Puri: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) have finalised a design to beautify Srimandir Jagamohan after the crumbling structure underwent a renovation recently.
“Senior officials of ASI, SJTA and Srimandir core committee had deliberated on several designs and selected one of them for beautifying Jagamohan. We will soon start the beautification work,” said SJTA chief administrator P K Jena.
SJTA sources said ASI, the conservator of Srimandir, has agreed to fix stone work on the stainless steel beams and pillars, installed at Jagamohan to strengthen the crumbling structure. “The beautification work, once completed, will add to the grandeur of the 12th century shrine,” Jena said.
According to sources, the SJTA had decided to complete the Jagamohan beautification work within four months of the completion of annual Rath Yatra. “A few minor restoration works at Jagamohan were halted due to some important festivals in the last one month. We will expedite the process and complete the beautification project within two and half months,” Jena said.
The ASI and state Public Works department had initiated the repair work at Jagamohan January 27 last year. They have installed stainless steel frames at the old structure and repaired its pillars and pockets. However, the two agencies are yet to renovate Jagamohan ceiling, sources said.
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