Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Mahakal Lok corridor Vijay and space, and the main Shiva temple is dedicated to Mahakal, the lord of time. In the 18th century, an observatory was built here by Maharaja Jai Singh II, known as the Vedh Shala or Jantar Mantar, comprising 13 architectural instruments to measure astronomical phenomena. It is said that during the medieval period, Islamic rulers gave donations to priests for offering prayers here. In the 13th century, the temple complex was destroyed by Turk ruler Shams-ud-din Iltutmish during his raid on Ujjain. The present five-storeyed structure was built by the Maratha general Ranoji Shinde in 1734, in the Bhumija, Chalukya and Maratha styles of architecture. A century later, its marble walkways were restored by the Scindias. PM Modi in Ujjain: 'Mahakal Lok' corridor was inaugurated by PM Modi. This corridor is 900-metre-long, one of the largest such corridors in the country. Corridor spreads around the old Rudrasagar Lake which has also been revived as part of project. Mahakaleshwar temple is one of the 12 'jyotirlingas' in the country. Two majestic gateways - Nandi Dwar and Pinaki Dwar - separated by a short distance have been erected. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the first phase of the 'Shri Mahakal Lok' corridor in Ujjain on Tuesday evening (October 11). It was a mega event, in which PM Modi inaugurated the first phase of Mahakal temple corridor project in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. "Prime Minister Modiji dedicated to the nation the first phase of Mahakal Lok. It was a memorable moment for all of us. The entire state was waiting for that moment and we all participated in the event in some way or the other," Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Monday. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday took a round of the Mahakal Lok and reviewed preparations for the event. After visiting the Mahakaleshwar Temple and Mahakal Lok, the mystic and amazing premises should make a permanent place in the hearts of the people, Chouhan said. Why is so much buzz over 'Mahakal Lok' corridor: The Mahakal Lok corridor is more than 900-metre-long. It is one of the largest such corridors in the country. The corridor spreads around the old Rudrasagar Lake which has also been revived as part of the redevelopment project around the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the 12 'jyotirlingas' in the country which attracts a large number of devotees. Two majestic gateways - Nandi Dwar and Pinaki Dwar - separated by a short distance have been erected. The gateways have been erected near the starting point of the corridor. It winds its way to the temple's entrance and offers an aesthetic view along the way. A colonnade of 108 ornate pillars made of intricately carved sandstones, gushing fountains and a running panel of more than 50 murals have also been erected. The murals depict the stories from the 'Shiv Puran' are among the major highlights of the Mahakal Lok. The grand event is part of the Rs 856 crore Mahakaleshwar Temple corridor development project. The first phase of 'Mahakal Lok' has been developed at Rs 316 crore. A TO Z INDIA NOVEMBER 2022 PAGE 7