Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday said that the devotees coming to Jagannath temple at Puri will soon get free 'Mahaprasad' (the food offerings to the Holy triad).
Harichandan said that the government is planning to start the initiative soon after the devotees' turnout declines following the end of the holy month of Karthik.
"Keeping in view the footfall of devotees per day, it is estimated that an expenditure of around Rs 14 to 15 crore will be incurred annually for this initiative (free Mahaprasad service). Following the request of the government, some of the devotees have offered their support for the initiative. I think the kind-hearted donors among the devotees should lend a helping hand for this noble cause instead of imposing the burden on the government," said Harichandan.
He also added that the state government is also planning to develop some infrastructure inside the 12th-century shrine for the smooth and hassle-free darshan of the holy triads by the devotees.
Meanwhile, the law minister informed the media persons here that the government is likely to receive the report of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey carried out inside Ratna Bhandar, treasure trove of the Jagannath Temple within a couple of days. The technical survey was carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the scientists of the CSIR-NGRI last month to determine the existence of any hidden chambers or tunnels inside the Ratna Bhandar.
"The report of the GPR survey conducted in the Ratna Bhandar has not been received yet. It is likely to be received within the next two or four days. The government will take a decision on the next course of action after getting the report," added Harichandan.
He asserted that if the report confirms the presence of any hidden tunnel or valuable ornaments inside the treasure trove, the Odisha government will take necessary steps accordingly. The Law Minister added that the ASI is ready for the reparation work of the Ratna Bhandar and will undertake the work immediately if the GPR survey report denies finding any valuables and hidden tunnels inside the treasure trove.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Man Behind "Those Who Help Salman Khan" Post Arrested, Say Police
Odisha To Introduce Quality Check Of 'Mahaprasad' At Puri Jagannath Temple Were Snakes Guarding Puri Temple's 'Secret Chamber'? What High Court Judge Said BJP, Congress Demand Panel Report On Missing Keys Of Puri Temple Treasury "Those Who Help Salman Khan...": Gang's Warning After Baba Siddique Killing Baba Siddique Death: Maharashtra Ex Minister Buried With State Honours Lawrence Bishnoi's Gang Claims Responsibility For Baba Siddique's Murder How Shooters Used Procession, Firecrackers As Cover To Kill Baba Siddique Body Of Ex Professor GN Saibaba To Be Donated Like He Wanted: Family Hezbollah Airs Audio Recording From Ex Chief Killed In Israeli Strikes Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.