Why is it in the News?

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday unveiled a sprawling heritage corridor around the Jagannath Temple in Puri, a project being seen as an attempt to counter the BJP’s Hindutva push ahead of the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections later this year.

About the Puri Heritage Corridor Project:

• The Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor, officially named Shree Mandir Parikrama, is a 75-metre-long heritage corridor around the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.
• Initiated in 2016, the Puri Heritage Corridor Project aims to enhance pilgrim amenities, bolster the temple's safety, and contribute to Puri's transformation into a world heritage city.
• The comprehensive project entails the redevelopment of significant areas within the town and in proximity to the temple, catering to the needs of both visitors and tourists.
• A phased implementation of 22 distinct projects is planned under the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture at Puri (ABADHA) scheme.
• The project also aims to provide ample facilities and amenities for pilgrims and visitors, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable experience, while strengthening the safety and security of the temple and its devotees.

About Jagannath Temple:

• Jagannath Temple believed to be built in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
• People call it ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ because they believe that the presence of Lord Jagannath nullifies the power of ‘Yama,’ the god of death, in Puri.
• The temple, also known as the “White Pagoda” and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages, has four gates:
  • The main Eastern ‘Singhdwara’ with two crouching lions,
  • Southern ‘Ashwadwara,’
  • Western 'Vyaghra Dwara,' and
  • Northern ‘Hastidwara.’
• Each gate has unique carvings representing different forms.
• In front of the entrance stands the Aruna stambha or sun pillar, originally from the Sun Temple in Konark, adding to the historical and artistic significance of the Jagannath Temple.