Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Unveils Development Plans for Mahima Gadi in Joranda
Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards the cultural and spiritual enrichment of Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the transformation of the renowned Mahima Gadi at Joranda in Dhenkanal district. The ceremony marked the initiation of an extensive project that includes the construction of a new Upasana Peetha, Batee Mandap, Sunya Mandap, and the beautification of the periphery of the Mahima Gadi.
During a gathering at Joranda, Chief Minister Patnaik expressed his delight in visiting the holy land, emphasizing that Odisha holds a special place as a sacred land of God. The Mahima cult, he noted, has sanctified Joranda, elevating it to a unique position on the spiritual map of India.
“I am very happy to visit such a holy land and get an opportunity to meet you,” said Chief Minister Patnaik. He highlighted the Mahima cult’s principles of leading a simple life, promoting equality, and working for the welfare of the world by considering the entire world as one family. The teachings of Bhima Bhoi, a revered saint of the Mahima cult, continue to inspire people.
The Mahima cult is known for advocating sacrifices for the greater good, and the State government has allocated Rs 112 crore for the comprehensive development of Mahima Gadi. Chief Minister Patnaik announced that the work is scheduled to commence soon and is expected to be completed within three years.
Seeking cooperation from the community, Chief Minister Patnaik aspired to make Joranda a prime spiritual tourism destination not only in Odisha but also in India. He extended his best wishes for the upcoming Magha Mela and Agni Purnima, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and cultural events in the region.
State Minister of Steel and Mines Prafulla Kumar Mallick praised Chief Minister Patnaik for his sincere commitment to the Mahima cult, stating that the government has been supportive of its propagation and development.
V.K Pandian, the 5T (Technology, Transparency, Teamwork, Time Leading to Transformation) and Nabin Odisha Chairman, acknowledged the Chief Minister’s dedication to the development of Mahima Gadi despite protests from some quarters. Pandian emphasized the need to carry forward the Mahima cult’s message of simplicity, transparency, service, and selflessness.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dhenkanal MP Mahesh Kumar Sahu, MLA Sudhir Kumar Samal, Parjang MLA Dr. Nrusingh Charan Sahoo, Hindol MLA Simarani Nayak, and ZP President Archana Puhan. They collectively acknowledged Chief Minister Patnaik’s respect for religious sentiments and affirmed that the development initiatives for Mahima Peetha across Odisha would also be undertaken.
