History of Sanatan Mandir &
Sanatan Mandir Trust Board (SMTB)

Radha Rani Para, Balangir – 767001, Odisha, India

There was an Old temple 10' × 10' in a most Dilapidated Condition Over Plot No. 754 in Radharani Para, Balangir, recorded as Government Property in the local settlement as "Sanatan Devanka Astan". This Small Temple was Originally Constructed during the reign of Late Maharaj Pruthwiraj Singh Deo by Private Persons and was being managed by the Debottar Department of the State under The Control and Supervision of a Dharma Pracharak.

Due to Lack of Proper attention and timely Renovation, the Temple stood broken for Decades, with the area Remaining Deserted. After the merger of the Princely State into the Orissa Government, the Appointed Administrators refused to Pay Seva Puja Expenses from the Government exchequer. Consequently, the post of Dharma Pracharak was abolished and Seva Puja discontinued. Private individuals began encroaching on the vacant site due to the absence of management and supervision.

It was an accidental coincidence that Late Shri Sarat Chandra Panigrahi came in Contact with members of a Private Committee Known as the “Sanatan Dharma Surakhya Committee.” They earnestly Requested him to take up the reconstruction of the Temple. Prominent Persons from the Town—Sri Kapileswar Mishra, Dr. Ramprasad Mishra, Dr. Debiprasad Chopdar, Sri Mulchand Chaudhury, and many Other Well-wishers of Radharani Para, Balangir—encouraged him to begin Renovation Work with Immediate Effect.

Late Shri Sarat Chandra Panigrahi solemnly declared that he had not taken any Contributions from anyone for the Construction of the Temple. The former Secretary, Sri Devi Prasad Chopdar, Only handed Over a Payment Account Notebook, with transactions amounting to Rs. 63.06 (Rupees Sixty-Three and Six Paise).

By the Grace of God Almighty, my father was able not only to renovate the Temple and Remodel its Top in Traditional Hindu Temple Architecture, but also to Construct large Mandaps of size 50' × 20' on Either Side of the Temple for use as Bhajan and Puja Mandaps, meant to accommodate Devotees for Prabachana, Bhajan, and Kirtan. Additionally, he Constructed an out-house quarter within the Plot for the accommodation of Sadhus and Saints During Ceremonial Occasions.

The Unwavering Support of Sri Nityananda Baba and friends from Radharani Para remains Unforgettable.
The Plan and Specifications of the new Constructions, along with the Original Temple Layout, are clearly indicated in the Plan in the Schedule of Property.

Upon completion of the mandir and mandaps, The Temple gained Public Attention. Sadhus and saints began Visiting, and the Temple became alive with religious activities. As the glory of the Temple grew constantly, in 1969, the public of Balangir, especially from Radharani Para, came forward to recognize his dedication and Officially Recorded the Temple under the Name of the Deity, with my father as the sole authority. In the new settlement, the temple was recorded as:

Sri Sanatana Mahaprabhu, Radharani Para, C/O Sri Sarat Chandra Panigrahi
Plot No. 219 & 754, Area – 0.075 Decimals.

My father constructed and remodeled the temple entirely on his own in the sacred memory of his late father and mother. He never meant for it to be his Private Property. From the beginning, it has been his wish that the Temple remain a Public Property and to be managed by his son, with support from his family members. He dedicated it for the benefit of the Public, praying that it becomes a Lighthouse of Religion and Knowledge for the People of Balangir and humanity at large, Shining forever to uphold the Sanatan Dharma.

After the Completion of the Temple, Seva Puja resumed with the installation of a Plastic idol of Sri Ananta Vishnu Murti. As the Temple had no Financial Resources apart from its Structure, he took upon himself the Responsibility of managing its Day-to-Day Expenses, including the appointment of Pujaks Over time.

Later, there arose a Demand for a Marble Idol of Lord Ananta Basudev Murti. A Beautiful marble Vigraha was Procured from Khajane Walon Ka Rasta, Jaipur, Rajasthan, and the Grand Pratistha Ceremony was Conducted on 06.02.1995 with full devotion and Public Participation. Four Days Later, a marble epitaph was engraved as a Token of Dedication to the Public in the Memory of his parents.

It was unanimously resolved by the Founding Members and Friends to Observe all Daily Rituals, including the Offering of "Bala & Anna" in the morning and Dry Bhog in the evening. Since 1990, "Vedanta Satsangs" are being held every Sunday at 4 PM in the main hall with due permission, under the guidance of the new Trust Board, till date.

From the beginning, Puja Seva is continuing on a monthly payment basis. The following present Pujaks are appointed:

• Sri Lalit Mohan Mishra
• Sri Baidyanath Mishra
• Sri Sadasiva Mishra
• Sri Govinda Chandra Panda
• Sri Judhisthir Tripathy
• Sri Gouri Shankar Mishra
• Sri Antaryami Panda

All funds and efforts spent for the improvement of the temple are exclusively dedicated to achieving its religious aims and objectives and shall not be diverted for any other purposes.

Sanatan Mandir Trust Board – Constitution

Trust Board Name: Sanatan Mandir Trust Board

Registered Office:
• Mrudchhaya, Tikrapara, Balangir - 767001

Temple Office:
RadhaRani Pada, Sanatan Mandir, Post – Balangir, Dist. – Balangir, Odisha – 767001.
The Board can open branches and Operate at any place in the Country (India).

Present Members of Sanatan Mandir Trust Board (SMTB)

Dr Shrikanta K. Panigrahi
Managing Trustee
Sanatan Mandir Trust Board (SMTB)
Radha Rani Para, Balangir – 767001, Odisha, India.