Bhubaneswar: Law, Works & Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, said on Sunday that the State government remains consistently committed to the development of the Lingaraj Temple and its surrounding areas.
He was addressing a gathering at the Bhajan Mandap within the temple premises during the “Bhajan and Cultural Mahotsav” organised by Ekamra Sanskrutika Prakashani.
The minister also highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the spiritual and cultural heritage of Ekamra Kshetra.
The programme was attended by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Speaker Surama Padhy, among other dignitaries.
Harichandan said the Ekamra Project is targeted for completion by the end of the current financial year. The initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure around the temple while preserving its heritage value.
He informed that a proposal is in place to establish a new Interpretation Centre at the far end of the parking area. A grand statue of Lord Lingaraj is also planned as part of the project, which is expected to become a major attraction for devotees and visitors.
The minister further stated that the holy Bindusagar Lake will be developed into a heritage lake with a focus on environmental beautification and improved tourism facilities. The initiative is aimed at enhancing the overall spiritual and cultural experience of pilgrims visiting Ekamra Kshetra in Bhubaneswar, Harichandan said in a post on X.
The Mahashivaratri celebration featured devotional performances by renowned bhajan artists from across the country, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere within the temple complex.
