CM Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone of Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple in Siliguri (file photo)
Jagran correspondent, Siliguri. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone of 'Mahakal Mahatirtha Temple' in Siliguri on Friday. Announcing that it will be the country's largest Mahakal temple, Mamata Banerjee, while mentioning her faith in Hindu customs and classical rituals, also took a jibe at the BJP without naming it.
Tried to convey his message to Hindu voters by launching the second huge temple construction project in Bengal before the elections. Mamta said that no one should think that I do not look at the calendar or date. The auspicious time was after 4.15, so I came accordingly.
Said that she fully respects Hindu customs and classical times. Before this, the construction of a grand Durga temple was started in Kolkata last month. 12 different temples in the shape of 12 Jyotirlingas, this Mahakal Mahatirtha temple will be built on about 17.41 acres of land.
Its main attraction will be the 216 feet tall huge statue of Lord Shiva. 12 different temples corresponding to the 12 Jyotirlingas of India and 12 Shivalingas will be established in the complex. This pilgrimage site will have a capacity of one lakh devotees.
Apart from this, an international level convention center will also be built here, which will promote religious tourism. The government has allocated a budget of more than Rs 344 crore for this project, which is the largest amount so far for any temple complex in the state.
Mamata Banerjee had announced to start this project in Siliguri, taking inspiration from the Mahakal Temple located on the hills of Darjeeling. The target is to complete the construction within two and a half years.