Why in News?

=> Recently, the work of restoration of Mani Parvat of mythological importance in Ayodhya has been started.

Key Points:

=> The ancient Mani Parvat, preserved by the Department of Archeology, is the main center of the famous Sawan Jhula Mela of RamNagari Ayodhya. There is also a temple of Lord Ram Janaki on the ancient mound.

=> To preserve the mythology of Mani Parvat, Rs 45 lakh has been allocated by the Archeological Department. In the first phase of renovation, the stairs leading to the sanctum sanctorum of Mani Parvat are being renovated with red stones from Mirzapur.

=> In the second phase, from the main gate of the temple to other premises, repairs will be done.

=> It is noteworthy that in the year 1998-99, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department had approved proposals of Rs 88 lakh for the beautification of Mani Parvat.

=> Under which the then Chief Minister Kalyan Singh had laid the foundation stone for the beautification scheme of Mani Parvat along with the inauguration of Ramkatha Park, but this plan could not be worked out and the tourism department surrendered the allocated amount of the scheme.

=> In the year 1902, Edward Teerth Vivechani Sabha was formed for the protection and preservation of the historical and mythological sites of Ayodhya Dham.

=> It marked 148 places of Ayodhya and placed Edward Tirtha Devechni's stones on them, so that these heritage could be preserved in future.