HT Digital
Wednesday, October 16: The Nabagraha Devalaya in Guwahati is set to undergo a significant redevelopment, with plans for an extensive upgrade of its facilities, supported by a budget of over ₹12 crore. The historic temple, which is revered as an important spiritual and cultural site, will see a transformation aimed at enhancing the experience for devotees while maintaining the sacredness and integrity of the place. The initiative will introduce a range of modern amenities to ensure convenience for the temple’s visitors and provide better management of the large number of pilgrims who visit the site.
As part of the redevelopment, several new facilities will be constructed, including a well-planned parking space to accommodate the growing number of vehicles arriving at the temple daily. This is a crucial addition, given the temple’s location and the often-congested routes leading to it. The parking space will alleviate traffic concerns and provide a hassle-free experience for devotees coming from different parts of the region.
Additionally, a designated monkey feeding tower will be built. Monkeys are a common sight at the temple, and feeding them has long been a part of the traditional rituals. By constructing a dedicated area for feeding, the temple authorities aim to ensure the safety of both visitors and the animals. This development also reflects a broader effort to harmonize religious customs with the need for structured and safe spaces for interactions with wildlife.
Another notable addition to the site will be a scenic viewpoint, offering devotees and tourists a place to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Guwahati’s Nabagraha temple, perched on a hill, provides stunning vistas of the city and the mighty Brahmaputra River. The new viewpoint will allow visitors to take in the serene beauty of the region, further enhancing their spiritual experience.
In terms of infrastructural upgrades, the project will include the construction of accommodations for the temple priests. These quarters will provide comfortable living spaces for the priests who serve at the temple, ensuring they have adequate facilities to perform their duties. Along with this, an administrative office and a multi-purpose building will be constructed. These new structures will streamline the management of temple activities and events, making the temple’s operations more efficient and organized.
Vendor stalls will also be built as part of the project, providing an organized space for local vendors who sell religious items, offerings, and souvenirs to devotees. This will help promote local businesses while ensuring that visitors have easy access to items needed for worship. In addition, a new security room will be established to ensure the safety of the temple and its visitors, addressing concerns about the security of such a significant spiritual site.
Other amenities planned include a feet wash area, which will offer devotees a convenient place to clean themselves before entering the temple, and an astrologer block, where astrologers can offer their services to visitors seeking guidance based on the temple’s significance in astrology and planetary alignment. This aligns with the traditional importance of the Nabagraha temple, which is dedicated to the nine planets and holds a special place in astrological beliefs.
The redevelopment aims to maintain the sacredness of the Nabagraha temple while making the space more accessible, organized, and convenient for devotees. The project will preserve the temple’s character, ensuring that the spiritual atmosphere remains intact as the facilities are upgraded to meet the needs of modern-day visitors. The planned enhancements will not only provide improved services for pilgrims but will also help in managing the growing footfall more efficiently.
As the redevelopment project moves forward, it is expected to attract even more devotees and tourists to the Nabagraha temple, reinforcing its status as one of Guwahati’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks.
