Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that lord Shri Ram became ‘Maryada Purushottam’, because of his virtues and divine conduct. CM Dr. Yadav stated that the people of Orchha are fortunate, as Lord Shri Ram himself chose Orchha for his Darbar. Residents of Orchha are blessed with the daily darshan of Lord Ram Raja.
CM addressed the Bhoomi Poojan and inauguration ceremony for the second phase of ‘Shri Ram Raja Lok’ and other development projects in Orchha, Niwari district, on Wednesday. He performed the Bhoomi Poojan for the second phase of ‘Shri Ram Raja Lok’ with Vedic Rituals.
Prior to the event, CM Mohan Yadav visited the main temple and offered prayers at Shri Ram Raja Darbar. He also reviewed the ongoing construction works of the first phase on-site.
CM said that, alongside Orchha, development works worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore are also underway in Chitrakoot. He announced that Shri Ram Van Gaman Path and sites related to Lord Krishna's divine leelas will be developed as pilgrimage destinations, with funds already sanctioned for these projects.
CM inaugurated and performed Bhoomi Poojan for more than 21 projects worth over Rs 332.85 crore across Niwari district, including a new Sandipani School and a new government college.
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Infrastructure for Domestic and Foreign Tourists
CM Dr. Yadav inaugurated 103 new shops and plazas constructed at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore under the first phase of Shri Ram Raja Lok, further enhancing amenities for tourists visiting Orchha. He said that seven development projects, spanning both phases of Shri Ram Raja Lok and other initiatives, are underway in Orchha at a total cost of over Rs 239 crore.
CM Dr. Yadav shared the establishment of Shri Ram Raja Lok would support a religious and tourism-based economy, creating new employment opportunities. Notably, homestays run by women in Ladpura Khas and Radhapura villages have ranked first and second in the state, with a dozen new homestays to be introduced in Chandpura and Jamuniya Khas this year.
Orchha's Growing National and International Recognition
CM Dr. Yadav said that Orchha is set to become an internationally renowned tourist destination. The Union Ministry of Tourism is supporting infrastructure projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, including a Tourist Experience Center, Hunarshala, entry plaza, and travel pathways.
Orchha has been selected under UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) initiative, and the Government of India has recommended its recognition as a World Heritage Site by 2027-28. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Orchha railway station has been inaugurated at a cost of over Rs 6 crore. Deendayal Rasoi Yojana, offering wholesome meals for Rs 5, has been expanded in six pilgrimage cities, including Orchha.
Looking ahead to Simhastha 2028, CM Dr. Yadav expressed hope that pilgrims visiting Mahakaleshwar would also be drawn to Orchha’s grandeur. He affirmed that infrastructure, beautification, and tourism services would be strengthened so that Orchha may become a central location for both religious and spiritual tourism.