In pictures: Newly gold-plated Kamakhya Devalaya unveiled for devotees

GUWAHATI: The historic Kamakhya Devalaya in Assam's Guwahati city is now all decked up in gold thanks to Reliance India Limited's mammoth investment of Rs. 20-25 crores. According to reports, the dome of the historic shrine has been plated in gold after Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani himself showed a special interest in 'upgrading' the Shaktipeeth located on the Nilachal hilltop.

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The new dome was reopened for the public at a recent ceremony that saw Reliance officials reach Nilachal to flag off the brand new construction. The officials reportedly performed Devi Puja, a yajna, and Kumari puja to make the occasion an auspicious one.

The gold plating of the shrine -- closed for a major portion of the year due to the rampant spread of the coronavirus.

A team of 12 artisans had been brought in from Mumbai to transform the dome of the historic shrine and give it a dramatic facelift.

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According to reports, Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma -- a frequent visitor to the shrine -- has played a major role in the gold-plating of the dome as he drew RIL's attention to the dome.

Kabindra Sarma, the Head Priest of Kamakhya, has exuded hope that the gold plating of the 3 domes will bring more footfall. "Earlier, 3 domes were already plated and thanks to the Reliance initiative, 3 more domes have also been plated. Therefore, we have reason to believe that this will be an added attraction," he told Inside Northeast over the phone.

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