Nagpur: The historic Kalyaneshwar Mandir in Mahal, believed to be around 400 years old, is set for a major facelift after the state govt’s apex committee approved a revised development plan worth ₹72.49 crore for the temple complex. The approval came at a meeting chaired by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.The temple, located close to the Senior Bhosale Palace, draws devotees and visitors throughout the year. One of the significant changes in the revised proposal is the replacement of the earlier plan for mechanical basement parking with two levels of conventional basement parking. Fadnavis directed officials to expand parking according to the actual requirement, adding that mechanical parking would not be feasible at the site.The revised plan also removes the proposed residential accommodation component and incorporates the construction of the temple’s shikhar. The development will seek to give the temple precinct a more cohesive architectural identity, with Hemadpanthi-style beautification proposed. A grand sabhamandap and a multi-purpose hall are among the proposed additions, along with dedicated facilities for Mahaprasad, administrative offices and a Vedashala for Vedic studies.Devotees will also get access to a yoga centre, clean restrooms, drinking water facilities and other amenities. The plan includes a modern rainwater harvesting system. The proposal also envisages development around the temple’s associated shrines, including those dedicated to Ganesha, Mahadev and Hanuman.MLA Pravin Datke, whose constituency houses the temple, had sought an allocation of ₹100 crore, arguing that additional funds would be required for the temple’s shikhar and expanded parking facilities. The revised estimate, however, was fixed at ₹72.49 crore and approved by the apex committee.
