Kantabanji: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida Monday visited Ranipur Jharial, a unique and ancient Yogini shrine in Bolangir district, and announced a package of Rs 87.93 crore for its development.
Built in 9th or 10th century and located around 26 km from Kantabanji town, Ranipur Jharial is famous for its circular, open air temple dedicated to 64 Yoginis.
On her arrival, Parida was given a grand welcome by the temple trust committee. She offered prayers at the Someshwar Mahadev Temple, where chief priest Jagmohan Tripathy briefed her on the shrine’s facilities, problems and challenges.
Later, at a meeting organised by the block administration, officials presented a detailed project report (DPR). The deputy chief minister announced the firstphase allocation of over Rs 87.93 crore for development works in the shrine.
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Temple trust convener Anil Kumar Tripathy and Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bag expressed their gratitude. Temple trust chairman Manik Chand Jain, secretary Khirasindhu Bhoi, Manjes Meher, Jharial sarpanch Bharadwaj Gahir, samiti members Raju Hati, Gopinath Sahu, Rashmiranjan Putel, Nityananda Prusty, Rama Sahu, Jyoti Sahu, Nabaghan Bharasagria, Yubraj Bag and others attended the programme. After the event, Parida proceeded toward Harishankar shrine via Kantabanji and Turekela.
At Turekela, the BJP’s block unit gave her a rousing welcome. Sadar panchayat sarpanch Jalandhar Mahakhud and the sarpanch association also felicitated her.
PNN
