Odisha to build Lakshmi Puran Corridor, distribute 1 crore copies of classic

The Odisha government has announced a Lakshmi Puran Corridor at Balaram Das's memorial and a statewide book distribution drive. The move seeks to amplify the text's message on women's empowerment, equality and cleanliness.

In Short

• Blueprint pegs Begunia memorial project cost at around Rs 28 crore
• Officials said corridor work will be completed within three years
• Text will be translated into several Indian languages for wider reach

The Odisha government will develop a "Lakshmi Puran Corridor" in memory of 15th-century Odia poet Balaram Das, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said on Thursday. She also announced that about one crore copies of the poet's 'Lakshmi Purana' will be distributed across the state to spread its message on women's empowerment and cleanliness.

Parida made the announcements at a national seminar titled "The Epic of Shakti Vandana – Balaram Das' Lakshmi Purana" in Puri district. She said the state has already prepared a blueprint for the corridor and estimated a cost of about Rs 28 crore for the project at Balaram Das's memorial in Begunia village in Gop block.

Parida said the proposed project would help popularise the 'Lakshmi Purana' and showcase Odisha's cultural heritage to tourists. She said the corridor would be built in consultation with the culture department and the work would be completed within three years. The book will also be translated into various Indian languages to spread what she described as Odisha's liberal views on women even 500 years ago.

"Poet Balaram Das's Lakshmi Purana teaches that women's empowerment is necessary for the progress of the society," Parida said. She added that the central message of the 'Lakshmi Purana' goes beyond religious boundaries and represents a strong social revolution for justice, equality and human dignity.

The 'Lakshmi Purana' describes the life and liberal mindset of Maha Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Bishnu, who is worshipped in Odisha as Lord Jagannath. At the seminar, scholars, religious pundits, women writers and culture experts spoke about the text and said it rose above discrimination based on caste, creed and religion.

Researcher Asit Mohanty said that in the text, Goddess Lakshmi enters the house of a Dalit woman named Sriya and fights with her divine husband and his elder brother Lord Balabhadra over her rights.

"Five hundred years ago, Balaram Das had clearly written that daughters have rights over their father's properties. None can think in this line even now," Mohanty said, adding that the poet was the true champion of women's empowerment.

Odisha Law and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said the 'Lakshmi Purana' is not only a religious or devotional text dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, but also a timeless guide that promotes respect for women and a casteless society. The state government said the planned corridor and the book distribution drive are aimed at carrying forward that message.

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