The Prime Minister recently inaugurated an array of projects in Somnath, Gujarat. These projects fall under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme and have a total cost of over Rs 47 crore.
About The Somnath Exhibition Centre
Developed on the premises of the ‘Tourist Facilitation Centre’, the Somnath Exhibition Centre showcases exhibits from dismantled parts of the old Somnath temple and its sculptures with Nagara style temple architecture. This temple has another name – the Ahilyabai Temple, named after queen Ahilyabai of Indore who built it upon discovering that the original temple was in ruins.
Proposed Construction of Shree Parvati Temple
The Shree Parvati Temple is proposed to be constructed at a total cost of Rs 30 crore. The construction plan includes the use of Sompura Salats Style, development of Garbha Griha, and Nritya Mandap.
PRASHAD Scheme: An Overview
The Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD)’ in the year 2014-15. The intent of this launch was the holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations. In October 2017, PRASAD’s name was changed to “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)”.
Implementing Agency and Objective of The PRASHAD Scheme
The identified projects under this scheme will be implemented through agencies identified by the respective State/Union Territory Government. The main objectives of the scheme are the rejuvenation and spiritual augmentation of critical national/global pilgrimage and heritage sites, the promotion of community-based development, and the generation of livelihood through the integrated tourism development of heritage city, local arts, culture, handicrafts, and cuisine.
Funding for The PRASHAD Scheme
Under the PRASHAD scheme, the Ministry of Tourism offers Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments for advancing tourism at identified destinations. For components within public funding under this scheme, the Central Government will provide 100% of the funds. The project also seeks involvement from the Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for improved sustainability.
Nagara or North Indian Temple Style
Nagara style is commonly observed in North Indian temples which are typically built on a stone platform with steps leading up to it. Unlike South India, these temples usually have neither elaborate boundary walls nor gateways. Over time, these temples evolved from having a single tower or shikhara to multiple ones.
Sompura Salats (Temple Architects)
The Sompuras, known as Sompura Salat, are a group who branched off from the Sompura Brahmin community to pursue artistic and masonry works. While they originated from Patna, Gujarat, they settled in Chittorgarh when invited. Over the past five centuries, they have constructed and restored numerous Jain temples in Gujarat, southern Rajasthan, and other parts of India. The Ram janm Bhumi Temple was also designed by the Sompura family.