Gajapati Maharaja proposes ‘Annakshetra’ to ease congestion at Puri Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar, March 13: Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb recently inspected the ongoing Parikrama Prakalpa project around Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and proposed the establishment of an ‘Annakshetra’ outside the temple’s north gate. The initiative aims to ease congestion at Anand Bazaar, where devotees currently gather to purchase and consume Mahaprasad.

During his visit, the Puri king, accompanied by senior officials, highlighted various development plans intended to enhance the experience of devotees. One key proposal is relocating the Srimandir office and renovating the Shree Jagannath Cultural Library and Raghunandan Library.

“The increasing number of devotees has made it difficult to manage Anand Bazaar efficiently. Setting up an Annakshetra near the Uttara Dwara (north gate) will help organize Mahaprasad distribution in a systematic manner,” stated Gajapati Maharaja.

He was joined by the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the District Collector, the Superintendent of Police, and Matha Mahants.

In a separate meeting, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee met with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Director General Y.S. Rawat to discuss modernization plans for the temple. Proposed upgrades include installing air conditioning in the Nata Mandap and improving lighting throughout the temple complex to enhance the devotees’ experience.

A temple administration spokesperson mentioned that plans also include silver and gold plating in select temple sections while preserving the shrine’s cultural heritage.