Servitors unhappy over Srimandir repair

Puri: With the chief administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Pradeep Jena announcing that repair work of Jagamohan, the hall facing the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th century temple, is in final stages, servitors of the temple claim that major works at several blocks are still pending.

Servitors claimed repair work at ‘Bhandara Ghara’, ‘Changeda Ghara’ and ‘Khata Seja Ghara’ of the temple are not complete. The repair work of Jagamohan is being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

“At this juncture, how can the SJTA administrator allow devotees for ‘Bhitara Katha Darshan’?,” questioned Manoranjan Pusphalaka, a senior servitor.

Besides, an affidavit filed by the ASI in the Orissa High Court mentioning about completion of the Jagamohan repair work is misleading, he added.

However, the SJTA chief administrator reiterated that the Jagamohan repair work is in final stages.
“If we do not allow devotees into the Jagamohan of the temple, repair work cannot be carried out at the Natya Mandap,” Jena added.

Yesterday Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court Vineet Saran visited the Puri Sri Jagannath temple and reviewed the repair work.

However, devotees on the other hand are demanding proper arrangement for darshan of deities at the temple.

“If the repair work is over, devotees should be allowed for darshan from close quarters,” said Laxman Mohapatra, a devotee.