ASI Team Inspects Nata Mandap At Puri Jagannath Temple Ahead Of Repair Work

Puri: A high-level team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrived at Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri on Sunday for an inspection of the cracks in Nata Mandap of the 12th-century shrine.

Superintending archaeologist, ASI Bhubaneswar Circle, Arun Malik informed that Additional DG (Conservation) Janhvi Sharma and Arun Memon from IIT-Madras were here to inspect the outer and inner sides of Nata Mandap. They were accompanied by amicus curiae N K Mohanty and representatives of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration.

Sources said that the expert team will provide necessary suggestions for the preservation of Nata Mandap and Jagamohan and hold detailed discussions on the maintenance of the pillars. It will also review the cracks on Garuda Stambha, facing Singhadwar.

The ASI is undertaking the repair works, which are expected to be finished by March 31, 2023.

In October, the amicus curie, in an affidavit submitted to Orissa High Court, had expressed displeasure over the repair and restoration works.

Also Read: Amicus Curie Flags Cracks In Puri Jagannath Temple, ‘Unhappy’ With Repair & Restoration Work

After a gap of over two and half years, the HC has resumed monitoring the renovation and conservation work by the ASI at the Jagannath Temple.