IIT-Chennai team to inspect Jagamohan on Feb 25

Puri: A technical team of IIT-Chennai will visit the Sri Jagannath temple at Puri on February 25 to examine the condition of the Jagamohan, sources said.

A decision on setting up of a stainless steel support system to the Jagamohan’s four beams, which are in dilapidated stage, will be taken after the visit of IIT-Chennai professor Menon and his team to the temple.

Suresh Mohapatra, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) said, “The four beams joining the four pillars of Jagamohan are heavy and long stones. Stainless steel support system has been planned so that the load will not be on the four beams.”

NC Pal, member, Technical core committee of ASI, stated, “In this 800-900 years old temple, the strength of the four beams and iron beams have weakened due to rusting and corrosion resulting in cracks in the beams.”

Janardan Pattajoshi Mohapatra of the Chhatisa Nijog Nayak attributed the poor state of the Jagamohan to lack of repair and maintenance for centuries. “For over 200 years, the Srimandir has not been conserved properly. Therefore, the shrine is in a bad shape,” he said.

Earlier this week, expressing grave concern over the multiple cracks in the Jagmohan, Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb had laid emphasis on complete repair of the structure to ensure the longevity of the centuries-old temple