Puri: Plans are afoot to launch an illumination project for Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri and its surrounding shrines to transform the site and enhance its visual grandeur.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting, chaired by the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Padhee, at the temple office in the pilgrim town.
Officials said the project will be executed with technical assistance from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), ensuring that the temple’s heritage value is preserved while elevating its aesthetic appeal.
The meeting was attended by senior engineers of the SJTA, officials from ASI’s Puri Circle, and representatives from an ASI-approved consultancy firm based in Delhi. The firm presented a detailed overview of their previous work on illuminating heritage sites, showcasing innovative lighting techniques that balance tradition and modernity. The SJTA also provided specific suggestions to ensure the illumination aligns with the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance.
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) to be prepared under ASI’s technical guidance, will be submitted for approval. It will be implemented after obtaining necessary permissions. The project aims to highlight the architectural splendour of the Jagannath Temple and its peripheral shrines, creating a mesmerising experience for devotees and tourists alike.
Conceptualised as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the temple complex’s infrastructure while preserving its historical and religious essence, the project is expected to attract more visitors, to the seaside pilgrim town.
