The silver cladding work of seven out of eight doors of Puri Lord Jagannath temple has reached final stages, the temple officials informed on Sunday.
Silver sheets with intricate designs have been installed on the gigantic seven wooden doors-Jay Vijay Dwara, Beherana Dwara, Adi Nursinha temple, Bimala temple, Mahalaxmi temple and Sata Pahacha Dwara.
Jitendra Sahu, Administrator (Rituals) of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), said that apart from Kalahata Dwara the silver cladding work of the remaining seven doors are almost complete. The pending works are expected to be taken up during Rath Yatra festival next year.
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“As the deities are inside the temple, it will be difficult to undertake the silver cladding work. We are hopeful of completing the work during Rath Yatra,” said Durga Prasad Mohapatra, memer of Srimandir Management Committee.
Mohapatra further said that the silver cladding work on the gates of other shrines inside the temple will be taken up in second phase.
“Already there is silver cladding on Kalahata dwara and the old coating will be removed and new sheets will be installed. The work will be taken up during Rath Yatra period,” said Sarat Mohanty, a senior sevayat.
The devotees have also expressed satisfaction over the silver cladding work being undertaken at the temple. “It was very unique experience to touch the silver gates and the work done is extraordinary,” said a devotee.
Nearly two tons of silver have been used for the silver cladding work at Puri Jagannath temple. A devotee from Mumbai has donated around 1300 kg of silver for the purpose.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)