Bhubaneswar, Feb 20: The Odisha government has proposed the creation of a world-class Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre in Puri.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Friday while presenting the 2026-27 State Budget in the State Assembly.

The initiative aims not only to showcase the rich heritage of Jagannath culture but also to restore and develop key spiritual and historical sites in the pilgrim town, including Gundicha Temple, Emar Mutt, Pramod Udyan, and the historic Raghunandan Library.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving Jagannath culture, the Chief Minister said a budgetary allocation of ₹1,000 crore has been earmarked for this project.

“Our Government will establish a world-class Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre at Puri with an estimated cost of Rs.1000 crore, while restoring the spiritual glory of Gundicha Mandir, Emar Math, Pramod Udyan and the historic Raghunandan Library,” Majhi said.

In a major step towards digitisation, the government has launched a digital hundi named ‘Samarpan’, enabling devotees worldwide to make online donations to the Jagannath Temple.

“This platform will connect devotees from across the globe with the 12th-century shrine,” Majhi said.

Additionally, the Chief Minister announced a grant of ₹5 crore to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri, for preparing a detailed inventory of all ornaments housed in the Ratna Bhandar of Lord Jagannath, further strengthening transparency and preservation efforts.