Tuesday, October 14, 2008

New Taratarini Temple fast heading for completion

New Taratarini Temple fast heading for completion

As Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is keen on completion of south Orissa's oldest shrine, Taratarini Temple, money is pouring in to the kitty of the Taratarini Development Board (TTDB). People of Ganjam district are making huge contributions, and the largest chunk of money amounting to Rs 16 lakh has been received from Hinjili, the Chief Minister's constituency, and Rs 8 lakh has come from Purusottampur block.

Till date, a total of Rs 1.35 crore has already been spent on construction of the temple. Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy was visibly happy at the fast pace of completion while reviewing the progress of the construction on Friday in the temple premises. The construction of sandstone-built Rekha-style temple with an elevation of about 55 ft above the hilltop has made good progress, thanks to the initiative of Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) and chairman of the TTDB Satyabrat Sahu. This most modern temple is being built in accordance with the ancient Orissan temple architecture replacing the old shrine.

The TTDB has entrusted noted sculptor Padma Bhusan Raghunath Mohapatra with the construction of the temple in the ancient architectural form. The Jagannath Temple of Puri and Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar are examples of this traditional temple architecture of Orissa.

Though the construction of the temple started in 2003, it picked up after Sahu took over as the RDC and chief of the TTDB. More than 40 sculptors and artisans, led by Mohapatra, are engaged in the construction work. The walls and other portions of the temple bear intricate carving on stone. The temple is made in such a fashion that it can be viewed from all sides around.

The construction of a Mukteswar-style Arch Gate in front of the temple has added lustre to the temple. Once the main temple construction is completed, the entire area will be developed along with better facilities for the visiting devotees, said Sahu.
Source: The Pioneer, April 12, 2008

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