Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday performed “Bhoomi Puja” for development of Mahima shrine at Joranda in Dhenkanal district.
For the development of the shrine, the government will take up various facilities at a cost of Rs 112 crore. Besides renovation of the “Samadhi Peetha” of Mahima Goswami, who spread the sect, the construction of a prayer hall and Bati Mandap will be taken up.
The sacred pond inside the shrine will be renovated and Mahima Samaj Peetha reconstructed as part of the project. For the convenience of the visitors, boundary wall, bus stand, 200 toilets for the saints and a primary health centre will also be constructed. The beautification of the entire campus will also be done.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said Mahima sect has not only made the holy land of Odisha famous in the country but also given the state a prominent place in the spiritual map.
“Mahima cult believes in simple lifestyle, equality and welfare of the mankind. The messages of Mahima saint Bhima Bhoi serve as inspiration for all of us. Dedicating one’s life in service of the mankind is an important message of the sect,” Naveen said.
Stating that development of the shrine will give a new identity to Dhenkanal, he said all the works have been targeted to be completed in 3 years.
Among others, Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Kumar Mallik, Dhenkanal MP Mahesh Kumar Sahu, MLAs Sudhir Kumar Samal, Nrusingh Charan Sahu and Archana Puhan and 5T chairman VK Pandian attended the function.
