Bhubaneswar: The BJP Government in Odisha has announced a major decision to reconstruct 19 ‘mathas’ (monasteries) that were razed for the ambitious Shri Jagannath temple Parikrama Prakalpa (corridor project) in Puri. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan confirmed on Thursday that these ‘mutts’ will be rebuilt at a single, identified location within the pilgrim city, with the process set to begin soon.
This consolidated placement is expected to enhance convenience for devotees visiting and staying in Puri, as well as streamline the ‘Seva Puja’ (worship rituals) offered by various ‘mathas’.
Discussions regarding this redevelopment have already taken place in two meetings, attended by the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the District Collector, and the Endowment Commissioner.
During the original Parikrama Prakalpa, most structures, including commercial properties, were demolished, with only small temples housing deities, the ‘matha gaadi’ (religious seat of the mahant), and a small storage room for worship articles being spared. Prior to the demolition, the previous government had pledged to redevelop these ‘matha’ temples in the Kalingan style of architecture, respecting the specific traditions of each ‘matha’.
The 15 centuries-old mutts—Bada Akhada, Languli, Mangu, Emar, Narsingha Achari, Dakhinaparswa, Kausalya Das, Punjabi, Katki, Rebasa, Sankha Chakra, Trimali, Uttaraparswa, Bada Chhata and Torania—were pulled down between 2019 and 2021
While public amenities under the project have been completed, the redevelopment and relocation of the ‘matha’ temples had not yet commenced.
The BJP government has now taken on this responsibility. Sources indicate that the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) will draft the redevelopment plan, which will then be sent to the National Monument Authority (NMA) for approval.
Following approval, the ‘matha’ managements will undertake construction under the supervision of the OBCC. Funds for this purpose have already been released to the Commissioner of Endowments.
In a separate but significant security measure, Law Minister Shri Harichandan also revealed that the government is considering installing anti-drone technology for the safety of the 12th-century Hindu shrine.
The Law Department has already held discussions with the Odisha Police to implement a system capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing unauthorized or malicious drones.
This initiative, prompted by heightened security concerns following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, aims to safeguard the temple amid rising tensions. Funds for the anti-drone system will be arranged through the temple administration.