Project Details

The Smart City scheme insists in fostering and promoting non-motorized mobility as well as open spaces and gardens. As such this Part 1- Promenade from Pedestrian Arch Bridge near ESG to Children Park is themed as “Tapaloka” Yog Kshetra (Yoga Realm). This Part 1 is conceptualized by combining elements of placemaking with the integration of yoga into the public realm and aims to create an engaging and tranquil space that promotes well-being, education, and the practice of yoga for individuals and the community at large.

Features

1) Sinha Dwar (Lion gate): The entry is easily identifiable with two Kadamba lions / (guards).

2) Yog Setu (Bridge): A distinctive bridge serving as the entrance and connection to the promenade from DB road near ESG to the Miramar Beach along the river coast. The bridge is built over the Santa Inez creek branch that is connected to the Mandovi River near the Childrens park. The bridge features:
(i) Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) poses on either sides on the arches.
(ii) Yog Purush and Purna Yogi statues are placed below the main arches on the bridge.

3) Located just past the bridge, a square that features a Yog Stambh (pillar) intricately carved from granite, representing the conecept of "One Sun, One World, One Grid"- unifiying and harmonising humanity.

4) Yog Dalan: A gallery situated on one side of the square, providing an interactive exhibition on the neurophysical and metaphysical aspects of yoga, with a yoga depicting the positions of the chakras in the body and the concerned asanas to balance these chakras. It is housed within a pergola structure.

5) Yog Mandal: A small amphitheater adjacent to Yog Dalan, designed for small performances for locals and interactive yoga sessions.

6) Yog Path: A pathway adorned with twelve sculptures in granite stone, depicting the twelve different poses of Yog Assanas.

7) Pranayam Kshetra: As the pathway opens up to a wider view of the river, a dedicated area called Pranayam Kshetra is created on the river side. It is designed for the practice of pranayama (breathing exercises) in a serene environment.

8) Astang Yog Kshetra: A spacious plaza, designed as part of the project, is strategically located within a serene spot within a tree grove and gentle sea breeze. It features an octagon-shaped pergola, symbolizing the eight aspects of Astang Yog (Eight Limbs of Yoga). The plaza provides an ideal setting for individuals to engage in yoga practices, fostering a sense of peace and harmony within the natural environment.

9) A finger-like projection jutting out into the river, marked by a 20-foot statue of “Gomantbhumi Janak Parshuram”. Yoga represents the union of body, mind, and soul, with the soul being regarded as eternal. Parashurama is considered one of the Chiranjeevis (Immortals) in Hindu mythology, and is credited with the creation of the Konkan coast. The statue of Parashurama embodies the enduring essence of Yoga.

These features collectively create an inviting space where individuals and the community can immerse themselves in the practice and teachings of yoga while enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.