Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today approved the master plans for the development of three Shakti Peeths in Odisha.
Maa Mangala temple at Kakatpur, Maa Ugratara temple in Bhusandpur and Maa Bhagabati temple in Banapur will be developed under 5T initiative, said an official press release issued by the Chief Minister’s office.
The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) has been assigned to execute the projects.
As per the master plans, the entire floor area of the Kakatpur temple premises will be covered with Khondalite stones and the kitchen upgraded and a water drainage system put in place.
Besides, a Sevayat Bhavan for the stay of the servitors, kiosks for tonsuring of the devotees and toilet facilities will be constructed.
In order to make the temple attractive, landscaping, plantation and lighting facilities will be provided around the temple.
The OBCC has been directed to complete all the works within 12 months, a release added.
The 9th century Maa Bhagabati temple at Banpur will also undergo various changes under the master plan. The facilities for the devotees for ‘parikrama’ of the temple, multipurpose hall, and development of roads and river banks will be the main focus of the master plan.
The OBCC has been asked to complete the project within 24 months.
In Maa Ugratara temple, which was constructed in 1352 AD, it has been planned to construct an arrival plaza, parking and facilities for the devotees. Besides, landscaping, the development of a picnic spot and the renovation of the sacred pond would be undertaken by the OBCC and completed within 18 months.
Worth mentioning Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian at different points in time visited these Shakti Peeths and discussed the development of these shrines with the sevayats and local people.
While Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena was present, Principal Secretary Works V V Yadav made the presentation.
Sevayats of the three Shakti Peeths with the Collectors of the respective districts joined through video conferencing.
The Sevayats of the Shakti Peeths highly praised the Chief Minister for the development of their shrines.
