In the Echo of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, Naveen Patnaik Seeks Blessings from Lord Jagannath for a Sixth Term

As Odisha gears up for the upcoming assembly elections, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is banking on his ambitious Jagannath Heritage Corridor project to woo the voters and counter the BJP’s Hindutva wave. The project, which aims to beautify and decongest the surroundings of the 12th century Jagannath Temple in Puri, is set to be inaugurated by Patnaik on January 17 amid much fanfare and religious fervour.

The Heritage Corridor Project

The Heritage Corridor project was conceived in 2019 and took off in November 2021 with the foundation stone laid by Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, who is also the first servitor of Lord Jagannath. The project involves the construction of a 75-metre wide corridor around the temple’s outer wall, which will provide a spacious and aesthetic environment for the devotees to perform parikrama or circumambulation. The project also includes the demolition of over 900 structures, including houses, mutts, ashrams and shops, that were encroaching on the temple premises and posing a threat to its security and sanctity. The state government has spent over Rs 900 crore on the project, which also involves the development of various facilities and amenities for the pilgrims, such as parking lots, toilets, drinking water kiosks, resting places, souvenir shops, etc.

The Political Significance

The Heritage Corridor project is seen as a masterstroke by Patnaik to consolidate his popularity and appeal among the masses, especially the Hindu voters who form a majority in Odisha. The project is also seen as a counter to the BJP’s aggressive campaign to capture power in the state by invoking the Ram temple issue and chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’. Patnaik, who has been ruling Odisha since 2000, is hoping to secure a sixth term in office by projecting himself as a devout follower and protector of Lord Jagannath, who is revered as the supreme deity and cultural icon of Odisha. Patnaik has also launched several initiatives to promote and preserve the Jagannath culture, such as the ‘Aam Odisha Naveen Odisha’ scheme, which organises special programmes across the state to showcase the rich heritage and traditions of Lord Jagannath.

The Grand Inauguration

The inauguration of the Heritage Corridor project is expected to be a grand spectacle that will attract lakhs of devotees and dignitaries from across the country and abroad. Patnaik has invited several prominent personalities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Nepal’s King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, who is also a devotee of Lord Jagannath, and Shankaracharya of Puri Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, who is the spiritual head of the temple. The inauguration will be preceded by a three-day yajna or fire ritual performed by 108 Brahmins at the temple site. Patnaik will also lead a symbolic journey through the corridor and address the gathering from a specially constructed podium. Various cultural troupes will perform dances and music to celebrate the occasion. A light and sound show and a laser show will also be held to highlight the history and glory of Lord Jagannath and his temple.