Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Wednesday directed authorities to develop Puri’s seashore as a “spiritual beach” and conduct the “Mahodadhi Aarti” in a grand manner daily.
Majhi issued these directions while chairing a high-level meeting on the overall development, protection and promotion of Shri Jagannath culture of Puri and Govardhan Peeth, which was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
According to officials, the chief minister stressed the measures to be taken to glorify the significance of Govardhan Peeth and protect its heritage and properties. He also emphasised the holy ‘Sandhya Mahodadhi Aarti’ at the beach in front of the ‘Swargadwar’.
The sea in Puri is referred to as ‘Mahodadhi’ in ancient scriptures as the logs used for making the wooden idols of the trinity- Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath- were floated to this place, said Bhaskar Mishra, a researcher in Shree Jagannath culture.
The chief minister said that the evening ‘Aarti’ will be held in a grander manner along with the beautification of the beach. “He directed the administration to develop the entire Puri beach as a grand spiritual beach,” an official said.
The chief minister also suggested a complete re-examination of the old land settlement documents to permanently resolve the land accumulation problem of Govardhan Peeth. He asked police to strengthen the security of Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati and the security system of the Peeth premises.
The meeting also resolved that special measures need to be taken for the security and preservation of the holy burial site of all the ‘Purvacharyas’ (former Shankaracharyas) of Govardhan Peeth.
The meeting also discussed on the development of the surroundings of the Peeth, along with providing necessary facilities for the proper management of the ‘Shri Govardhan Goshala’ in the math premises.
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Govardhan Peeth officials and senior administrative officers of the state government were present in the meeting and discussed in detail the development of the Peeth.