In a significant move to preserve Odisha’s spiritual and cultural heritage, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a crucial meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan to discuss the conservation, security, and development of the revered Govardhan Peeth, located in Bali Sahi, Puri.
The Shankaracharya Peeth, a cornerstone of Sanatan Dharma and Advaita Vedanta, is set to receive focused attention to ensure its legacy endures for future generations.
The meeting addressed several critical aspects of the Peeth’s preservation and growth. Key discussions centered on enhancing security measures for the Peeth, protecting the sacred samadhi sites of previous Shankaracharyas, strengthening arrangements for the safety of the Jagadguru, and developing the Govardhan Goshala within the Peeth premises. Additionally, plans were outlined to beautify the Mahodadhi Sandhya Aarti site to make it more appealing for devotees and tourists.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasised the importance of safeguarding Sanatan Dharma and promoting Advaita Vedanta, underscoring the Peeth’s role as a spiritual and cultural institution. He directed the Shankaracharya Peeth Trust Board to collaborate closely with the state government and submit detailed proposals outlining necessary actions for the Peeth’s development. To ensure seamless execution, he instructed all relevant departments and the Puri district administration to work in coordination.
A key focus of the meeting was enhancing the security of the Jagadguru, with the Chief Minister stressing the need to fortify existing arrangements. He also directed the Puri District Collector to prepare a comprehensive report on the infrastructural and peripheral development of the Peeth. Furthermore, the Mahodadhi Sandhya Aarti site, a significant spiritual landmark, is slated for upgrades to enhance its appeal and accessibility for devotees and visitors.
“All necessary steps for the development of the Govardhan Peeth will be undertaken with utmost priority,” Chief Minister Majhi affirmed, signalling the state’s commitment to preserving this sacred institution.
The meeting saw participation from prominent figures, including Minister for Works, Excise, and Law Prithviraj Harichandan, Puri MP Dr. Sambit Patra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Shree Jagannath Temple Administrator and Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Padhee, and other senior officials. Representatives from the Govardhan Peeth, including Pandit Matruprasad Mishra, Brahmachari Suyas Prashant, and Raghunath Mahanti, were also present.
The discussions reflect Odisha’s broader vision to preserve its rich spiritual heritage while ensuring the Govardhan Peeth remains a vibrant centre for devotees and a symbol of cultural pride.
With coordinated efforts between the government, district administration, and the Peeth’s trust, the state aims to elevate the Peeth’s stature while safeguarding its sanctity for generations to come.
