Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Reconstruction of Ancient Dhabaleswar Temple in Kashipur
Dr.Badal Tah,Odishabarta
Rayagada, November 11, 2026: A grand Bhumi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) was held with full Vedic rituals on Wednesday to mark the reconstruction of the ancient Dhabaleswar Temple at the Podapadi Panchayat headquarters in the Kashipur block of Rayagada district. Hundreds of devotees gathered for the auspicious occasion to offer prayers.
Senior officials from Hindalco’s Aditya Alumina Refinery attended the ceremony, led by Project Head Er. Mazhar Beig as Chief Guest, alongside Heena Beig, HR Head Deepak Mohanty, Ramesh Dubadu, Brigadier P.K. Padhi, Dhiren Pradhan, Jagadish Biswal, and members of the CSR department.
Prominent political and local leaders also graced the event, including Rayagada MLA Appalaswamy Kadraka, former MLA Makaranda Muduli, former Minister Jagannath Saraka, BJD Women’s Wing President Anasuya Majhi, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Saraswati Majhi, BSP State President Saroj Nayak, Laxmipur Block BJD President Bipin Mandinga, Podapadi Sarpanch Lilabati Mandinga, and Bankamba Sarpanch Pilaku Majhi.
During the gathering, attendees discussed fundraising strategies and community cooperation to ensure the timely completion of the temple. Speakers noted that the reconstruction would enrich the religious and cultural heritage of the region. Taking the opportunity, BSP State President Saroj Nayak urged Aditya Alumina authorities to establish an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) within their operational area to benefit local youth.
Pratap Lal Singh served as the Karta (chief host) for the ceremony, while priests Sanjay Sarangi, Harihar Mishra, Satyanarayan Rath, and Ananta Sarangi officiated the Vedic rituals. The event received active support from local dignitaries and villagers, including Daula Ratna Choudhury, Rajendra Duria, Bidya Ratna Choudhury, Bijaya Ratna Choudhury, Nilanchal Patra, Abhimanyu Behera, Chandan Singh, and Nilakantha Jhadia.
