Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor

Facts for Prelims

Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor

News: The PM has recently laid the foundation stone for Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana to enhance access and amenities for pilgrims visiting the Kamakhya temple.

About:
• Maa Kamakhya Divyalok Pariyojana, also known as the Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor, is a significant development initiative in Assam, India.
• The corridor aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting the Kamakhya Temple and boost tourism in the state.
• It is part of the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme
• Currently, six major temples within the Kamakhya complex are hidden from public view and will be restored. The project intends to provide pilgrims with wide open spaces, improved facilities, and a divine and memorable experience.

About Kamakhya temple:
• Located in Nilachal Hills, Guwahati. It is one of the 51 shaktipeethas. Kamakhya Maa is considered the goddess of fertility.
• The temple’s architectural shape is a combination of the traditional nagara and saracenic styles. This hybrid architecture is sometimes called the Nilachal type, named after the hill where it’s located.
• The temple has a distinctive beehive-like shikhara (dome). The dome is adorned with sculptured panels and images of various Hindu deities.
• Kamakhya Temple hosts the famous Ambubachi Mela. This is an annual festival celebrating the menstruation of the goddess.