Shivalay Park, also known as Bharat Map Shape Park, is a newly developed park in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. It’s designed to be a significant attraction, especially with the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela. Here’s a summary of what we know about it:

The 12 Jyotirlingas:

These are the 12 most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva in India, located in various states. They are considered to be among the most holy forms of Lord Shiva. Here are their names:

1. Somnath (Gujarat)
2. Mallikarjuna (Andhra Pradesh)
3. Mahakaleshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
4. Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
5. Baidyanath (Jharkhand)
6. Bhīmāshankar (Maharashtra)
7. Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu)
8. Nageshwar (Gujarat)
9. Vishwanath (Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi)
10. Triambakeshwar (Maharashtra)
11. Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
12. Grishneshwar (Maharashtra)

You can find more detailed information about each of these Jyotirlingas separately.

Concept and Design:

• Map of India Shape: The park is uniquely designed in the shape of the map of India. This allows visitors to walk “across” the country within the park itself.
• 12 Jyotirlingas: The park features replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred Shiva shrines in Hinduism. This allows visitors to see representations of these important pilgrimage sites in one location.
• Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean): There are depictions or exhibits related to the Samudra Manthan, a famous story from Hindu mythology about the churning of the ocean by gods and demons.
• Other Attractions (Planned/Under Development): Some sources mention potential future additions like a glass skywalk, fun zones, play zones, boating areas, walking zones, a meditation center, and a herbal garden. However, it appears that not all of these features are fully completed yet.

Location:

• Arail (Near Naini Bridge): The park is located in Arail, which is across the Yamuna River from the main city of Prayagraj. It’s near the Naini Bridge.

Current Status (August 2024):

• Partially Open: The park has been opened to the public, even though some construction and development are still ongoing.
• Work in Progress: Some areas are still under construction, so not all planned features might be accessible yet. Sources suggest it may take a few more months to fully complete the park.

Ticket Price:

• Normal Days: ₹50 per person
• Weekends and Festivals: ₹100 per person

Significance:

• Tourist Attraction: Shivalay Park is intended to be a major tourist attraction in Prayagraj, offering a unique blend of recreation, education, and religious significance.
• Pre-Maha Kumbh Development: Its development is partly tied to the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela, with the aim of providing additional attractions for the large number of pilgrims and tourists expected to visit Prayagraj.

In short, Shivalay Park is a map-shaped park featuring replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas and other attractions. It’s located in Arail, near the Naini Bridge, and is partially open to the public, with ongoing development.