Puri, Jan 17 (Bureau) The Sri Mandir Parikrama project built at a cost of Rs. 943 crores around the 12th century Sri Jagannath temple in this pilgrim town was on Wednesday dedicated to the devotees. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik dedicated the heritage corridor in a formal function amidst chanting of Jai Jagannath and Haribol by Sadhus and priests who converged in this abode of lord Jagannath to witness the unfolding of a rare event of the 21st century. Patnaik dedicated the project in the presence of Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb after the latter performed the ‘Purna Ahuti’, concluding the three-day ‘Maha Yagna,’ which began on Makar Sankranti. As per temple tradition 108 Shrotriya Brahmins were entrusted by the Gajapati to perform the Yajna to consecrate Parikrama. While dedicating the project, Naveen said it has been possible due to the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
The Chief Minister, the Gajapati King and several other dignitaries who included invited saints, priests from across the country, ministers, senior officials and sevayats went round the newly dedicated corridor. A large number of Nam Sankeertan mandali, Odissi dancers, Medhas of Kalika, Durga, Dasanan, and Naga dancers lead the procession of Patnaik. Naveen also released a number of documentary videos on the project and felicitated all those who were involved in the Sri Mandir parikrama project. They included a daily labourer, a gardener, two masons, one JCB driver, one Pattachitra artist, a stone carver and two helpers. Thousands of devotees braved the drizzling along the grand road, popularly known as bada danda to witness the religious ceremony of the corridor project which was later opened to the general public in the afternoon.
The temple and the pilgrim town was decorated with flowers and illuminated to give a new transformed look on the occasion. The Chief Minister also inaugurated Shree Setu, a 2.3 km-long 4-lane (trumpet bridge) built at a cost of Rs 200 crore and Shree Danda,a 800 meter road at a cost of Rs.90 crore running parallel to Bada Danda to reach the 12th century shrine easily from the multi level parking which can accommodate 500 four-wheelers and also as many two-wheelers. The 75 meters Sri Mandir Parikrama corridor around the Meghnath pacheri of the temple will provide the devotees a clear picture of the majestic 214.8 ft-high shrine, a nationally protected monument.