While the Odisha government is gearing up for the inauguration of the Srimandir Heritage Corridor Project (Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa) on January 17, a PIL has been filed in the Orissa High Court raising concerns over the possibility of a huge gathering in the pilgrim city on that day.
The Bharatiya Vikash Parishad has filed the PIL opposing the unnecessary expenses to be incurred while flagging concerns that it may lead to the spread of COVID-19. The outfit has appealed for virtual darshan of the event instead of congregation in the holy city.
Notably, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is rushing against time to get everything ready by January 17 for the inauguration of the project.
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While invitations for the inauguration are being sent to temples in Odisha and beyond, Puri King will offer betel and start the process for Yajna. The Yajna will begin as per the zodiac of the King with advice from the Royal Priest (Raj Purohit).
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to join the concluding ceremony of Yajna and the public dedication of the Parikrama Project on January 17.
The SJTA has drawn up a list of temples and guests as invitees to grace the inauguration ceremony which is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad.
There are 857 temples, the Shankaracharyas of Chardhams (Four major Hindu shrines), and the king of Nepal on the invitees’ list. Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar, the presiding deity of Ekamra Kshetra was the first to be invited to the inauguration event.