Dibrugarh: A replica of Puri's famous Jagannath Temple stands at Khanikar, on the outskirts of Dibrugarh, Assam, offering devotees who cannot travel to Puri an opportunity to seek blessings.
On New Year's Day, the grand structure experienced a significant surge in visitors from neighboring states, with people flocking to the temple to pray for a prosperous year ahead.
The temple, the second-largest Jagannath Temple in India, was the vision of former Assam Governor Ballabh Pattanaik, who initiated its construction during his tenure from 2009 to 2014.
Deeply spiritual and connected to Lord Jagannath, Pattanaik took up the project after visiting a smaller temple in Lahowal. He collaborated with local leaders and ministers to realize this dream. The construction began in 2012, inspired by Puri's Jagannath Temple design, and was completed in 2014.
The Sri Sri Jagannath Cultural Trust was formed to oversee the project, and the Jalan Tea Estate generously donated five bighas of land. Skilled artisans from Odisha and Assam worked tirelessly to complete the temple in two years. The structure includes temples dedicated to Balabhadra, Subhadra, Shiva, Ganesh, Hanuman, and Durga, along with intricately sculpted Krishna Leela scenes.
Costing Rs 10.70 crore, the temple has become a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad. Its stunning architecture and serene surroundings make it a hub for cultural and spiritual tourism. Managed by the Sri Sri Jagannath Cultural Trust, the temple also boosts local businesses and markets in the area.
Also Read:
Also Watch: