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Puri, Dec 21: Construction of a building at Koili Baikuntha, the cremation ground of the idols of Srimandir, by Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has invited criticism from devotees and servitors.
The devotees said Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) guidelines prohibit any type of permanent or temporary construction near the heritage site.
The SJTA is constructing three concrete rooms at Koili Baikuntha close to the Meghanad wall. However, there is no clarification regarding ASI’s approval for the building. Sources said the building is being constructed to augment infrastructure for the upcoming Nabakalebar of the presiding deities.
“The temple administration should not initiate any construction near a heritage site like Meghanad wall. There is no need of any new building at Koili Baikuntha for the Nabakalebar festival,” Daita Niyog assistant secretary Binayak Das Mahapatra said.
When contacted, ASI official Bhuban Bikram said, “We are doing some renovation works at the 12th Century shrine. We have no idea regarding the construction of any permanent structure on the temple premises.”
Jagannath temple development administrator Maheswar Agasti said, “A makeshift building is being constructed at Koili Baikuntha for the Nabakalebar. It will be demolished after the festival.”
