SJTA proposes Heritage Illumination for Puri Jagannath Temple; estimated cost Rs 17.12 Crore

A state-of-the-art Heritage Illumination for the world-famous Jagannath Temple in Puri was proposed on Thursday by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. After completion, the project will make the 12th-century shrine visible from up to 10 kilometres away.

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The announcement was made by SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, who said the project aims to enhance the temple’s grandeur while preserving its historic character.

According to Padhee, the Archaeological Survey of India has already completed the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the ambitious illumination work. A cost of Rs 17 crore 12 lakh has been estimated for the initial phase.

The temple administration will request the State government to fund the proposed project under Abadha scheme, the Chief Administrator stated.

The upgraded lighting system is expected to transform the night-time appearance of the temple, offering devotees and visitors a breathtaking view and improving overall visibility around the heritage site.

Estimated cost includes management and maintenance for five years after completion.

“Through an empanelled consultant of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), a DPR for Heritage Illumination was prepared, and we have already received the DPR. We had an elaborate discussion of the project, and it has been unanimously accepted by all the sub-committees. It was suggested to properly manage and commission the project as per the procedure (SOP),” Chief Administrator Padhee expressed while briefing to mediapersons.

“Except Garbha Gruha (sanctum sanctorum) in the main temple, Jagamohana, Natamandap, and Bhogamandap, all other parts of the shrine, including the temples of Parswa Devatas within the premises, Ananda Bazaar, Meghanada Pacheri (the Jagannath Temple’s Grand Compound Wall), and Kuruma Bedha, etc, will be illuminated,” the SJTA official stated.

“Heritage Illumination is a kind of modern technology-based lighting arrangement,” the senior SJTA official added.