Berhampur: The tremendous support from the people of Ganjam to erect a new temple of Maa Taratarini has left the officials dumbfounded. The temple of Taratarini, the twin Goddesses, is situated on the top of a blue-capped hill of Purusottampur, 32 km from Berhampur. Only one of the 22 blocks of the district has contributed Rs 8.5 lakh for the purpose.
Revenue Divisional Commissioner Satyabrat Sahu, who is also the Chairman of the Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB), is happy over the unstinted public support in Purusottampur block. The TTDB is busy in construction of a sandstone-built Rekha-style temple in place of the present one with an elevation of about 65 feet above the hilltop with an investment of Rs 2.8 crore. A sum of Rs 1.28 crore has already been spent.
The deadline for completion of the huge project is set as March 31, 2008. The chariot carrying the model of the proposed temple is moving across Ganjam district. A sealed Hundi has been placed on the chariot for collection of donations from devotees.
Officials feel that the level of support available from one block clearly indicates that there will be no problem for funds for the temple. The chariot will cover the remaining 21 blocks and the city of Berhampur town, and officials expect to get a collection of at least Rs 50 lakh. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has already contributed to the temple fund, has expressed happiness over the people's support for the project.
Earlier the TTDB had decided to rope in captains of industries and corporate sector for their assistance for the project, but little support came form them. So, a conscious decision was taken to involve people in setting up the temple, which has paid dividends, said TTDB secretary Pramod Kumar Panda.
The temple is being erected amidst natural surroundings rich in vegetation. The beauty of the place is enhanced by the encircling river Rushikulya. The shrine draws huge crowds throughout the year, especially every Tuesday in the month of Chaitra. Earlier, the devotees had to scale 999 steps to go to the hilltop. Now, with the ropeway in place, it has been much easier for the people to go up. However, any body can also go to the hilltop by a vehicle.
Revenue Divisional Commissioner Satyabrat Sahu, who is also the Chairman of the Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB), is happy over the unstinted public support in Purusottampur block. The TTDB is busy in construction of a sandstone-built Rekha-style temple in place of the present one with an elevation of about 65 feet above the hilltop with an investment of Rs 2.8 crore. A sum of Rs 1.28 crore has already been spent.
The deadline for completion of the huge project is set as March 31, 2008. The chariot carrying the model of the proposed temple is moving across Ganjam district. A sealed Hundi has been placed on the chariot for collection of donations from devotees.
Officials feel that the level of support available from one block clearly indicates that there will be no problem for funds for the temple. The chariot will cover the remaining 21 blocks and the city of Berhampur town, and officials expect to get a collection of at least Rs 50 lakh. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has already contributed to the temple fund, has expressed happiness over the people's support for the project.
Earlier the TTDB had decided to rope in captains of industries and corporate sector for their assistance for the project, but little support came form them. So, a conscious decision was taken to involve people in setting up the temple, which has paid dividends, said TTDB secretary Pramod Kumar Panda.
The temple is being erected amidst natural surroundings rich in vegetation. The beauty of the place is enhanced by the encircling river Rushikulya. The shrine draws huge crowds throughout the year, especially every Tuesday in the month of Chaitra. Earlier, the devotees had to scale 999 steps to go to the hilltop. Now, with the ropeway in place, it has been much easier for the people to go up. However, any body can also go to the hilltop by a vehicle.
Source: The Pioneer, Wednesday, November 21, 2007
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