Sambalpur, Sept. 13: The local civic body is carrying out a beautification drive in and around the water body near the Mandhata Baba temple here to attract more visitors to the shrine.
The temple at Maneswar, which was built by the first king of Sambalpur, Balaramdev, in the 16th century, is one of the most famous Shiv temples of the region.
Deputy commissioner of Sambalpur Municipal Corporation Sudhansu Bhoi said: "We are spending Rs 40 lakh on the beautification drive."
Devotees and tourists visiting the Shiv temple go to the water body to see the turtles there. The turtles are the major attraction of the water body, which is spread over an acre. Municipal engineer B. Padhee said: "We have already completed desiltation of the water body and constructed an inner protection wall. So far, Rs 18 lakh has been spent. A decision has been taken to construct a pathway surrounding the water body, develop a lawn and construct cemented chairs on the bank. Some other beautification works will also be carried out. Our work will gain pace after the rainy season."
A total of 54 turtles, which were in the water body, have been taken out from the pond to facilitate the renovation and beautification.
The corporation has built a small tank as a temporary home for the turtles till the completion of the water body's beautification.
A priest of the historical temple, Murali Pujari, said: "A large number of devotees and tourists from across the district visit this temple every day. During Mondays, the number increases substantially. The turtles in the water body are major attraction for the tourists. More people will visit this place once the beautification drive is complete."
"Many Shiv temples were built in the formerly undivided Sambalpur district during the reign of the Chauhan dynasty. The most important among them are the Asta Sambhu Piths. Mandhata Baba temple in Maneswar is one of the eight Asta Sambhu Piths. The temple was built in 1570. I am really happy that the civic body is beautifying the temple premises," said writer and city resident Deepak Panda.
