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In an alteration at Puri Jagannath temple, the iron fence around the historic Aruna Stambha was replaced with a brass barricade. While SJTA officials call it an upgrade, devotees express frustration over losing the chance to touch the sacred pillar, sources said on Tuesday.
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According to sources, the iconic Aruna Stambha, standing before the Lions’ Gate (Singha Dwar) of a 12th-century Vaishnavite shrine in Puri, has undergone a visual and structural transformation. The old iron barricade around the sacred pillar has been removed.
The iron fence has been replaced with a sturdier brass-made fence, installed by the temple administration just two days ago.
While the new 4-foot-tall brass barricade is being appreciated for its aesthetic look and durability, it comes at a cost. Devotees are no longer allowed to touch the Stambha, a ritual believed to bring spiritual merit.
This restriction has led to visible discontent among worshippers, many of whom feel a deep spiritual connection with the practice.
The temple administration has defended the move, citing safety, crowd management, and protection of the ancient structure as reasons for the upgrade. SJTA argues that the new barricade will preserve the historical integrity of the pillar and streamline visitor flow during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Despite the intent, the shift from physical connection to visual admiration has sparked an emotional response, prompting calls from devotees for a reconsideration or modification that allows controlled touch access.
No comments were received from the SJTA officials in this regard.
Worth mentioning, the Aruna Stambha is a sixteen-sided 34 feet (10 metre) tall monolithic chlorite stone pillar having the idol of Aruna (charioteer of the Sun God) on its top. It is nearly 20 feet (6.1 metre) away from the Singha Dwar.
