Cuttack: Altogether 13 subsidiary temples and mandaps (elevated platforms) on Srimandir premises are in a dilapidated state, claimed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its affidavit filed in the Orissa High Court in connection with the renovation work at Jagamohan.
The ASI pleaded for early renovation of the crumbling structures on Srimandir premises.
The central agency has classified all such structures at Srimandir into three categories in accordance with their structural status. As per the affidavit, structures like Mukti Mandap, Jhulan Mandap, Goddess Sarbamangala shrine, Adi Nrusingha shrine, Goddess Mahalaxmi shrine and Sun temple are in dire straits and were enlisted in the first group.
Subsidiary temples like Pataleswar, Baikuntheswar, Goddess Annapurna, Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman were put under the second group.
A portion of the Lions’ Gate, West Gate and the Radha-Krushna temple of Pratihari Niyog were placed under the third group.
Accepting the ASI affidavit, a division bench of Chief Justice Vineet Saran and B R Sarangi directed the central agency to renovate the Jay-Bijay gate of Srimandir at the earliest. The bench also directed the ASI to file a status report on the temple renovation during the next hearing of the case July 5.
The ASI, in its affidavit, claimed that the renovation work to Jay-Bijay gate was started May 12, by adding that the repair work will not inconvenience the devotees.
