Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has taken strong exception to the publication of images of the temple’s inner precincts (Chakada) on social media.
In response, Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee has written to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), urging disciplinary action and stricter protocols in the future.
In his letter addressed to the ASI Director General, Dr. Padhee stressed that preserving the sanctity and spiritual integrity of the Shree Jagannath Temple is of utmost importance—not just for the lakhs of devotees, but also for the temple administration and the state government. He advised the ASI to exercise heightened caution when sharing visual content related to the shrine, especially from restricted areas.
— Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri (@SJTA_Puri) July 29, 2025
According to sources, the issue came to light late last night when images of the temple’s inner boundary were posted on social media by ASI.
The temple administration acted swiftly, flagging the matter to the ASI Director General. The images were later deleted, but not before they had been widely circulated online, sparking concern and outrage among devotees of Lord Jagannath.
While acknowledging the ASI’s ongoing efforts in conservation work—particularly in the sensitive restoration of the Ratna Bhandar—Dr. Padhee pointed out that the unauthorized publication of images from within the inner precinct had deeply hurt the religious sentiments of devotees. He urged the ASI to take this matter seriously, ensure accountability, and implement safeguards to prevent such breaches in the future.
