The iconic Tarakeswar temple in West Bengal's Hooghly district is undergoing a significant transformation ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit on June 20. The temple's color scheme is being changed from blue and white to saffron, according to administrative sources.
Renovation Details
A special team from Nabanna, the state secretariat, instructed that the temple be painted saffron. The walls surrounding the Dudhpukur pond, where devotees traditionally take a holy dip before offering prayers, are also being painted white with saffron highlights. The district administration commenced cleaning the temple premises on Tuesday, with officials emphasizing that the work is being carried out on a priority basis in view of the prime minister's visit.
Political Significance
State ministers Purnima Chakraborty, MLA from Shyampukur, and Sumana Sarkar visited the temple complex along with local MLA Santu Pan. After offering prayers, they stated that PM Modi's visit would be a historic moment for the temple and its devotees. They highlighted Syama Prasad Mukherjee's role in Bengal's history and noted that Modi would be the first prime minister to visit the Tarakeswar temple. Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee had visited the temple multiple times during her tenure and established the Tarakeswar Development Authority. Funds were released through this authority for infrastructure work, and the previous blue-and-white color scheme was introduced during that period.
Chief Minister's Remark
During an earlier visit to Tarakeswar, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari had stated that the new government would change the temple's color scheme, describing saffron as a symbol of spirituality.
Temple Authority's Response
Dandiswami Sureswar Ashram, head of the Tarakeswar temple authority, welcomed the prime minister's visit and expressed hope that it would further the shrine's development. He noted that the temple authority, which once managed all affairs independently, now faces challenges including encroachment on temple land.
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