MLA urges for completion of temple revamp by March
Berhampur: Local MLA K Anil Kumar has urged for the completion of the Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple revamp by the end of March next year, before the Thakurani Yatra in April. The MLA reviewed progress of the work with engineers on Friday and laid the foundation for four doors of the temple.
Thakurani Yatra is held every alternate year when the goddess visits her father’s house at Desibehera Street in Bada Bazar area here. A Rs 19.59-crore facelift project of the shrine, one of the oldest temples in the state, started in Feb this year and is scheduled to be completed in July 2025. The public works department is implementing the project.
Kumar asked the agency to speed up construction and ensure its completion before installation of the ‘Subha Khunti’ (auspicious pillar) for the festival. He, however, expressed satisfaction with the speed of works.
“Work is going on in full swing with an aim to complete by the scheduled time. Around 50% of the work has been completed. The main temple work is expected to be completed by the end of March,” said an engineer involved in the construction.
Periphery works, like the kalyan mandap and shopping complex, will be taken up after completion of the main temple, he said.
Works include reconstruction of the main temple in Kalinga style of sculpture, its wall and floors. The boundary wall with an attractive entry gate, garden and temple office will also be constructed.
Besides, a cooking room, bhog mandap, rooms for the priests, toilet complex and illumination will also be taken up. A road connecting to the temple and a parking place will also be constructed.
Hundreds of devotees from the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh visit the temple every day.
Thakurani Yatra is held every alternate year when the goddess visits her father’s house at Desibehera Street in Bada Bazar area here. A Rs 19.59-crore facelift project of the shrine, one of the oldest temples in the state, started in Feb this year and is scheduled to be completed in July 2025. The public works department is implementing the project.
Kumar asked the agency to speed up construction and ensure its completion before installation of the ‘Subha Khunti’ (auspicious pillar) for the festival. He, however, expressed satisfaction with the speed of works.
“Work is going on in full swing with an aim to complete by the scheduled time. Around 50% of the work has been completed. The main temple work is expected to be completed by the end of March,” said an engineer involved in the construction.
Periphery works, like the kalyan mandap and shopping complex, will be taken up after completion of the main temple, he said.
Works include reconstruction of the main temple in Kalinga style of sculpture, its wall and floors. The boundary wall with an attractive entry gate, garden and temple office will also be constructed.
Besides, a cooking room, bhog mandap, rooms for the priests, toilet complex and illumination will also be taken up. A road connecting to the temple and a parking place will also be constructed.
Hundreds of devotees from the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh visit the temple every day.
