SJTA To Review ASI Report On Missing Stones From Ratna Simhasan

Puri: In the wake of allegations by sevayats about some stones missing from the Ratna Simhasan in the sanctum sanctorum of Jagannath temple, the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Saturday said it will conduct a thorough review after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submits its report.

Briefing the media after a meeting with senior sevayats of the Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, SJTA chief administrator Krishan Kumar said that the ASI has provided some old photos of the Ratna Simhasan on Saturday. “The temple administration has asked the ASI to furnish a comprehensive report on the missing stones. On the basis of its report, there will be a thorough review,” he added.

He further said that there will be a comprehensive documentation of all stones of the temple which will make it easier to identify in case any of them is missing.

He informed that there is no veracity in the allegations made by some sevayats on the falling of stones in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

Among other issues discussed at the meeting, Kumar said the temple administration will provide houses to the poor sevayats. To identify poor sevayats, there will be a fresh enumeration.

The temple administration is providing Rs 10,000 in instalments to the sevayats. While Rs 5,000 has been handed over in two instalments before Rath Yatra, an equal amount will be provided to them in two more instalments in July and August, the chief administrator informed.

Also Read: Missing Stones: SJTA Seeks Old Photos Of Ratna Simhasan In Puri Jagannath Temple From ASI