Ratha Jatra 2021: Laser Scanning Not Permitted In Puri Jagannath Temple Garbhagriha, Says SJTA To ASI

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been denied permission for conduct of laser scanning of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in Puri Srimandir.

In a letter to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Puri Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday (July 11) has mentioned about granting permission to the ASI for undertaking laser scanning work of both the interior and exterior parts of Jagamohan, Natamandap and Bhogamandap during the Rath Yatra period from July 13 to July 22.

However, SJTA has made it clear that ASI is not permitted to conduct laser scanning work of Garbhagriha for now. The SJTA has further asked the agency to submit all the Processed Data and Analysis relating to the Laser Scanning of the interior and exterior parts of the Jagamohan, Natamandap and Bhogamandap to the office of SJTA.

In the letter, the temple administration mentioned several conditions that the ASI needs to follow while conducting laser scanning of the Puri Srimandir. All data and analysis collected during the laser scanning should be shared with temple office and kept confidential by the ASI.

Moreover, no leather materials will be allowed in the temple and due respect should be paid to the nitis of the temple to refrain from delays of the daily rituals in the temple. Apart from this, the SJTA also mentioned that the instructions of the Temple Commander should be strictly followed during the laser scanning.

It is to be noted that the ASI had sought permission for laser scanning of Garbhagriha and other shrines in the complex of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri. The laser scanning work is being carried out at the Puri Srimandir to properly document the structural and architectural design of the temple.