Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda has announced that Khandwa’s Omkareshwar Temple will be developed on the lines of Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Corridor on Wednesday.

Deputy CM Devda made the announcement while presenting Madhya Pradesh government’s budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the state assembly.

Out of 12 auspicious Jyotirlingas in India, two are located in Madhya Pradesh—Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. The Mahakaleshwar corridor was developed in 2022 at an expenditure of ₹350 crore. Since the development, Mahakal Temple has been attracting a huge footfall of common public, politicians, and even celebrities.

Recently, on Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh's Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya visited Mahakal. Similarly, singer and rapper Honey Singh offered prayers at the Mahakal Jyotirlinga on March 8.

Watch the Budget Speech here:

Fund allocation yet to be unveiled

Now, Omkareshwar temple will also be developed similar to Mahakal Lok, adding to the spiritual significance of the jyotirlinga and state.

Omkareshwar’s development is expected to receive significant funding, with ₹600 crore worth of proposals sent for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh. However, local legislators stated that the exact allocations will be clear only after the budget is passed.

Minister Devda presented a ₹4.21 lakh crore budget, ensuring no new taxes or tax rate hikes. 

Aim of Omkareshwar project

Omkareshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which will be developed on the lines of Ujjain’s Mahakal Lok. The Mahakal Lok Corridor hosts huge idols of the 'Sapt Rishi,' vibrant models from Samudra Manthan, and other stories from Hindu epics. Green plants along the corridor, small ponds after some distance, and vibrant lighting in the evening add to the tourist experience.

A similar blend of spirituality and beautification can be expected in Omkareshwar as well. Here, teachings of Adi Shankaracharya will be promoted. It will include the development of the ‘Acharya Shankar International Advaita Vedanta Institute.’ 

Additionally, a 278 MW floating solar power plant has already been commissioned in Omkareshwar.

These projects include the development of Narmada ghats, road widening in the pilgrimage town, and the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Narmada River.