Puri: Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb conducted an inspection of the ongoing Parikrama project around Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, and proposed setting up of an ‘Annakshetra’ outside the north gate of the 12th century shrine.
Accompanied by senior officials, the Puri king shared important updates and plans aimed at improving the experience of the increasing number of devotees visiting the temple.
One of the key proposals discussed was the establishment of an ‘Annakshetra’ outside the north gate of the temple to address the growing congestion at Anand Bazaar, where devotees purchase and consume Mahaprasad.
The Gajapati Maharaja revealed the proposal after reviewing the Parikrama Prakalpa project.
Some of the other initiatives announced by him include the shifting of the Srimandir office and the renovation of the Shree Jagannath Cultural Library and Raghunandan Library.
“The existing Anand Bazaar has been struggling to accommodate the increasing number of devotees, causing difficulty in serving Mahaprasad. By designating a specific area outside the Uttara Dwara (north gate) for the Annakshetra, Mahaprasad can be served in a more organised manner,” said Gajapati Mharaja.
He was accompanied by the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), District Collector, Superintendent of Police and Matha Mahants.
In another significant development, Chief administrator of SJTA Arabinda Padhee met Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) director general Y S Rawat on Wednesday and discussed comprehensive development plans for the shrine. The meeting outlined several modernisation initiatives, including the installation of ACs in the Nata Mandap and improved lighting throughout the temple complex.
These improvements aim to provide devotees with a more comfortable darshan, said a temple administration spokesperson. “The renovation plans also include silver and gold plating of various temple sections, while ensuring the shrine’s cultural heritage remains untouched.”
The meeting also discussed the ongoing Ratna Bhandar (treasury) repair and preservation work. Padhee stressed the importance of timely completion of these projects and expressed gratitude for ASI’s technical support.
