Precious stones ‘missing’ from Ratna Singhasana in Puri Srimandir

Puri: Precious stones attached to the Ratna Singhasana (bejeweled throne) inside sanctum sanctorum of Puri Jagannath Temple are found missing from the innermost chamber of the shrine, alleged a servitor of Srimadir.

Hitting out at Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), servitor Ipsit Pratihari alleged that the stones were removed from a lotus shaped rostrum attached to the Ratna Bedi, the seat of Chaturdhamurti, without prior notice to temple administration during 12-day-long Ratha Jatra when the repairing work was carried out inside sanctum sanctorum in absence of deities in Srimandir.

Other servitors also added their voice to the issue. They alleged that a conspiracy is being made against Srimandir and Jagannath culture to ruin the heritage.

The serious allegation has put the ASI in the dock questioning its motives and transparency in repairing work of the centuries old temple in Odisha’s pilgrim town.

Following allegation leveled against ASI, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar ordered a probe to verify the fact.

As per the order, the servitors in charge of the managing committee of Srimandir will review the condition of sanctum sanctorum of the temple today.

Necessary action will be taken after investigation, said Kumar yesterday.

The allegations came after grand success of Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath sans participation of devotees due to COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

It is worth mentioning that Ratna Singhasana is the lotus shaped rostrum situated inside sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir. Three deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra — accompanied by Sudarshan, Shree Devi, Bhu Devi and Lord Madhaba are seated on the Ratna Singhasana.

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