Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project: Everything You Need to Know

The 'Shree Mandir Parikrama,' also known as the Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project, at Puri Lord Jagannath temple in Odisha will be inaugurated on Wednesday. This project is designed to improve the aesthetic appeal and surroundings of the revered temple.

The project is valued at Rs 3,700 crore. No changes have been made in the temple, only the area within the 75-metre corridor of the boundary wall of the Jagannath temple has been developed. Over 600 people were displaced and shops were relocated for the acquisition of land for this project.

The grand project includes sub-projects such as the Shree Mandira Parikrama Project (SMPP) and various other amenities, including but not limited to a reception center for 6,000 devotees, a cultural center, a library, the Jagannath Ballav pilgrim center, a heritage streetscape, beachfront development, Puri Lake, Musa River revival plan, and multi-level car parking.

The state government has invested Rs 200 crore in constructing a 2.3 km-long 4-lane Shree Setu (trumpet bridge) to provide easy access to tourists.

In addition to this, a 630-meter long road (Shre Danda) costing Rs 90 crore connects the multi-level car parking inside Jagannath Ballav pilgrim centre to Dolabedi.

The SMPP comprises a 7-meter green buffer area and a 10-meter pedestrian-exclusive inner path for clockwise circumambulation around the temple. The 'parikrama'(circumambulation) will be accessible to the general public following the inauguration.

The project was completed by the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) and was handed over to the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to enhance the visual appeal of the iconic Jagannath Temple.

According to the SJTA, approximately 5 lakh people per day for a week will visit this seaside pilgrim town.

As per the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO), Odisha is expected to see a big jump in the influx of domestic and foreign tourists this year after the opening of the Jagannath Parikrama project.

A padayatra to Puri is planned by Naveen's Biju Janata Dal, involving students, youths, and women for the inauguration.

The 'Maha Yagna,' which started on Makar Sankranti is set to conclude on Wednesday afternoon, with Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb performing the 'Purna Ahuti' (final ghee pouring on the havan fire) between 1:30 and 2:30 pm. Following this, Chief Minister Patnaik will officially inaugurate the project for devotees.

The government has invited religious heads of 1,000 temples in India and Nepal, in addition to the four Shankaracharyas for the inauguration.

The ultra-modern technology will be used for the inauguration to monitor safety and security.

The Odisha government has declared a public holiday on January 17 in honour of the dedication of the Shree Jagannath Parikrama project in Puri. Government offices, schools, and colleges across the state will be closed on this day.