Dhenkanal: Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare, and Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the development of the sacred Mahima Peeth at Joranda in Dhenkanal district. The ambitious project, estimated at Rs 240 crore, aims to construct a 263-foot-high grand temple and develop the surrounding holy site.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Patra said, “The soil of the sacred Mahima Gadi is holy and noble. Its message of world welfare resonates across the universe. This holy place will be further developed, and the construction of a grand temple will strengthen the Mahima faith and attract devotees from across the country.”
He further announced that Rs 2 crore has been allocated for the advancement of Joranda Mahima Mahavidyalaya (college). “This initiative will contribute to the overall development of Dhenkanal and help the district emerge as an industrially prosperous region,” he added.
The event was attended by Parjang MLA Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan, Hindol MLA Simarani Nayak, and Kamakhyanagar MLA Satrughan Jena. Mahima Samaj coordinator and Akhil Bharatiya Gau Seva Pramukh Ajit Mahapatra highlighted the significance of the Mahima religion, emphasizing its message of peace and harmony.
Mahima saints Nityananda Baba, Avinash Baba, Raghu Baba, and Ramesh Baba said the temple project would not only promote the Mahima faith but also create new opportunities for tourism and cultural promotion in the region.
During the ceremony, the magazine Mahima Dipti, published by the Mahima Sahitya Sansad, was released. Dhenkanal District Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil concluded the event by expressing his gratitude to all participants.
The development of Mahima Peeth at Joranda is expected to become a major religious and tourist landmark, reinforcing Dhenkanal’s cultural and economic significance.
