The long-awaited redevelopment of the iconic Cuttack Chandi Temple is in its final stages, with a significant religious ceremony scheduled for early January. Officials announced that the 'Ratna Muda' ritual for the new shrine will be held on January 5, marking a pivotal step towards its completion.
Project Timeline and Final Push
During a review conducted by Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab on Saturday, authorities confirmed that all ongoing works under the state government's 'Integrated Development of Heritage, Monuments and Tourist Destination' scheme are on track. The entire project is slated for completion by Maha Bishuba Sankranti on April 14, which coincides with the Odia New Year.
The Ratna Muda ritual is a profound ceremony where devotees contribute grains, gold, and silver to Maa Cuttack Chandi. These offerings will be securely placed within the new temple's first roofed chamber, symbolizing the storage of wealth for the institution's future necessities. The event is set to commence at 12 noon and last for an hour.
Architectural Grandeur and Construction Details
Approved in 2022, the massive Rs 70-crore project encompasses far more than just the main temple. The precinct development includes:
- Construction of the new main shrine and four smaller peripheral temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Hanuman, Laxmi Narayan, and Surya.
- A paved Parikrama path for circumambulation.
- Extensive visitor amenities: an information centre, restrooms, 'mundan' (tonsure) blocks, prasad counters, and a shopping complex.
- Upgraded parking, drainage, landscaping, and illumination systems.
Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde provided a detailed construction update. The Garbagriha (sanctum sanctorum), designed to be 44 feet high, has currently been built up to 33 feet. The remaining construction will proceed after the Ratna Muda ceremony. The Jagamohan (assembly hall), with a planned height of 33 feet, is 95% complete. Both structures prominently feature Khondalite stones, a traditional material.
The integrated development was initiated on December 6, 2022, with the construction of the main temple itself beginning on August 12, 2024. The Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (OBCC) is implementing the project, under the vigilant oversight of a technical committee with experts from the Archaeological Survey of India and the state's archaeology wing.
Current Status and Pilgrim Facilities
While construction of the four smaller temples and three entrances (north, east, and west) around the main shrine is finished, work on the south entrance and the paved Parikrama path is ongoing. Officials confirmed that most pilgrim facilities, including the 'prasad sevan' block, 'mundan' block, and toilet blocks, are ready. However, the construction of six shops, a cloakroom, and a shoe stand for devotees has experienced some delay.
Collector Shinde emphasized that the redevelopment is being closely monitored, with priority given to completing the main temple structure. The project's urgency is underscored by the temple's immense popularity; the temple trust board estimates that 25 lakh to 30 lakh devotees visit the shrine annually.
The nearing completion of the Cuttack Chandi Temple project represents a major milestone in preserving and enhancing Odisha's cultural and religious heritage, promising a significantly improved experience for millions of devotees.
