Unidentified people scaled the Meghanada Prachir (compound wall) of the 12th century Jagannath temple in Puri to trespass into the holy shrine, exposing gaping holes in security mechanisms at the protected place of worship.
The Bhandar was last opened for inspection and inventorisation of valuables in 1978.
Earlier the Court had expressed strong displeasure over the non-completion of the repair work of ‘Natamandap’ and ordered the authorities concerned to complete the process by March 2024.
Amicus Curiae (AC) N K Mohanty informed the Orissa High Court in an affidavit that “a catastrophe may happen at any time”.
The wheelchair-bound rights activist filed a contempt petition against the temple administration accusing it of defying Orissa HC order to make the Puri Jaganath temple disabled-friendly.
The drawings and structural designs included in the revised Detailed Plan Report are different from the one presented to NMA.
The NHRC passed the order acting on a petition filed by rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy.
The devotees are allowed temple visits from 7 am to 7 pm for five days from Monday to Friday. Due to the weekend shutdown, there will be no entry into the temple, said the temple authorities.
"The Jagannath temple has been reopened today. I request all devotees to strictly follow the restrictions imposed in view of Covid-19 while having darshan at the temple," Odisha DGP Abhay said.
The ‘Deba Snana’ rituals of the divine trinity will be held on 24 June at the snana mandap (bathing altar) of Jagannath Temple without devotees’ participation, he said.
