Puri Srimandir photo goes viral again; questions raised over Jagannath Temple security

A photograph allegedly taken from the ‘Ratna Singhasan’ inside the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has gone viral on social media, once again triggering serious questions over the enforcement of the long-standing ban on photography inside the shrine.

The image, purportedly showing Lord Jagannath on the Ratna Singhasan, was uploaded on Instagram by a user identified with his username as ‘Ashirbad945’ and later shared as a status post, informed sources.

The viral post has sparked concern over how a mobile phone or camera managed to enter the highly restricted inner precincts of the temple despite multiple layers of security and repeated advisories prohibiting electronic devices.

Photo Allegedly Taken From Close Range

According to sources, the photograph appears to have been taken from close proximity to the Ratna Singhasan, which is strictly out of bounds for photography under temple rules. The incident has raised intense discussions about screening mechanisms, crowd monitoring, and on-ground vigilance, especially during peak darshan hours.

Temple officials said an inquiry is required to ascertain how the image was captured and whether it was taken recently or uploaded later. No official confirmation has yet been issued regarding the identity of the person who took the photograph or the exact timing of the breach.

Repeated Security Breaches In Recent Months

The latest incident adds to a series of security lapses reported at the 12th-century shrine in recent months.

In November, the Srimandir witnessed two breaches on a single day. In one case, a devotee from Jajpur allegedly entered the sanctum sanctorum disguised as a servitor and reportedly touched the Ratna Singhasan after the Gopal Ballabha ritual. He was detained and questioned by the police.

On the same day, another devotee from Ahmedabad was caught inside the Jagamohan wearing spectacles fitted with a hidden camera. Temple authorities detected the device during darshan and detained the individual before handing him over to the Singhadwara police.

Earlier in October, a servitor was also caught allegedly taking photographs inside the temple premises using a mobile phone, violating the ban on electronic devices for all individuals, including servitors and security personnel.

Legal Provisions And Proposed Amendments

Under existing law, unauthorised photography inside the temple attracts a maximum punishment of two months’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000. However, devotees have acknowledged that the current penalty framework offers limited deterrence, particularly in cases involving concealed recording devices.

In response to recurring incidents, the Odisha government has proposed amendments to the Shree Jagannath Temple Act. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that the government is considering making unauthorised filming inside the temple a cognisable offence, with provisions for non-bailable charges and imprisonment of up to seven years.

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Inquiry Awaited

Meanwhile, sources cited temple officials who said further action in the latest case would depend on the outcome of verification and investigation into the viral image.

Officials have not yet confirmed whether a formal police case has been registered in connection with the social media post.