Stage set for inauguration of Srimandir Parikrama project tomorrow

The ‘Purnahuti’ of the ongoing Maha Yajna preceding the inauguration of the Srimandir Parikrama project in Puri will end on Wednesday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate the project on the auspicious moment between 1.15 pm and 1.30 pm.  

As per reports, Gajapati King Dibyasingha Deb will give ‘Purnahuti’ to the three-day Maha Yajna between 1.30 pm and 2 pm.  After the end of the Yajna, ‘Nama Sankirtan’ will be organised for half an hour.

On the second day of the Yajna today, rituals like Panchakarma, Shala Prabesh, and sprinkling of sacred water on the new structures were held. The recital of four Vedas was carried out like the previous day. 

Ranjan Das, the chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Collector Samarth Verma, and Central range IG Ashish Singh monitored the preparations. Trial runs on Sri Setu and Sri Marga were also done. 

Pracharak Pandit Biswambar Das dwelt on rituals and asserted that Lord Jagannath ensures that all works get completed in time. “He is all in all. We are only chanting His mantras."
 
Puri Collector Samarth Verma said, “Sri Marga, Sri Setu, and parking lots are ready to tackle the rush during the inauguration. We are fortunate that a lot of people from across the country are coming to the programme. We are trying to provide the best hospitality.” 
      
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Devotees and scholars are happy to see the renovation of the surroundings of Srimandir, but they have objected to some superficial works. They have lamented the way some old mutts were dismantled for the Parikrama project. They have raised questions over the restoration of Emar Mutt and Raghunandan Library. Sukant Pradhan, a culture lover, asked what is the use of doing such things if the mutts are not protected.   

Narayan Ramanuja Das, Mahant of Uttraparswa Mutt said that many mutts are in dilapidated condition while many portions of the Emar Mutt are in bad shape.