Concerns about the safety and security of the 12th-century Puri Srimandir have arisen, as multiple cracks have developed in the Meghanada Prachir, the massive boundary wall surrounding the temple.
Reports indicate that wastewater from the Ananda Bazaar within the temple premises is seeping through these cracks, while patches of algae are beginning to cover various sections of the wall.
“The Meghanada Prachir is gradually weakening due to water leakage, and the risk of its collapse cannot be ignored,” warned a servitor. “Since 2021, water has been leaking through the wall continuously, yet the temple administration has taken no action. Immediate repair and restoration work is essential.”
“Despite opposition, vibrators were used during the construction of the Parikrama Project, resulting in cracks on the Meghanada Prachir. Cracks are also visible on the Uttara Dwara and the Nata Mandap,” stated a devotee.
Repair Works Soon, says Law Minister
The state’s Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, refrained from making political comments regarding the situation. He noted that the consequences of past mistakes often manifest in the present. While he declined to elaborate further, he assured that any inconveniences caused would be addressed and emphasised that there should be no problems in the future. The technical team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is currently assessing the situation and will take appropriate action.
Concerns Raised During Parikrama Project Implementation
The Parikrama Project was initiated during the tenure of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s government. Large machinery was used to excavate up to 20 feet within a 75-metre radius of the Shree Jagannath Temple, raising concerns among the people of Odisha. They feared that vibrations from the machinery could compromise the structural integrity of the monument. Given that Puri is located on the seashore, the geological structure predominantly consists of sandy soils. At that time, devotees called for a halt to such construction activities, expressing that excavation with heavy machinery could potentially damage the Meghanada Wall.
SJTA Responds to Current Concerns
In response to the current developments, Arabinda Padhee, the chief administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), stated, “We share the concern regarding the current condition of the Meghanada Prachir. The ASI and technical teams have inspected the boundary wall, and necessary repair and restoration work will commence soon.”
What is Meghanada Prachir?
The outer compound wall of the Jagannath Temple is known as the Meghanada Prachir. This impressive structure measures 665 feet in length from east to west and 640 feet in width from north to south. Its height ranges from 20 to 24 feet, with a thickness of 6 feet. The top of the wall features serrated battlement designs, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and attracting the attention of devotees and visitors alike. Due to variations in construction, the wall’s height is not uniform. Built from laterite and sandstone blocks, it reflects its historical role as a fortification. Historical accounts indicate that during periods of Muslim invasion, both civilians and soldiers sought refuge within the temple compound, especially when certain sections were damaged. This suggests that the high walls served as a necessary defence against frequent Muslim attacks, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries.
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