LIVE TV
Odisha
Puri: Devotees will get a glimpse of the Kalinga architecture and Jagannath culture of Odisha in the designs and artwork in silver coating which will be showcased on gigantic wooden gates at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The gates will be constructed with Burma teak and the work is expected to begin this month, informed a senior official after a high-level meeting held on Monday.
However, the designs for the silver coating could not be finalised at the meeting held today. A sub-committee has been constituted to finalise the designs, senior officials of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) said.
“There was no unanimous decision on the concept design which will be based on Kalinga architecture and Jagannath culture. A team will visit to Raghurajpur village to pick up some designs and the matter will be finalised in the next meeting scheduled to be held on November 19,” said SJTA Administrator (Development) Ajay Kumar Jena.
ASI superintendent, Arun Mallick said, “Designs for silver coating of gates will be completely based on the culture of Odisha. After finalisation of designs, they will be sent to ASI, Delhi and works will commence only after getting the necessary approvals.”
Eight doors including the Garbhagruha of Sri Jagannath Temple and Sata Pahacha will be reconstructed and given a silver coating. The gates of Mahalaxmi Temple, Bimala Temple, Nrusingha Temple, Sata Pahacha and Bhoga Mandapa will be draped with silver.
According to a preliminary estimate, around 2500 kg of silver will be required for the purpose. Out of the total eight gates, the work for silver cladding will be undertaken for two gates in the first phases, sources said.
A 17-member committee has been constituted to supervise the entire work of the construction of the wooden frames of the gate and subsequent silver cladding work.
Though the authorities informed that the silver coating will depict the Utkal culture and tradition, sources said artisans from Mumbai will be roped in for the make-over project. The move has led to resentment among different quarters as they feel that the artisans of Odisha have been neglected, especially, the artisans of Cuttack, which is the also known as the filigree hub of Odisha, feels side-lined.
It is a well-known fact that the filigree artisans of the Millennium city are master craftsmen and they have proved their mettle in the past by infusing life into various idols and other products made of silver.
“No artisans from Cuttack will be engaged as the person, who has donated the silver, will get the designs and manpower from Mumbai,” said senior servitor, Ramchandra Das Mohapatra.
Now under such circumstances, question remains whether not a single artisan from Odisha have the required skill set to carrying out the silver coating project at Puri Srimandir.
Similarly, questions are also being asked whether there is any ulterior motive behind giving prominence to artisans from Mumbai.
“We fail to understand why Mumbai artisans have been given preference when there are talented ones in Odisha. The artisans from other States have no knowledge about the art and tradition of Odisha,” said Ashwini Moharana, secretary Gold-Silver Artisans Union.
(Edited By Pradeep Singh)
Related Story: Puri: Srimandir Temple Administration Convenes Meeting For Silver Makeover Of 8 Gates
