Odisha Govt to Develop Puri Beach as ‘Spiritual Beach’, Strengthen Gobardhan Peeth Facilities

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government plans to give a major push to the spiritual and cultural landscape of Puri, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing officials to develop the Puri beach as a prominent spiritual destination and strengthen facilities and security at Gobardhan Peeth.

The directions were issued during a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Wednesday, where the Chief Minister discussed a range of issues concerning the Peeth with its representatives, including its religious heritage, land and property matters, security and development.

A key focus of the meeting was the daily ‘Sandhya Mahodadhi Aarti’ held near Swargadwar. Majhi directed officials to beautify the Aarti site and organise the evening ritual on a larger scale so that it can emerge as a prominent spiritual attraction for visitors to Puri.

He further called for the development of the entire Puri beach as a magnificent spiritual beach, linking the city’s coastal landscape with its rich religious and cultural traditions.

Old Land Records to Be Re-examined

The long-pending land and property issues of Gobardhan Peeth were also discussed at length.

Majhi directed the administration to conduct a comprehensive re-examination of old land settlement records and take steps towards finding a permanent solution to the outstanding issues.

He also stressed the need for enhanced security arrangements for Jagadguru Shankaracharya as well as the premises of Gobardhan Peeth.

Protection of Acharya Samadhi Sites

The meeting also focused on preserving the sacred samadhi sites of former Acharyas of Gobardhan Peeth.

The Chief Minister called for necessary measures to ensure their proper protection and conservation. Facilities and management arrangements at Shri Gobardhan Goshala within the Math premises were also reviewed.

Officials were directed to take up measures for the overall development of the areas surrounding the Goshala and improve facilities required for its proper management.

Ministers, Peeth Representatives Attend

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, along with sadhus and saints associated with Gobardhan Peeth, took part in the deliberations.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Law Secretary Pabitra Mohan Samal, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida and Puri SP Prateek Singh were among the senior officials present.

Gobardhan Peeth was represented by Vyavastha Pramukh Praffulla Chaitanya Maharaj, Aditya Bahini Chief and Peeth representative Matru Prasad Mishra, besides other senior functionaries.

The decisions taken at the meeting are expected to strengthen the preservation of Gobardhan Peeth’s religious heritage while supporting the development of Puri as a major spiritual and cultural destination.