Minister Ashok Singhal Graces ‘Pran Pratishtha’ Ceremony at Sri Sri Jagannath Temple in Dhekiajuli
Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Irrigation cum MLA of Dhekiajuli Ashok Singhal today participated in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony of the newly constructed Mahaprabhu Sri Sri Jagannath Temple at Tinkharia tea estate. This temple, modeled after the Jagannath temple in Puri, stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of Minister Singhal and the local community.
The 3 -day long festivities, held from February 13, witnessed a massive turnout from the tea estate, surrounding areas, and various parts of Dhekiajuli. Preceded by two days of cultural events such as Dhan Divas, Kalah Yatra, lantern lighting, Harinam Kirtan, Maha Snan, Jaldhibas, the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony and Maha Yajna marked the culmination of the celebration. Local residents expressed their gratitude to Minister Singhal for his instrumental role in bringing the Mahaprabhu Sri Sri Jagannath Temple to fruition.
Earlier in the day, Minister Singhal visited the Sri Sri Gupteshwar Temple at the foothill of Shingri Hills, assessing the progress of the Archaeological Department’s expedition to uncover the historical treasures of the temple.
Continuing his commitment to community welfare, Minister Singhal distributed financial assistance checks from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to 77 beneficiaries who are facing financial vulnerability in the Dhekiajuli constituency. The distribution took place at a function held at the Bidhayak Sewa Kendra of Dhekiajuli constituency, reinforcing the government’s support for those in need.
Earlier of the day, former Deputy Speaker of the Assam Lagislative Assembly, Bhimananda Tanti, inaugurated the ‘dwar’ of the newly constructed temple. Minister Ashok Singhal led the circumambulation with the idol and idols from Jagannath in Orissa were installed with Vedic mantras. Minister Singhal, expressing good wishes for the state’s welfare, performed Purna Ahutis at the Yajna Kund conducted by Orissa priests on the temple premises. Built on 25 bighas of Tinkharia Bagicha land at a cost of Rs 50 lakh, the temple fulfills a long-standing dream of the locals, according to Minister Singhal. He emphasized its role in reflecting Indian Vedic civilization’s heritage and creating a spiritual haven. The minister urged people, unable to visit Puri’s Jagannath Temple, to seek Lord Jagannath’s blessings at the newly constructed temple and embrace the opportunity by visiting Tinkharia Bagicha of Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur District.