Odisha CM Unveils Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa (SMPP) : January 18, 2024
Puri’s Pilgrimage Path: Unveiling the Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa
Nestled along the Bay of Bengal lies Puri, a coastal city in India renowned for its spiritual significance. At its heart stands the majestic 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple, a revered landmark drawing millions of pilgrims each year. To enhance their experience and transform Puri into a world-class heritage destination, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently unveiled the grand Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa (SMPP).
A Multi-Zone Masterpiece: Envision a 75-meter wide corridor encircling the temple, meticulously divided into nine distinct zones. Imagine tranquil green buffer zones adorned with terraced landscapes, flanked by spacious inner and outer paths for processions and circumambulation. Breathe in the fragrant air of a 14-meter garden showcasing trees woven into the fabric of Jagannath culture. Picture convenient public facilities like restrooms and drinking fountains readily available. And envision dedicated lanes for emergency vehicles and smooth traffic flow, ensuring seamless access to neighboring areas. This, in essence, is the magic of SMPP.
ABADHA: An Ecosystem of Enhancement: But SMPP is just one piece of a larger puzzle, the ambitious ABADHA initiative encompassing 22 development projects for Puri. The monumental Shree Setu Bridge, a 1.5 km interchange connecting the Grand Road to the national highway, exemplifies this commitment. New link roads, multi-modal hubs, multi-level parking complexes, and vibrant market areas are all part of the plan, aiming to ease congestion and elevate amenities for visitors. Ancient water bodies are being recharged, and the Atharanala bridge is undergoing a facelift. This holistic approach aligns with Odisha’s 5T good governance program, prioritizing transformation through meticulous planning and execution.
Overcoming Obstacles, Embracing Progress: No grand endeavor is without hurdles. SMPP faced challenges like the relocation of century-old buildings and obtaining necessary clearances. However, the state’s commitment remained unwavering. Fair compensation packages were offered, and appeals were made to the community, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the project. Legal disputes were addressed with dismissals and fines, paving the way for progress.
A Grand Celebration: To mark the January 2024 inauguration, a thousand temples across India received invitations. Teams traveled to different states, personally delivering the invites and fostering a sense of national participation. Festivities and offerings from across Odisha will add to the grandeur of the ceremonies, creating a spectacle of unity and devotion.
Beyond Puri: Embracing Odisha’s Spiritual Tapestry: While SMPP is a cornerstone of Puri’s transformation, the Odisha government’s vision extends far beyond. A whopping Rs 2,000 crore budget has been allocated to redevelop other major temples across the state. The 11th-century Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar will witness a Rs 700 crore facelift encompassing 66 acres surrounding the temple. Over a dozen other key temples, including the Sun Temple in Konark, Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur, and Chandi Mandir in Cuttack, are earmarked for beautification projects planned for completion before the 2024 general elections.
Questions and Answers:
- What is the main goal of the Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa? The main goal of the SMPP is to transform Puri into a world-class heritage destination for pilgrims by improving infrastructure, amenities, and accessibility around the Shree Jagannath Temple.
- What are the different zones within the 75-meter corridor? The corridor is divided into nine zones, including green buffer zones, paths for processions and circumambulation, a garden showcasing temple-related trees, public facilities, emergency and service vehicle lanes, and traffic lanes.
- What is the ABADHA initiative and how does it relate to SMPP? ABADHA is a broader initiative encompassing 22 development projects for Puri, including the Shree Setu Bridge, new roads and hubs, and market areas. It aims to ease congestion, enhance amenities, and revitalize the city’s infrastructure.
- What challenges did the SMPP project face and how were they overcome? The project faced challenges like demolishing old buildings and obtaining clearances. However, the state offered compensation, made appeals to the community, and resolved legal disputes, paving the way for successful implementation.
- What are some other temples across Odisha being redeveloped as part of the government’s plan? The Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, the Sun Temple in Konark, the Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur, and the Chandi Mandir in Cuttack are among the over a dozen key temples receiving facelifts under the beautification project.
This ambitious transformation of Puri and Odisha’s other sacred sites promises to not only enhance the