Pilgrimage for All| Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Instructor: Dr. Rachna Khare
Ujjain is one of the oldest cities of India and hosts the Kumbh Mela (Sinhastha), a quadrennial mass pilgrimage that attracts millions of pilgrims. The Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve most sacred Shiva temples and holds a special place in the Hindu Mythology.
After an intensive study of the site, the access route was identified as the key issue with mismanaged crowd and faulty road sections being the main problems. I worked from the notion:
“We are Diverse. We are Different. We are Equal”
The design centers at making the access route healthy and pleasant for the devotees. Treating all the pilgrims with dignity, interventions negotiates with the present urban fabric, retaining the authenticity of the site and presenting the users with a rewarding spiritual experience.
A street is made of stories.
The intervention encourages and enhances the vibrant diversity of Ujjain’s streets. Pavilions invites citizens to move through its spaces while providing ample displays for the rich array of local crafts and goods, honoring and amplifying their significance.
Ujjain’s streets, already dynamic and multifaceted, serve as sites of celebration and wonder. This intervention fosters inclusivity, creating opportunities for all citizens to participate in the lively carnival of Ujjain’s street life.
Proposal
focuses on Infrastructural intervention rather than architectural input to assist the pilgrims and locals alike to a dignified experience on the site.
