PURI: Sovan Singh from Delhi had only heard of the massive makeover undertaken around the peripher of the Jagannath Temple under Sri Mandira Parikrama Prakalpa (heritage corridor project). On Sunday, Singh was impressed after witnessing the facilities.
Not just Singh, several other devotees were elated after watching the facilities built under the Rs 800-crore Parikrama project, which was inaugurated by former chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Jan 17.
A key feature is that devotees can get a clear view of Meghanada Pacheri (outer wall of the shrine) and the 214-ft-high temple by standing along the corridor.
“I could feel the difference today as I had witnessed the sorry state of affairs in the surrounding temples in the past. There is a wide and spacious pathway from where we can get a clear view of the temple. It was not possible earlier due to encroachments all around,” Singh said.
Priyambada Swain, a tourist from Koraput, said she was waiting for a long time to witness the Rath Yatra as well as Parikrama project.
“Since the area around Jagannath Temple was very crowded due to the presence of chariots till evening, we visited the Parikrama site around 6.30 pm after the raths were pulled towards Gundicha temple. The ambience is beautiful, she said.
Yugabrata Kar, secretary of Odisha Tour Operators Association, said the Parikrama site has been attracting foreigners, who are not allowed to enter the shrine.