Ahead of the foundation-stone laying scheduled on Wednesday by Chief Minister Naveen Patniak for the heritage corridor near the Jagannath Temple here, a three-day Yagna commenced on Monday near the North Gate of shrine. The Yagna will conclude with a Purnahuti ceremony during the CM’s visit.
The State Government’s ambitious project is aimed at developing the surroundings of the temple to world-class infrastructures for millions of pilgrims and devotees thronging Puri every year.
The Muktimandap, the advisory body of hereditary Brahmins, is engaged in the conduct of the Yagna in the presence of 32 pundits and Puri Gajapati King Dibaysingha Deb initially. The havan premises, where the CM will arrive, include a vast space near the North Gate. With makeshift rooftops and rooms, the area has been beautifully decorated with flowers and lights with wall TV sets and chairs for guests to watch the function live.