On the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri, lakhs of devotees thronged the revered Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, reaffirming its status as one of Odisha’s most significant spiritual landmarks. Amid the massive gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi announced a comprehensive redevelopment initiative aimed at transforming the temple precinct and its surrounding areas into a world-class spiritual and heritage destination.
The state government has initiated the tender process for the Rs 180-crore Lingaraj Temple Development Project, with work expected to commence soon. The project focuses on improving infrastructure, enhancing devotee amenities, and preserving the architectural and cultural legacy of the temple, a prime example of Kalinga architecture.
With footfall surging during major festivals like Maha Shivratri, the government emphasized the urgent need for improved crowd management, sanitation, accessibility, and security. The project will include better entry and exit routes, streamlined queue systems, improved lighting, drinking water facilities, sanitation upgrades, and enhanced security mechanisms.
Officials stressed that modernization efforts will be undertaken without compromising the temple’s historical and spiritual character. The objective is to maintain the sanctity of the shrine while upgrading infrastructure to meet contemporary needs.
In the second phase, the government has proposed a Rs 330-crore plan for the rejuvenation of Bindusagar Lake and the establishment of a state-of-the-art interpretation centre. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being prepared.
Bindusagar Lake holds immense religious and ritualistic importance and has long required conservation efforts due to concerns over water quality and encroachments. The redevelopment plan includes water rejuvenation, landscaping, improved ghats, enhanced lighting, and better public amenities to restore its spiritual ambience.
The proposed interpretation centre will function as a cultural and educational hub, offering visitors curated exhibits, digital installations, and detailed insights into the temple’s history, architecture, and rituals. This initiative is expected to significantly enrich the experience for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The combined Rs 510-crore investment reflects Odisha’s broader vision of positioning Bhubaneswar — known as the “City of Temples” — as a premier global spiritual and heritage tourism destination. The initiative is also expected to stimulate the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and benefit local artisans and businesses.
