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Sankaracharya of Puri Govardhan Peeth, Nischalananda Saraswati on Saturday said that no suggestion has been sought from him regarding the reopening of the Shree Jagannath Temple.
Asked by reporters about the plan for reopening of the 12th century shrine, which has remained closed for the devotees since May 5 after a statewide lockdown was imposed by the Odisha government, the Sankaracharya said the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has not sought his opinion in this regard so far.
The Jagatguru said he is being sidelined despite clear instructions by the Supreme Court for taking him into consideration while taking decision on such issues.
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“I will give my opinion on the reopening of the temple if the temple administration discusses the issue with me,” he said.
The seer thanked the temple administration, district administration, servitors and Puri residents for the smooth conduct of Rath Yatra this year amid Covid-19 pandemic.
Sankaracharya also wished the Indians participating in the Tokyo Olympics that got underway today.
This year, the annual Rath Yatra was held in the pilgrim city of Puri only and banned elsewhere in the State due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation. The annual festival that began on July 12 concluded yesterday with Niladri Bije.
Ahead of the Rath Yatra, SJTA chief administrator Krishan Kumar visited Govardhan Peeth and formally invited Sankaracharya to attend the festival. The seer along with six of his disciples offered prayers to Lord Jagannath and his siblings on the chariots.
