Minister for Archives and Archaeology Shri. Subhash Phal Dessai in a meeting held today reviewed the plan for setting up Ekatma Bharat Kendra at Shree Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Verna. The project comprises of State of Art museum depicting ancient history of India and transformation of Indian culture and statue of ‘Bharat Mata’ which would ignite patriotism among the young generation.
In a meeting with Trustees of Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Verna and Senior Officials of Government, Shri. Phal Dessai was informed about the initial plan for setting up the Ekatma Bharat project. Minister instructed the Department of Archeology to take up the work of preparing Detailed Project Report (DPR) to get nod from Central Government to seek financial assistance as ‘Ekatma Bharat’ is a part of national project which aims to build patriotism among the people and rejuvenate ancient culture of the land.
The meeting had detailed discussion on pending issues pertaining to ongoing development of Mahalasa Narayani temple which was approved by the Government earlier.
Shri. Phal Dessai visited the Nupur water spring site and reviewed the project of water revival and harvesting project by the Water Resources Department in the vicinity of Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Verna.
The meeting also discussed construction of a compound wall, Shifting of Electricity Transformer, load approval of new transformer connection to School run by the Trust and other relevant issues.
An approved development plan of Mahalasa Narayani temple is being executed by involving Government bodies such as Archives and Archeology Department, Water Resources, PWD and Electricity Department.
Shri. Phal Dessai expressed that Mahalasa Narayani temple being the ancient temple with historic significance needs to be developed as a spiritual Centre which would attract spiritual tourism in the State to a great extent.
It may be recalled that, Department of Archeology entered into an agreement with Mahalasa Narayani Temple trust last year. The agreement aims to facilitate hassle free development of the ancient or rebuilt temples on Government owned sites by the temple trust with less financial implication for the Government.
The temple of Goddess Mahalasa had been on the plateau of Verna village in Salcete since ancient times before the advent of Portuguese rule. It is believed that Goddess Shree Mahalasa Narayani first appeared in Varenyapur which is known as Verna.
Director, Archeology Dr. Nilesh Fal Dessai, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist Dr. Varad Sabnis, Vice Chairman of Mahalasa Narayani Charitable Trust Shri. Devidas Saraf, Managing Trustee Shri. Prashant Deshpande, Architect Shri. Abhijeet Sadhale and other Senior Government Officials and trustees attended the meeting.
