in the vicinity, Modi said that Gujarat has led the way for the “preservation of India’s spiritual history”.

Addressing the event at the famous Kalika Mata temple, PM Modi said, "In Ayodhya, you saw that the grand Ram temple is taking shape, be it Vishwanath Dham in Kashi or my Kedar Baba's Dham. Today, India's spiritual and cultural glory is being restored. Today, New India is living its ancient identity along with its modern aspirations, taking pride in them. Whatever strength I have, whatever virtues I have in my life, I should continue to dedicate it for the welfare of the mothers and sisters of the country." He said that this temple also symbolizes ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’.

Gujarat Chief Miniser Bhupendra Patel was also present at the event, accompanying PM Modi.

Notably, following the event at Pavagadh hills, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Virasat Van.

In the context of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Prime Minister said that Gujarat has made sterling contributions in the freedom struggle as well as in the development journey of the nation. Garvi Gujarat is synonymous with pride and glory of India, he said. He said that in the glorious tradition of Somnath temple; Panchmahal and Pavagadh have kept working for the pride in our heritage.

Calling it a “soul-stirring” moment, PM Modi said, “It is a blessed moment of my life. When your dream becomes a resolve and the resolve turns into an accomplishment, the feeling stirs up the soul… Today’s moment has filled my soul with joy.”

“Can you imagine that for five centuries and so many decades of independence, no flag had been unfurled on the shikhar of goddess Kali? It has happened today…And the Shaktipeeth of Pavagadh, the Mahakali temple will be in its glory and grandeur ahead of Gupt Navratri (Navratri observed in secrecy by saints according to Hindu mythology). When devotion, dedication and perseverance grow, Shakti appears with its full power. With the blessings of Mahakali, we are seeing the same power of Gujarat and India,” the Prime Minister added.

Several beneficiaries of various schemes of the government will participate in Gujarat Gaurav Abhiyan at Vadodara, where PM Modi will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of various Railway projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore. According to the PMO's press release, these railway projects include 357 Km long New Palanpur – Madar Section of Dedicated Freight Corridor; Gauge Conversion of 166 Km long Ahmedabad–Botad Section; electrification of 81 Km long Palanpur - Mitha Section and others.

PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Surat, Udhna, Somnath and Sabarmati Stations, along with the foundation stone of other initiatives in the railway sector.

Image source: ANI