Odisha's Jagannath Temple deposits 500 kg silver in treasury for temple door renovation

The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration has deposited 500 kg of sliver in the Puri district treasury for storing it till the next Ratha Jatra in 2022, when the metal would be used for refurbishing an inner door of the 12th century shine. Eight gates of the temple would be coated with 2,500 kg of silver ingots, of which 1,300 kg was donated by a Mumbai-based devotee, SJTA sources said.

 

 

 

A total of 500 kg of silver is kept in 11 boxes, both in shape of plane plates and the designed format. The metal will be brought to the temple during the next Ratha Jatra for renovation of the Kalahata Dwar', an official said. Since the deities are inside the temple, it will be difficult to undertake the silver plating work during normal days, he added.

 

 

 

The temple administration had earlier rebuilt the worn-out wooden doors with teak imported from Burma. The design of the doors in line with traditional Kalingan style was approved in the temple managing committee meeting and clearance obtained from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) following which the repair work commenced. Silversmiths engaged by the donor fixed six doors including Jai Vijay, Satapahacha and Beheran in a secured enclosure.

 

 

Administrator (development) Ajay Kumar Jena said repair work is yet to start only on the Kalahata Dwar of the Garbha Gruha (sanctum sanctorum). The silver cladding work would be done on the door during the annual Rath Yatra next year when the Trinity will be away from the Srimandir. Since the Rath Yatra is months away, it was not wise to keep the silver inside the shrine.

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