Bhubaneswar - A high-level meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday to review the comprehensive development of the Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur in the Puri district. The meeting, jointly chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Smt Pravati Parida and Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, focused on the development of the temple's Bijesthali and the beautification of its surrounding areas, while emphasizing improved basic amenities for devotees and tourists.
Discussions during the meeting covered the renovation of the main temple, construction of a new temple kitchen (Roshaghara), development of parking facilities, construction of a Sevayat Bhawan, modernization of the Yatri Niwas and Chandan Ghat, establishment of Prasad shops, and construction of a heritage gateway.
The meeting also deliberated on the second phase of the integrated development project, which includes the development of a picnic zone, construction of a heritage ghat on the Prachi River, a dedicated bridge, a children's park, a temple administrative office, and a shoe stand. Officials were directed to conduct the necessary surveys and submit a detailed report for these proposed works.
Addressing the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said that the Maa Mangala Temple, a renowned Shakti Peetha at Kakatpur, is a centre of faith and devotion for millions of devotees. She said the Government has accorded top priority to the temple's holistic development and to ensuring better facilities for pilgrims, adding that continuous efforts are being made to achieve this objective.
Law, Works and Excise Minister Shri Prithviraj Harichandan said that Maa Mangala Temple holds deep emotional and religious significance not only for the people of Odisha but also for devotees from across the country. Keeping this in view, he directed departmental officials to prepare a comprehensive development blueprint.
The meeting was attended by OBCC Managing Director Anupam Saha, Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Endowment Commissioner Satyanarayan Sadangi, Engineer-in-Chief (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, Engineer-in-Chief (Buildings) Priyabrata Samantaray, Chief Engineer Trinath Behera, along with members of the Temple Trust Board and Sevayats.
