Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla facilitated another tourism development initiative, this time focusing on the Sun Temple of Budhadit. The Union Tourism Ministry, in principle, has recognised the Sun Temple for transformation into a religious tourism destination.
A letter has been dispatched to the Tourism Department of the Rajasthan Government, directing them to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed development.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasised the rich heritage of the entire Hadoti region, including Kota, and envisions it as a potential attraction for a significant number of tourists. However, he noted that insufficient efforts have been made to enhance basic facilities and promote these historical sites on a global scale.
In light of this, Om Birla informed the Central Government’s Tourism Ministry about several historical places in Kota-Bundi and urged them to initiate development under various schemes. As a part of this initiative, the Sun Temple of Budhadit is chosen for development as a religious tourist destination under the Prasad scheme.
Built in the Nagar style in the 9th century, the Sun Temple in Budhadit, located approximately 55 kilometres from Kota, holds over a thousand years of history.
The temple, constructed in the Nagar architectural style, predates the Sun Temple of Jhalrapatan. Although the builder remains unknown, the site earned its name, Budhadit, due to Budhaditya, the symbol of the setting sun.
Currently under the conservation efforts of the Rajasthan Archaeology Department, the temple site also features an ancient pond.
Om Birla’s endeavours in the realm of tourism development extend to the Keshorai Patan temple, dedicated to Lord Keshavrai, in Keshavraipatan. This temple is also marked for development as a religious tourist destination. The riverfront along the Chambal River is slated for development, with a prepared DPR signalling the commencement of work shortly.
