PATIALA, October 30: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday launched projects worth ₹75 crore to give a major facelift to the historic Sri Kali Mata Temple in Patiala.
Addressing devotees, Kejriwal said it was a matter of privilege for the government to begin projects of such spiritual and public significance. “With the blessings of Mata Rani, the work will be completed within a year,” he said, adding that no previous government had cared to start these initiatives.
Kejriwal said the temple, one of northern India’s most revered shrines, stands as a symbol of Punjab’s rich spiritual and royal heritage. Nearly 10,000 devotees visit it daily, with numbers rising to over one lakh during Navratri, he added.
Projects worth ₹73.52 crore have been planned to enhance the temple’s infrastructure, including a clean water supply from Bhakra Canal, upgraded sewage and drainage systems, and an Aam Aadmi Clinic within the temple complex to serve residents and devotees.
Chief Minister Mann said a light and sound show will be set up near the pond, modeled on major pilgrimage sites, while the temple’s passageways, boundary walls, and entry gates will be redesigned in harmony with traditional architecture.
