Puri: Senior BJP leader and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday made a fresh demand for steps to open the Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri.
Dhaemendra, who visited the 12th century shrine and offered prayers, also strongly supported the demand for opening all the four gates of Jagannath Temple for the convenience of lakhs of devotees.
The BJP leader also demanded that the demolished mutts and other ancient architectural structures should be included in the heritage corridor project.
Stating that the sentiments of the people of Odisha and Hindus are closely associated with the Ratna Bhandar of Srimandir, the Union Minister said it should be opened as soon as possible.
The Minister also reviewed the plan prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the restoration of the Natamandap at the 12th century shrine. He advised the ASI officials to remove the iron beams and install steel beams during repair work.
Expressing confidence that the ASI will do the job properly, he said with Lord Jagannath’s blessings and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes everything will be done smoothly.
During his visit to Puri, the Union Minister is scheduled to take part in an international seminar at Sadashiv Sanskrit University. He is also slated to release the ‘Laxmi Purana’ book published in two languages.
