Daijiworld Media Network – Bhubaneshwar
Bhubaneswar, Jul 3: The Odisha government has announced plans to develop a Rs 28-crore Lakshmi Puran Corridor in memory of 15th-century Odia poet Balaram Das and distribute around one crore copies of his celebrated work, Lakshmi Purana, across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida made the announcement on Thursday while addressing a national seminar titled "The Epic of Shakti Vandana – Balaram Das' Lakshmi Purana" in Puri district.
She said the proposed corridor would be developed at Balaram Das's memorial in Begunia village in Gop block. A blueprint for the project has already been prepared, and the work is expected to be completed within three years in consultation with the state's Culture Department.
Parida said the initiative aims to popularise Lakshmi Purana and showcase Odisha's rich cultural heritage to visitors. She also announced that the text would be translated into several Indian languages to spread its message of women's empowerment, equality and cleanliness.
"The Lakshmi Purana teaches that women's empowerment is essential for the progress of society. Its message goes beyond religion and represents a powerful movement for justice, equality and human dignity," she said.
The Lakshmi Purana narrates the story of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in Odisha as Lord Jagannath. The text is regarded as a pioneering work advocating social equality and challenging caste-based discrimination.
During the seminar, scholars, religious leaders, women writers and cultural experts highlighted the epic's relevance in promoting social justice and inclusiveness.
Researcher Asit Mohanty said the text portrays Goddess Lakshmi visiting the home of a Dalit woman named Sriya and asserting her rights despite opposition from Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra.
He also noted that Balaram Das had written about daughters' rights to inherit their father's property nearly 500 years ago, describing the poet as a visionary advocate of women's rights.
Law and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said Lakshmi Purana is not merely a religious text but a timeless guide that promotes respect for women, equality and a casteless society. He said the proposed corridor and book distribution campaign would help preserve and propagate the enduring values embodied in the epic.