Ganjam: Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday inaugurated the revamped and renovated outskirts of Maa Taratarini’s famous Shakti Peetha in Ganjam district.
Hundreds of devotees thronged the Shakti Peetha on the last day of the five-day Pratistha Mahostav, which was held amid Vedic chanting, the sound of conches, bells and gongs.
The Odisha CM participated as the main patron of the 5-day sanctification rituals of the new shrine structure on the last day.
He also paid homage to the presiding deity of Ganjam district and inaugurated various facilities for devotees.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister wished the people of Odisha, especially the people of Ganjam, an auspicious day.
He said that Maa Taratarini is the patron deity of Ganjam and the people of the district take refuge in both joy and sadness. It is with the blessing and the will of the goddess that the temple took this magnificent form. The Chief Minister thanked everyone for their cooperation in the work.
Describing the new look of Maa Taratarini Temple as a unique example of Odisha’s fine art architecture and sculpture, the Chief Minister commended the artists and craftsmen involved in the works. “Every time I come to visit my mother, I am very happy,” he said.
He praised the new look of the temple and said its developed environment will help attract more worshipers and tourists. The CM also called on everyone to work together for the development of the district through peace and cooperation.
On the sidelines of the event, the CM also laid the foundation stone for various development projects on the banks of the Rushikulya River.
Servants from Jagannath Temple in Puri, Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Samaleshwari Temple in Sambalpur, Baladevjew Temple in Kendrapara and other temples in the state attended the event.
On the occasion, the CM congratulated Smitesh Mohapatra, grandson of the eminent late sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra, who was instrumental in building the magnificent temple.
Addressing the assembly, Assembly Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro and Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh described the transformation of the temple as a clear example of the 5T transformation program.
The function brought together members of Cabinet, MPs, MPs, Chief Secretary to Government, Chief Secretary to Chief Minister and 5T, Ganjam Collector.
