Spiritual serenity meets sustainable development at Mahunag’s new park
The iconic village of Mahunag in the Karsog subdivision of Mandi district, renowned for its spiritual and historical significance, has taken a remarkable stride towards sustainable rural development with the inauguration of a beautifully designed park under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
This newly developed space is fast emerging as a unique destination that blends devotion, nature and community recreation. Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 7 lakh by the Sewa Mahu Gram Panchayat, the park stands adjacent to the revered temple of Devta Mahunag—worshipped as the embodiment of the Mahabharata warrior Karna. Long celebrated for its rich spiritual heritage, Mahunag now sets an example for grassroots rural development as well.
More than just a recreational space, the MGNREGA park symbolises the preservation of local traditions and the intelligent use of welfare schemes. At its heart lies a beautifully crafted pond, surrounded by lush greenery and ornamental plants that create a serene, spiritually uplifting environment. Comfortable benches have been installed, offering visitors a peaceful space to relax and rejuvenate.
To make the park family-friendly, special play equipment and swings have been added for children, turning it into an ideal destination for family outings and community gatherings. One of the main attractions is the “I Love Mahunag” selfie point, which has quickly become popular among tourists and pilgrims, boosting the site’s online visibility and charm.
Speaking at the inauguration, Panchayat Pradhan Ammi Chand highlighted Mahunag’s deep-rooted historical and religious significance. “This land is blessed by Devta Mahunag. Devotees from across the country visit this sacred site to seek blessings and we are committed to providing them with better facilities. This park reflects our collective vision and efforts,” he said.
He credited the project’s success to strong cooperation between the state government and the local panchayat, emphasising, “This park stands as a shining example of how MGNREGA, when implemented effectively, can transform rural landscapes and uplift entire communities.”
The park aligns with the state government’s broader vision of developing religious and heritage sites into vibrant tourist hubs. Beyond boosting tourism, it also contributes to rural infrastructure, employment generation and cultural preservation.
Officials noted that the peaceful environment, natural beauty and spiritual aura of Mahunag make it a perfect retreat for urban visitors seeking solace and a deeper connection with tradition. Moreover, the growing tourist footfall is expected to provide new opportunities for local artisans, promote regional crafts and cuisine, and strengthen the local economy.
