Senior Servitors Invite Chief Minister to Shri Mandir Inauguration
An atmosphere of spirituality prevailed today at the residence of Odisha Chief Minister. The entire premises echoed with chants of “Jai Jagannath.” A 50-member delegation comprising members of the Shree Mandir Management Committee, senior servitors, temple administration, and district officials visited Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik to extend a formal and traditional invitation to the inauguration ceremony of the Shree Mandir Parikrama Project.
Earlier in the day, upon arriving in Bhubaneswar, the servitors and officials first extended an invitation to Lord Lingaraj before proceeding to Naveen Nivas, the Chief Minister’s residence.
Chief Minister Shri Patnaik, while thanking the servitors for the invitation, offered betel nut and rice as a sacred tribute to Lord Jagannath.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister stated:
“The Parikrama Project is your initiative — it belongs to you, the servitors, and the people of Puri. The state government will extend every necessary support for this sacred endeavor.”
The servitors expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for his vision and leadership in the development of the Shree Mandir Heritage Corridor and Puri city, stating:
“You have made history. Your name will be remembered for generations. Lord Jagannath’s blessings are with you.”
They also wished him a long life and praised the relentless efforts of 5T Chairman Shri V. K. Pandian, noting his dedication and the positive transformation brought across Odisha under his leadership.
During discussions with the servitors, Shri Pandian stated:
“This project has been made possible due to the sacrifices of the people of Puri and the servitor community. Your unmatched dedication will be remembered with reverence forever.”
He also shared personal experiences of how many challenges during the execution of the project were overcome by the blessings of Mahaprabhu (Lord Jagannath), and how the work progressed smoothly.
He added that whatever is necessary for the welfare of Puri city and the servitor community, the Chief Minister will ensure it is provided.
On behalf of the state, the Chief Minister honored all the servitors with ceremonial offerings and shawls.
The Shree Mandir Parikrama Project was initiated with the objective of ensuring temple security, orderly darshan (viewing) for devotees, and creating a divine experience for all pilgrims. On November 24, 2021, the Chief Minister, along with Gajapati Maharaj Shri Dibyasingha Deb, saints, political leaders, and dignitaries laid the foundation stone of the project.
The upcoming inauguration ceremony will similarly include saints, spiritual leaders, representatives from all political parties, and people from all walks of society. Following the Chief Minister’s directives, 5T and Naveen Odisha Chairman Shri V. K. Pandian is conducting regular reviews to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
