Odisha: A survey team has warned of a possible cave-in of the Nata Mandapa -- dance hall -- in the 12th-century Puri Jagannath Temple. A warning has been issued by an 'Amicus curiae' - appointed by Orissa High Court which assessed the structural status of the Puri Jagannath Temple.
After assessing the report, Amicus Curiae NK Mohanty informed the court, "There is a crack in the beam of the Nata Mandap. It is revealed that this work is very important and catastrophe may happen at any time as this subject beam is working as a cantilever from both sides."
The report further said, "The safety of the temple is very important in nature and this court may kindly take stock of the work in every one or two months for monitoring the same so that the works may be expedited by concerned authorities."
"During discussion in the meeting held in the office of the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Administration and ASI Bhubaneswar Circle, had placed the report of IIT Madras about the crack beam of Nata Mandapa. In this report, we found that the restoration work of the crack beam is in urgent need. This work is pending to be attended by ASI from August, 2018 till date,” the Amicus Curiae said in its affidavit.
Who built the Jagannath Temple in Puri?
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the most sacred and revered temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, and his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The temple has a long and rich history, as well as many fascinating facts and mysteries.
The main shrine of the Jagannath Temple at Puri was built by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the 10th century.
He was a powerful ruler who expanded his kingdom from the Ganges to the Godavari river. He is credited with initiating the construction of the temple complex that houses the wooden images of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
The temple has been renovated and expanded by various kings and dynasties over the centuries, such as the Gajapati, Suryavamsi, Bhoi and Maratha rulers. The temple is one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) for Hindus and attracts millions of devotees every year.
More facts about Jagannath Temple?
- The temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three deities are taken out in procession on huge and decorated chariots.
- The temple is also known for its unique architecture and rituals, such as the replacement of the wooden idols every 12 or 19 years by an exact replica, the absence of any shadow of the main dome, and the reverse cooking of the prasad in earthen pots. The temple is a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Odisha and India.
- The temple has no shadow at any time of the day, regardless of the direction of the sun. This is considered to be an architectural marvel or a divine miracle.
- The flag atop the temple dome always flutters in the opposite direction of the wind. This defies the laws of physics and is seen as a sign of Lord Jagannath’s presence.
- The Sudarshan Chakra, a metal discus mounted on the top of the temple, weighs about a tonne and has the same appearance from every direction. It is not known how it was lifted to such a height without any machinery or how it was designed to look symmetrical from all angles.
- The temple kitchen is one of the largest in the world, feeding up to 100,000 people every day. The food is cooked in earthen pots over wood fires, but the pots on the top are cooked first before the ones at the bottom. This is another mystery that baffles scientists and devotees.
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