Srimandir Parikrama project adds values to Sri Jagannath shrine:Gajapati

Puri, June 28: The Srimandir Parikrama Project,the initiative of the Odisha government is adding values to Sri Jagannath Shrine in the heritage town Puri, said the Gajapati Maharaja, Dibyasingha Deb on Tuesday. In a special interview to Prameya News7, the Gajapati said that the shrine is completely safe and the project does not pose any threat to the temple for the deep excavation undertaken under the aegis of the Srimandir Parikrama Project. Gajapati said that the  innovative project is vital to put the shrine in the international arena. Apart from it, the devotees will benefit from this project due to the public amenities developed under the project.  He mentioned that the spacious ground over 77 meter radius developed around the Sri Jagannath temple will give a new look to the twelfth century shrine. Apart from it, it will bring a scenic feeling among the visitors and tourist from across the world. However, he emphasized on the beautification and reform of the inner part of the temple as there are many pertinent problems inside the Sri Mandir complex. The Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) in co-ordination with the Odisha government, Puri district administration and Sri Jagannath Temple Administration(SJTA) should take up development projects inside the premises of the temple after the outer sphere of the temple is meticulously developed. Describing Puri Jagannath temple as a world heritage, the Gajapati said that the credit of the UNESCO will bring a new era for the shrine. However,  developing the holy town and the temple premises from commercialization point of view will impact its sanctity and spiritual integrity.