After Cyclone Fani hit the pilgrim city causing large-scale devastation, now suspense has deepened over the conditions of the Jagannath Temple which too withstood the gale and facedruptures.
On May 3 the heavy wind mixed with water and sands from sea hit the Jagannath Temple and broke the iron frames used in repair works. The wind force was so high that it damaged a portion of architecture on the south wall bending the Baraha Temple.
Two lions’ idols were suddenly dislodged off wall and turned into pieces on the ground.
After a month, situation has started coming to normal withrestoration of power supply to most households. But apprehensions remain on the conditions of the the 12th century monument, which was heavily hit by a speeding breeze of over 200 KM per hour.
“We are really still in doubt, when a large chunk of heavy wind dashed the wall for almost half an hour and ultimately broke the heavily tied steel frames including two lion idols. Probably due to fractures on the wall, water leaked into the inner temple duringcyclone,” said Julu Kar, a servitor adding a worry. He said that unless proper investigation is made to it, doubt will persist in all minds.
Reacting over the apprehension, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has assured that the structure is fully protected. ASI Superintendent Arun Malik, in his statement to
The Pioneer assured the people of thesafety of the teme and requested not to unnecessarily panic. Puri Collector Balawant Singh told that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already ordered a high level inquiry by a technical committee, which will reveal the present condition.
“So, without any worry, let’s wait till the report comes in,” said Singh, adding that the administration is very careful about the shrine.