The Odisha government has announced plans to develop a “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 announcements during a national seminar titled The Epic of Shakti Vandana – Balaram Das’s Lakshmi Purana in Puri district. The initiative aims to promote the text’s messages on women’s empowerment, social equality and cleanliness while showcasing Odisha’s cultural heritage.

Rs 28-Crore Corridor Planned at Poet’s Memorial

Parida said the state government has already prepared a blueprint for the proposed corridor, which will be developed at Balaram Das’s memorial in Begunia village in Gop block.

The project is expected to cost around Rs 28 crore and will be implemented in consultation with the state’s culture department.

According to the Deputy Chief Minister, the corridor is intended to popularise Lakshmi Purana and create a cultural attraction for visitors seeking to learn more about Odisha’s literary and spiritual traditions.

She said the project is expected to be completed within three years.

One Crore Copies to Be Distributed

As part of a wider outreach programme, the state government plans to distribute approximately one crore copies of Lakshmi Purana throughout Odisha.

The text will also be translated into multiple Indian languages to help spread its social and cultural message beyond the state.

Parida said the work reflects progressive views on women that emerged in Odisha centuries ago and remains relevant in contemporary society.

“Poet Balaram Das’s Lakshmi Purana teaches that women’s empowerment is necessary for the progress of the society,” she said.

She added that the text’s message transcends religion and represents a powerful call for justice, equality and human dignity.

Text Celebrated for Social Reform Themes

Lakshmi Purana narrates the life and values of Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in Odisha as Lord Jagannath.

During the seminar, scholars, religious leaders, women writers and cultural experts highlighted the text’s emphasis on social equality and its rejection of discrimination based on caste, creed and religion.

Researcher Asit Mohanty said the text portrays Goddess Lakshmi entering the home of a Dalit woman named Sriya and confronting her divine husband and his elder brother Lord Balabhadra over questions of rights and dignity.

“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.

He described the poet as a pioneering advocate of women’s empowerment and social justice.

Government Seeks to Preserve Legacy

Odisha Law and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said Lakshmi Purana should be viewed not only as a devotional text but also as a timeless social guide.

According to Harichandan, the work promotes respect for women and advocates a casteless society, making it relevant to modern discussions on equality and inclusion.

The state government said the proposed corridor and large-scale book distribution campaign are intended to preserve and expand the legacy of Balaram Das while introducing future generations to the social and cultural values embedded in one of Odisha’s most influential literary works.

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