Darshan at Shree Jagannath Temple Restricted for ASI Survey for 4 hours on September 21, 22,23

Darshan of deities at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, will be restricted for four hours on September 21, 22, and 23. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to conduct a technical survey of the Ratna Bhandar using laser scanning technology. Public access for darshan of Lord Jagannath and His siblings will be limited from 2 PM to 6 PM on these days, as announced by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

The chief administrator of SJTA has urged the ASI to complete the survey by September 24, in preparation for Dussehra and the upcoming holy month of Kartik. In line with the Odisha Government’s Standard Operating Procedures, all ornaments from the inner and outer Ratna Bhandar have been temporarily moved to a strongroom, while empty almirahs and chests have been cleared from the premises.

The temple administration has requested the ASI to conduct conservation and repair work following the survey, ensuring that the temple’s integrity remains intact. Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the chief administrator of SJTA, emphasized the importance of completing preservation and repair work promptly after the technical inspection.