Puri: A high-level meeting of the Cultural and Project Technical Sub-Committee of the Shree Jagannath Temple was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb, with key decisions taken to strengthen cultural infrastructure and pilgrim amenities ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra.
The meeting, held at the temple administration office, was attended by the Puri District Collector, Superintendent of Police, officials of Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation, and researchers of Jagannath culture.
As part of the state government’s plan, a cultural centre will be established near Emar Math, close to the temple. The centre will provide devotees with comprehensive information on the life, traditions, and historical significance of Lord Jagannath and the Jagannath cult.
In addition, a world-class Raghunandan Library and Research Centre will be set up in the same vicinity to facilitate advanced research on Jagannath culture. The centre will house manuscripts, books, and archival material, and will be developed into a modern digital library using advanced technology. Facilities for researchers, along with the sale of books related to Jagannath traditions for devotees, are also planned. Project designs and layouts for both initiatives were presented by OBCC during the meeting, with instructions issued to complete the works within stipulated timelines.
The committee also decided to establish an ideal Gurukul for children of servitor families to nurture them as future custodians of temple traditions. The institution will impart education under the CBSE framework. The Gajapati Maharaja directed the district administration to expedite resolution of land-related issues for the project.
Further, decisions were taken to upgrade the Jagannath Ballabh Pramod Udyan and undertake beautification of the Gundicha Temple and the Bada Danda (Grand Road). The repair work of Gundicha Temple is to be completed before the Rath Yatra.
To enhance pilgrim convenience, a Yatri Niwas is nearing completion near Baseli Sahi police station. The facility is expected to be inaugurated before the festival, offering affordable accommodation to visitors.
