The iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is facing a critical situation as cracks have been discovered on its 12th-century boundary wall. Recognizing the urgency, the temple authorities have sought the expertise of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the custodian of the temple, to conduct a thorough scientific survey.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator, Arabinda Padhee, penned a letter to the ASI, highlighting the alarming cracks in the massive wall surrounding the temple complex. In his letter, Padhee requested immediate repair and restoration of the ‘Meghanad Pacheri,’ the boundary wall, emphasizing the need for prompt action to prevent further damage.
To mitigate the situation, the SJTA’s civil construction wing has already implemented measures to prevent water leakage on the wall. The administration also initiated a tender process to improve the drainage system of Anand Bazaar, a significant area within the temple complex where devotees collect ‘prasad’.
Expressing the gravity of the situation, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan assured the public that the repair work would commence immediately. “Due to some mistakes in the past, such issues have cropped up,” Padhee stated, alluding to construction works around the temple complex during the previous BJD government.
Meanwhile, another report by Indian Express unveiled a separate discovery within the temple. A thorough survey of the Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s treasury, was conducted by a team of senior scientists from the ASI and the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in mid-September. This meticulous survey concluded that no secret chambers exist within the treasury.
The committee involved in the survey is expected to submit its final report to the temple administration shortly. The ASI’s scientific survey of the boundary wall and the comprehensive inspection of the treasury are expected to shed light on the temple’s structural integrity and historical significance. The temple authorities and the ASI are committed to ensuring the preservation and restoration of this revered spiritual landmark.
