Puri: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday paid a surprise visit to Srimandir and inspected the renovation work at temple Jagamohan.
Sources said Patnaik directed the public works department (PWD) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to expedite the repair of Jagamohan structure.
According to sources, the district administration came to know about Patnaik’s visit just an hour before he reached the Lions’ Gate of Srimandir. Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief Pradeep Jena, collector Aravind Agarwal and superintendent of police Sarthak Sarangi greeted the CM near Srimandir.
Patnaik entered the 12th century shrine through the Ghanti gate at 11.50am. He oversaw the repair work at Jagamohan after paying obeisance to the Trinity. “It was a sudden decision to have darshan of Lord Jagannath. I prayed for the wellbeing of the people of Orissa and expressed my gratitude to the deities for successful organisation of Rath Yatra this year. I also monitored Jagamohan renovation work,” Patnaik told media persons at the Lions’ Gate.
SJTA chief administrator said Patnaik has directed ASI and PWD to complete Jagamohan renovation within four months. “The CM had summoned me several times in last two months to discuss Srimandir repair. He has emphasised on proper conservation of the shrine,” Jena said.
Earlier in the day, Jena convened a meeting of servitors to deliberate on Jagamohan repair. “The ASI and PWD will resume renovation work at Jagamohan July 14. We have sought servitors’ cooperation for the project,” Jena said.
The ASI and PWD had installed stainless steel frames at Jagamohan to strengthen the crumbling structure. “ASI authorities have agreed to beautify Jagamohan and repair its ceiling. They will cover the steel frames with wooden boxes to restore the structure’s beauty,” said a SJTA official.
Sources said the temple administration has sought advice from noted sculptor Raghunath Mahapatra for beautifying Jagamohan.
“Mahapatra has been urged to attend a meeting of Srimandir managing committee July 13. The ASI and PWD will carry out temple renovation under Mahapatra’s guidance,” added the official.
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