The much-awaited 'Shree Mandir Parikrama,' also known as the Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project, surrounding Odisha's revered Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, is gearing up for its grand inauguration on January 17.
Executed by the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) and handed over to the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the primary goal of this project is to enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall ambiance of the iconic Jagannath Temple. While the temple itself remains unchanged, significant developments within the 75-meter corridor surrounding its boundary wall aim to improve the infrastructure in the temple's vicinity. The inauguration is strategically timed, taking place just five days before the coronation ceremony of the Ram temple.
Here are the details about the Puri Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project:
Inauguration Details: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is slated to inaugurate the project on January 17, with the final offering (prunahuti) to be performed by Puri Gajapati Maharaj Divyasingha Deb. The three-day yagna (ritual) commenced today.
Invited Guests: Representatives from 90 religious shrines and institutions nationwide have received invitations to attend the inauguration ceremony on January 17.
Project Cost and Components: Valued at Rs 3,700 crore, the project encompasses sub-projects such as the redevelopment of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration building, Srimandir reception center, Jagannath cultural center, Badadanda heritage streetscape, beachfront development, Puri Lake, and Musa river revival plan.
Amenities: The Heritage project includes various amenities like parking spaces, Shree Setu (a bridge), pilgrimage centers, a new road for pilgrim movement, toilets, clock rooms, electrical work, and more.
Buffer Zone and Pedestrian Area: The Shree Mandira Parikrama Project (SMPP) features a 7-meter green buffer zone and a 10-meter pedestrian-only inner circumambulation for parikrama (clockwise circumambulation) around the temple.
Modern Pilgrim Center: The project's objective is to modernize the rectangular corridor around the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, incorporating queue management, baggage screening, cloakrooms, drinking water facilities, and more.
Land Acquisition: Land acquisition for the project began in November 2019, leading to the displacement of over 600 people and the relocation of shops.
Security Measures: Elaborate security arrangements, employing ultra-modern technology, have been implemented for the inauguration to monitor safety and security effectively.
Public Holiday Declaration: The Odisha government has declared January 17 a public holiday in honor of the dedication of the Shree Jagannath Parikrama project in Puri. Government offices, schools, and colleges across the state will remain closed on this day.
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