The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has urged the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration to shift the deities from the Garbhagruha at the earliest so that the repairing work going on in the Jagamohan can be expedited and completed soon.
“The Jagamohan of the Shree Jagannath Temple is in a critical condition as pillars supporting the roof have developed wide cracks. It needs shifting of deities from the Ratnasimhasan of the Garbhagruha to facilitate repairs. The nitees and rituals of the deities would not be possible while the repairs are in progress,” pointed out by the ASI in its letter to the SJTA Chief Administrator.
Odisha circle ASI Superintending Archeologist AK Patel has written letters to the Shree SJTA and the Director General of the ASI requesting them to do needful for shifting of the deities at the earliest. Notably, SJTA Chief Administrator Suresh Chandra Mahapatra had earlier written a letter to the Director General of the ASI to repair the Jagamohan on war footing.
An emergency meeting of the Chhatisha Nijog (confederation of all sections of servitors) has been convened for Monday to discuss the gravity of the situation.