Discussion Held with Temple Servitors for Phase-I Development of Mangala Temple Following Visit by 5 Senior Officials

Kakatpur, Date: 18/01 — On the 24th of last month, five secretaries, including V.K. Pandian, visited the famous Shakti Peetha of Goddess Mangala in Kakatpur, Puri district. Acting on their directives, today Division 2 Manager of Puri, Sundar Madhab Padhi, visited the Mangala Temple to discuss with servitors and local stakeholders about possible development, preservation, and beautification of the temple premises.

A detailed discussion was held with Puri District Collector Samarth Verma; Temple Administrator Kailash Chandra Dash; Kakatpur Block Development Officer Tushar Jyotiranjan; Temple Trustee and local Tehsildar Biranchi Narayan Behera; Temple Advisory Committee members Pradeepta Kumar Dixit, Tushar Ranjan Dixit, Kamal Lochan Dixit, Pradeep Panda, Manas Kumar Dixit; and temple servitors like Pabitra Kumar Dixit, Tapas Dixit, Shantanu Dixit, Subash Chandra Padhi, and Tapan Kumar Dixit (Tikina).

During the meeting, Division Officer Mr. Padhi studied in detail the initial actions to be undertaken for the preservation and beautification of the temple. Since the temple premises experience water leakage during rains, the repair of drainage systems was prioritized. Discussions included relocating the Bhoga (offering) and Dwipa (lamp) shops outside the temple’s perimeter; improving rainwater drainage within the premises; installing stone-tile pathways with lighting around the temple; and constructing a new prasadam (sanctified food) hall for devotees.

Plans were also made to construct a new kitchen to prepare the various offerings and bhoga for the Goddess, and to restore the bell tower (Ghanta Tola Tutha). Additionally, restoration of the Tutha (ceremonial pavilion) near the Prachi river at Chandan Bazar, where rituals for the deity are performed, was discussed.

There was also a proposal to construct a Karmakanda Gruha (ritual hall) in front of the temple’s northern gate for Brahmins. Parking solutions for devotees’ vehicles were discussed, along with plans to build a boundary wall around the area, install bright lighting, resting shelters, and drinking water facilities.

It has been reported that work on these projects will begin immediately.