Majhi directed officials to undertake a fresh and detailed review of old land settlement records relating to the Peeth and work towards finding a permanent solution to its long-standing land-related issues.
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to promote the overall development and protection of the historic Govardhan Peeth in Puri, one of the four principal monasteries traditionally associated with Adi Shankaracharya, while taking a series of measures to strengthen Puri’s identity as a major centre of Sanatana and Jagannath culture.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday, where issues relating to the protection of the Peeth’s properties, security of its Jagadguru and development of its surrounding areas were discussed.
Majhi directed officials to undertake a fresh and detailed review of old land settlement records relating to the Peeth and work towards finding a permanent solution to its long-standing land-related issues. He also stressed the need for enhanced security for Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati and improved safety arrangements on the Peeth premises.
Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, who has headed the Puri Govardhan Peeth for decades, commands considerable respect across the country. Senior national leaders, including Prime Ministers and Union ministers, as well as prominent political leaders from Odisha cutting across party lines, have traditionally called on or paid their respects to the Shankaracharya during visits to Puri. His views on Jagannath culture, Hindu philosophy and religious traditions have also frequently drawn attention in public discourse.
The government will also take measures to protect and preserve the samadhi sites of former Acharyas of the Peeth. The meeting further discussed steps for better management of Shri Govardhan Gaushala and development of the areas surrounding the monastery.
Another key focus was the daily Sandhya Mahodadhi Aarti conducted on the beach near Swargadwar. The Chief Minister directed officials to beautify the aarti site and organise the evening ritual on a larger scale.
Majhi also proposed developing the entire Puri beachfront as a “spiritual shoreline,” integrating the city’s religious and cultural heritage with its coastline and creating a more prominent spiritual experience for pilgrims and visitors.
The move assumes significance as the government seeks to project Puri not merely as a pilgrimage destination but as a major centre of India's spiritual and cultural heritage. The Govardhan Peeth, with its historical association with Adi Shankaracharya and its close relationship with the religious traditions of Srimandir, occupies a special place in Puri’s spiritual landscape.
Revenue minister Suresh Pujari, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, saints of Govardhan Peeth and senior officials, including Chief Secretary Anu Garg, attended the meeting.
