The issue of nailing of walls of the Shreemandir in Puri for hanging of flower garlands has now reached the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
ASI Superintending Archaeologist Arun Malik said he has already submitted a report to the ASI DG regarding nailing of walls of the main entrance (Lion’s Gate) and other parts of the Shree Jatannath Temple without permission from the ASI.
Notably, the Archaeological Survey of India and the Shree Jagannth Temple Administration (SJTA) have been in disagreement over use of iron nails on the temple walls for hanging of garlands by a Delhi-based devotee KK Sharma.
The SJTA has allowed Sharma to decorate the temple for the festival with pinning of nails. But, the ASI has opposed it. Sharma has been decorating the Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine with flowers for the last 20 years.
He would spend more than Rs 70 Lakh for decorating the 12t h Centuray shrine with flowers and during Rath Jatra, said sources.
The SJTA, however, rejected the ASI’s apprehension saying it is “not a big issue.”
“The SJTA has not taken prior permission before using iron nails on the structure. The Shree Jagannath Temple is an ancient and protected monument,” said the Superintending Archaeologist.
Stating that none can take any decision on ancient monuments like Shree Jagannth Temple without proper permission from experts, Malik said has already submitted a report to the ASI Director General on the incident.
Replying to a question, Malik said he could not raise objections immediately during the Ratha Jatra in view of the religious sentiments of the people.
SJTA Chief Administrator Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra, however, rejected the allegation terming it as “not a big issue.”
“When decorating houses with flowers, one will need nails to hang garlands. Those do not harm the house. How can they (iron nails) harm a huge structure like the Jagannath Temple, “ wanted to known Mohapatra.
SJTA sources said the body would allow flower decoration on the temple during 'Bahuda' (return sojourn of the deities) and 'Sunabesha' (gold attire of the deities) ceremonies of the ongoing Ratha Yatra festival.