The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has written to the Odisha government warning it of potential threats of the Puri Heritage Corridor project to the structural safety of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
- The ASI is the custodian of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
Construction within 100 metres
- Under the The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, any new construction within 100 metres of a temple are prohibited.
- But for the Puri Heritage Corridor project, the National Monument Authority has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the state government for the construction of a cloakroom, a shelter pavilion, three toilets, an electrical room and a pavement within the prohibited 75-metre zone.
About Puri Heritage Corridor Project
- Conceived in 2016, the Puri Heritage Corridor Project was unveiled in December 2019 to transform the holy town of Puri into an international place of heritage.
- The project includes redeveloping major portions of the holy town and in the vicinity of the temple for visitors and tourists.
- A total of 22 different projects will be executed in a phased manner. After the initial funds of Rs 800 crore from the state government’s Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture at Puri (ABADHA) scheme, another Rs 265 crore will be provided in the first phase.
About Jagannath temple
- The Jagannath temple was constructed by Ganga Dynasty king Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva dating back to 12th century at the seashore Puri”.
- The Dasgoba inscription states that it was completed in 1198 A.D.
- Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra (the holy trinity) are being worshipped in Puri. Idols of the holy trinity are carved out of wood rather than stone or metal idols.
- The Jagannath temple surmounts a mound 20′ high called Nilagiri.
- The main temple is constructed in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day.
The temple is divided into four distinct sections, namely –
- The Deula, Vimana, or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) is the location of the triad deities on the ratnavedi;
- Mukhashala (Porch in front);
- Nata mandir/Natamandapa, also referred to as the Jagamohan (Auditorium/Dancing Hall), and
- Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall).
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