Lucknow: From worship to interpretation, Mahoba’s tryst with the sun is entering a new phase. Home to a Chandela-period sun temple, the Bundelkhand town is set to get a sun interpretation centre under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme, aimed at positioning it as a distinctive heritage and knowledge-based tourism destination.The proposed centre in Mahoba will come up in over 4,210 sqmt area as part of a Rs24.98crore integrated tourism project approved under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
Officials said 10% of the sanctioned amount has already been released to UPPCL, Banda, the executing agency, and the project is targeted for completion by the end of 2026.Designed as a thematic and experiential facility, the centre will interpret the scientific significance and cultural narratives associated with the sun in Indian tradition.Its architectural design will symbolically represent the eight ‘prahars’ of a day — Usha, Purvanha, Madhyanha, Aparanha, Sayankal, Pradosha, Nishitha and Triyama — reflecting traditional Indian concepts of time and the cyclical understanding of life embedded in Indic philosophy.A specially designed sundial will indicate time through the first rays of sunlight, reinforcing the centre’s solar theme and offering visitors a tangible experience of ancient timekeeping traditions.Sustainability features form a core component of the project. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, grass pavers and integrated waste management mechanisms are being incorporated to promote ecofriendly and green tourism practices, aligning with the broader objective of responsible destination development in the ecologically sensitive Bundelkhand region.Tourism and culture minister, Jaiveer Singh said the initiative is part of a broader push to strengthen tourism infrastructure in Bundelkhand following major upgrades in Ayodhya, Varanasi and Prayagraj.He said that Mahoba recorded nearly 28 lakh visitors in 2025, underscoring its growing tourism potential and the need for enhanced interpretation facilities.Additional chief secretary (tourism), Amrit Abhijat said the centre will feature interactive galleries blending mythology, religion and science.One gallery will juxtapose surya with Helios of ancient Greek belief, while another will showcase prominent sun temples of India, including the Konark sun temple, through architectural models and curated exhibits.Dedicated sections will also explain the sun’s role in astronomy — including seasons, calendars and celestial movements — alongside immersive 3D displays interpreting astrological concepts.Officials said the project is expected to give Mahoba a distinct thematic identity on UP’s tourism map while generating local employment and economic activity in the Bundelkhand region.
