Shrine to get a facelift at cost of Rs 1.15 crore

Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple, one of the oldest shrines in this Silk City in south Odisha, is all set to get a facelift at a cost of Rs 1.15 crore.
The development work will be executed by the state-owned Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). The tender has already been finalised, District Tourist officer Sanatan Nayak said.
The temple management committee has handed over half an acre near the temple to the OTDC for development of infrastructure.
Before starting the work, Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) wants to remove the encroachments near the temple. Commissioner of the corporation Manoj Mohanty and engineer Asim Mishra inspected the area near the temple on Friday and identified the encroachments.

"A gate and a public convenience would be constructed. Besides lighting, drinking water and parking facilities would be developed near the temple. More number of tourists are likely to visit the temple after it gets a makeover," said MLA (Berhampur) R C Chyaupatnaik.
Maa Budhi Thakurani is the presiding deity of the Silk City. People from far-off places visit the temple every day. More crowds throng the temple every Tuesday in the Odia month of Chaitra.
The festival of the deity known as Thakurani Yatra is held every two years. People from across the state and outside visit the temple to witness the festival.

During the yatra, Maa Thakurani visits her father's house at Desibehera Street.