Hamirpur: To promote tourism and spiritual development in Gulela village, Adi Shiv Dham was inaugurated
Unveiling of Adi Shiv Dham in Gulela village
Hamirpur, February 25, 2025
Ashish Sharma, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Sadar inaugurated the already established grand Adi Shiv Dham at Gulela village in the Gram Panchayat of Dhalot in a significant move to boost spiritual tourism and regional development. The launch ceremony, on Monday, attracted thousands of local residents, tourists and spiritual enthusiasts. The event was also the Pran Pratishtha of the idols, a key component of the temple’s formal consecration.
Among the dignitaries present was MLA Ashish Sharma, his wife Swati Sharma, members of the Shiv Dham Seva Samiti, the head and other members of the local Panchayat and other important personalities of the community. Not only did the unveiling event celebrate the temple’s spiritual significance — it also highlighted the contribution of community efforts that led to a breakthrough initiative becoming a reality.
The Genesis of Adi Shiv Dham: A Grand Vision Manifested
Adi Shiv Dham has been built in Gulela village, with contributions from both public and private sources. Shiv Dham is constructed at a massive plot of 10 Kanal land at a cost of ₹1.10 crore. This financing has been based on diverse sources such as the Panchayat’s advancement arrangements, MLA Ashish Sharma’s MLA reserve, and the combined support of neighborhood inhabitants who made liberal commitments to the reason.
A Maha Yagya was held prior to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony to celebrate the completion of construction. In doing so, the religious and cultural ceremony sanctified the space and added to the spiritual vibrancy of the new site. It is a much-anticipated project for the people of the area, and the starting point of new tourism and religious development in the area.
Focus on Tourism Development
At the unveiling, MLA Ashish Sharma informed that Adi Shiv Dham was an elaborate vision by the creator. He said the project was part of a larger effort to enhance the region’s tourism industry. He also hoped that the Dham would uplift the nearby Gasota Mahadev temple which he once pushed to be included in the tourism map.
Sharma said even as the earlier Congress government did not take concrete measures to exploit the potential of Gasota temple, the new government took a giant leap with the setting up of Adi Shiv Dham, only 1.5 kilometers away from Gasota temple.
“This project was made possible due to public cooperation and substantial financial assistance from the Panchayat and my MLA fund. The addition of a huge park with swings for children has also been incorporated in the project making it a family destination for local people as well as tourists,” read MLA Ashish Sharma’s address. It will be a center for spiritual tourism, enriching the experience of visitors and contributing to the economy of ЗатопленоDestination on the way to the most beautiful mountains in the world.
A Collective Triumph: Local Leaders and Grateful Donors
In a ceremony, Panchayat Pradhan Jyoti Devi thanked everyone involved for the successful execution of the Adi Shiv Dham initiative. For the uninitiated, a year back, the proposal for constructing the temple was proposed to MLA Ashish Sharma, who then had the interest in the project and worked hard to make it possible.
“In just a year of hearing this mantra with MLA Ashish Sharma’s fund and the dedicated efforts of the local people, we have constructed this beautiful temple. MLA Ashish Sharma hasn’t just donated ₹15 lakh from his MLA fund but also given from his earnings,” said Panchayat Pradhan Jyoti Devi, her voice filled with gratitude.
Architect Dheeraj Kaushal was also awarded for his monumental contribution of volunteering his services to design the temple. Worshippers and visitors also commended the temple’s beautiful layout and that the architectural plan incorporates contemporary aesthetics without abandoning the traditional elements. Much of the credit for this transformation of the visionary idea into the magnificent structure we now see in Gulela village goes to the architect.
Honoring the Generous Contribution of Donors
On the occasion, Ajay Sharma who is the President of the Shiv Dham Seva Samiti brandished the details of the donors who had donated generously for the construction of the temple. He thanked MLA Ashish Sharma, the Panchayat and villagers for their contribution in materializing the vision of Adi Shiv Dham. Sharma further thanked all the volunteers and supporters who had contribute their time and resources towards the cause.
The President promised a large-scale laser show in the evening as part of the celebrations marking the unveiling. The event became an exciting spectacle as thousands from the surrounding areas visited to catch a glimpse of the beautiful pyrotechnics. Ajay Sharma said in view of the upcoming Shivratri, a grand laser show would be held on February 26, which would later be organized here every day as a regular feature for the people to enjoy in the Dham.
Building a Vision: Encouraging Regional Growth and Sacred Tourism
The inauguration of Adi Shiv Dham, apart from being a spiritual milestone, is a landmark in the tourism development of the region. The Adi Shiv Dham, that recently launched has come-start during the Gasota Mahadev temple inside the proximity to it will create the area as the significant religious and cultural company in the Himachal Pradesh.
The Dham’s inception paves the way for an otherwise impeded local tourism growth and has full potential to draw visitors from the state and beyond. Adi Shiv Dham has the potential to transform into a vibrant community center and popular tourist destination establishing spiritual tourism with recreational amenities like the park and upcoming attractions such as the laser show।
With more development coming to the region, the importance of local government leaders, public cooperation and community support will be vital to its success. Truly, the tourism will not only boost the local economy but also the people residing in the valley will start feeling the reverberation of such sustainable development efforts, with MLA Ashish Sharma, local Panchayat and the Shiv Dham Seva Samiti working in unison for its forthcoming development.
Adi Shiv Dham in Gulela village, an initiative by the organization, highlights how community is driving local tourism and development. The newly inaugurated Dham opens up a realm of possibilities for events, attractions and spiritual activities that will leave a lasting legacy on the cultural and tourism fabric of the region.
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