Bhubaneswar, 7 December (H.S.)Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday laid the foundation for the ambitious peripheral development project of the Maa Tarini Temple complex at Ghatagaon in Keonjhar district.

Before the inauguration, the Chief Minister arrived at the temporary helipad set up at the Ghatagaon Mini Stadium. He then proceeded towards the temple in a grand procession marked by traditional weapons, folk dance performances, and an enthusiastic welcome by devotees. State BJP President Manmohan Samal, Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, and several MLAs accompanied him during the event.

As part of the massive development initiative, the government has planned extensive facilities to enhance pilgrimage experience. A 216-bed Yatri Niwas, a dining hall capable of accommodating 500 devotees at a time, coconut storage units, and a modern interpretation centre dedicated to Maa Tarini will be developed under the personal supervision of the Chief Minister. Additional amenities, including a pilgrim facilitation centre, food court, and watchtowers, have also been planned.

The project also covers a wide range of infrastructure upgrades around the temple complex. These include large-scale parking facilities, improved water supply systems, enhanced power and lighting arrangements, drainage systems, construction of boundary walls, sound-and-light infrastructure, and advanced queue management systems for orderly movement of devotees inside the temple premises.

Recognizing the cultural and spiritual significance of temple ponds (pushkarinis), the project incorporates the development of the main pushkarini, the smaller ponds, and those located behind the temple and near the children’s play area. These water bodies will be beautified to create a serene and visually appealing environment for pilgrims.

Road development forms another major component of the project. A 12-metre-wide road will connect Harichandanpur to the National Highway, improving access to the shrine. Upgradation of internal roads and enhanced traffic management systems around the temple area are also part of the master plan.

The project aims to transform the Maa Tarini Temple precinct into a well-organized, pilgrim-friendly spiritual destination while preserving its cultural sanctity and heritage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda