Saputara Beckons : Gujarat Gears Up for Megh Malhar Parva 2024

Surat : Saputara, Gujarat’s sole hill station, has blossomed spectacularly this monsoon season. With an influx of visitors from Gujarat and abroad during the rainy season, the Government of Gujarat is organising its annual ‘Saputara Megh Malhar Parva 2024’. Starting on July 29 and extending for a month, the celebration will captivate nature enthusiasts from across the globe. Chief Minister  Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate the event. Nestled in the Dang district of South Gujarat, Saputara is renowned not just for its scenic beauty but also for the spiritual allure of its surrounding religious sites. Among these sacred spots is Shabri Dham, a significant place of worship.

Tourists exploring the Saputara Hills often visit Shabri Dham, a revered site linked with Lord Shri Ram. Nestled about three kilometers east of Subir village, Shabri Dham is believed to be the place where Lord Shri Ram met Shabri, as narrated in the Ramayan. During His exile, Lord Shri Ram is believed to have come to this sacred site in search of Sita, where Mata Shabri, an ardent devotee, awaited His arrival. It is here that Mata Shabri guided Lord Shri Ram on his quest to find Sita.

Folktales of Lord Ram, Maa Sita, and Shri Lakshman resonate deeply within the local tribal culture. At the grand temple perched on a small hill amidst the surrounding forest, one can find depictions and idols marking the Rama-Shabari meeting from the Ramayana.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister  Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government is committed to enhancing pilgrimage sites of mythological and historical significance. Hence, the state government has launched a series of development projects at Shabri Dham, investing approximately ₹10 crore through the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board (GPYVB).

Grand Yatri Niwas Constructed in 1st Phase

Since December 2018, various development projects have been initiated to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims visiting Shabri Dham. Significant facilities are being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore to enhance the experience for devotees.

According to GPYVB Secretary  R.R. Rawal, the first phase of the Shabri Dham development project is now complete. During the first phase, the construction of a grand Yatri Niwas and an Administrative Block was undertaken with an investment of approximately ₹4.89 crore. The Yatri Niwas features a kitchen, dining area, storeroom, wash area, toilets, five executive rooms, three special rooms, a waiting area, an 11-bed male dormitory, an 11-bed female dormitory, two living rooms, and a kitchen. The Administrative Block includes a hall, dining area with kitchen, two sitting rooms, two bedrooms, kitchen area, Sant Niwas, and facilities for toilets and drinking water.

2nd Phase Begins, Aims to Develop 16 New Facilities

In the second phase of the Shabri Dham development project, led by the Gujarat government and GPYVB, significant development work is being undertaken with an investment of ₹5.74 crore. The 2nd phase will introduce and develop 16 new facilities aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. Planned upgrades include the creation of additional parking, renovation of the Hanumanji temple, installation of paver blocks, construction of a retaining wall, and the addition of a new assembly hall shed. Additional features include the construction of a canteen, new toilets, ramps, and a water tank, along with the refurbishment of existing toilets. The project will also encompass gardening and landscaping, steps’ renovation and repainting, updated signage, installation of solar light poles, solar systems, and enhanced electrification.