THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 4, 2026

The Odisha government on Tuesday reviewed a comprehensive development plan for the renowned Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur in Puri district, with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stressing the need for the development of the temple's Bijesthali and beautification of its surrounding areas while ensuring improved amenities for devotees and tourists.

The decisions were taken at a high-level meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, jointly chaired by Parida and Harichandan, to assess the progress and future roadmap for the holistic development of the revered Shakti Peetha.

The meeting discussed a series of infrastructure and heritage conservation initiatives, including renovation of the main temple, construction of a new temple kitchen (Roshaghara), development of parking facilities, construction of a Sevayat Bhawan, modernization of the Yatri Niwas and Chandan Ghat, establishment of Prasad shops, and construction of a heritage gateway to enhance the temple's religious and tourism appeal.

Officials also deliberated on the second phase of the integrated development project, which envisages creation of a picnic zone, construction of a heritage ghat on the Prachi River, a dedicated bridge, a children's park, a temple administrative office and a shoe stand.

The ministers directed officials to undertake the required surveys and submit a detailed project report for the proposed works at the earliest.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Parida said the Maa Mangala Temple, one of Odisha's prominent Shakti Peethas, is a centre of faith and devotion for millions of devotees.

"The state government has accorded top priority to the temple's holistic development and ensuring better facilities for pilgrims. Continuous efforts are being made to transform the shrine into a model religious destination while preserving its heritage," she said.

Law, Works and Excise Minister Harichandan said the temple holds immense religious and emotional significance not only for the people of Odisha but also for devotees from across the country.

Keeping this in view, he directed the concerned departments to prepare a comprehensive development blueprint for the shrine and its surrounding areas to facilitate planned and sustainable infrastructure growth.

The meeting was attended by OBCC Managing Director Anupam Saha, Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Endowment Commissioner Satyanarayan Sadangi, Engineer-in-Chief (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, Engineer-in-Chief (Buildings) Priyabrata Samantaray, Chief Engineer Trinath Behera, besides members of the Temple Trust Board and Sevayats.