Bhubaneswar: A 50-member delegation including members of the Srimandir Management Committee, senior officials of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and district administration today traditionally invited Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the inauguration of the Srimandir Parikrama project scheduled on January 17.
The delegation met him at Naveen Niwas amid a spiritual atmosphere with the vibrating chanting of Jay Jagannath.
On reaching Bhubaneswar today, the servitors and other officials invited Mahaprabhu Sri Lingaraj before visiting the Naveen Niwas.
Expressing gratitude for the invitation, the Chief Minister offered ‘gua-chaula’ to Lord Jagannath as a mark of acceptance of the invitation.
The CM said that the Parikrama project is the work of servitors, and people of Puri. The state government will provide all necessary support for the sacred work.
The servitors thanked the Chief Minister for the Parikrama project and the development of Puri town.
They said, “You (Naveen) have scripted a history. Your name will be recorded forever.” They wished Patnaik’s long life saying that Lord Jagannath’s blessings are upon him. The 5T Chairman VK Pandian is also working hard under the guidance of Chief Minister. He has brought a transformation in Odisha, the servitors’ said with joy.
While discussing with temple servitors, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman V.K Pandian said that the Parikrama project has become a reality due to the sacrifice of Puri people. Pandian said that you all will be remembered for your extraordinary sacrifice.
Pandian narrated his personal experience of how during the work of the Parikrama project, many difficulties were overcome with the blessings of Lord Jagannath. Now, the work is progressing smoothly, he added.
He said that the Chief Minister will do whatever is necessary for the development of Puri and the welfare of the priests.
The Chief Minister honoured all the servants with an uttariya (a traditional scarf).
The Srimandir Parikrama project has been initiated with an aim to ensure smooth darshan of devotees along with the security of the temple and creating a divine experience for pilgrims.
On November 24, 2021, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid the foundation stone of this project in the presence of Gajapati Maharaja Shri Dibyasingha Deb, saints, representatives of various political parties and eminent persons. In the same way, people of all political parties and all sections of the society will be involved in the inauguration event. The 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman V.K Pandian is regularly reviewing the progress of the project work.
