Man enters Puri Srimandir wearing shoes, flees after leaving it near Bhoga Mandap gate

An incident involving an apparent breach of temple protocol was reported at the PuriSrimandir after a pair of shoes was found near the Bhoga Mandap gate inside the temple premises on early Saturday morning. The matter drew attention as entry into the Srimandir with shoes is strictly prohibited.

According to sources, an unidentified person allegedly entered the temple premises wearing shoes, walked up to the Bhoga Mandap gate and left the footwear there. The identity of the individual was not known at the time of reporting. 

The matter came to the fore after Pratihari servitors spotted the shoes and began efforts to trace the person involved. Early morning, an elderly servitor was seen walking out through the Singhadwar holding a pair of boots. When asked, the servitor stated that the footwear was recovered from inside the temple premises.

Servitor Confirms Recovery Near Bhoga Mandap

The servitor said the shoes were found close to the Bhoga Mandap area and were subsequently removed from the premises.

“I brought this from inside the temple premises. We do not know who wore it inside the temple. I found it near the Bhoga Mandap area and am now taking it out,” the servitor said.

Questions Over Security And Vigilance

The incident raised questions about how an individual managed to enter the Srimandir wearing shoes without being noticed. Temple protocols strictly prohibit footwear within the premises.

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No official statement on further action were issued at the time of reporting.