The serene ambience of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri was disrupted by a digital storm today, as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) found itself at the centre of a cultural and religious controversy.
The agency inadvertently shared high-resolution images of the temple’s inner sanctum, including the recently restored Ratna Bhandar, on social media, violating the sacred norms that govern this revered site.
The images, posted late last night, showcased the temple’s inner precincts—an area considered deeply sacred by millions of devotees.
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The act drew swift condemnation, with the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple, Arabinda Padhee, writing an urgent letter to the Director General of ASI. In the letter, Padhee demanded disciplinary action, citing the hurt caused to religious sentiments and the erosion of public trust.
The controversy erupted shortly after the Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s treasury housing the jewels of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, was reopened on July 14, 2024, after 46 years for repairs and inventory. ASI’s restoration efforts, while commendable, appear to have overlooked the strict security guidelines that prohibit mobile phones and cameras in the sanctum.
The leaked visuals, which included the Bhog Mandap entrance, Satapahacha steps, and Ghanti Dwara, circulated widely before being deleted following the Chief Administrator’s intervention.
Public reaction on platforms like X has been intense, with users questioning how ASI officials captured and shared such sensitive imagery.
In his letter, Padhee acknowledged ASI’s efforts in restoring the Ratna Bhandar but stressed the need for greater sensitivity. “Such lapses could undermine the temple’s cultural and spiritual sanctity,” he warned, urging the agency to implement stricter protocols to prevent future incidents. The episode has reignited debates about balancing heritage preservation with the reverence demanded by sacred sites, a challenge faced by institutions worldwide.
As of now, ASI has not issued an official statement, but the incident has prompted calls for a review of operational guidelines. With the temple remaining a focal point of devotion and tourism, the resolution of this controversy will likely set a precedent for how India’s rich cultural heritage is managed in the digital age.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) demanded a public apology from the ASI for allegedly posting photos of the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of Sri Jagannath Temple online.
BJD’s Dr. Lenin Mohanty accused ASI of breaching strict regulations by capturing and sharing images of inner sanctum areas like the Bhog Mandap and Ratna Bhandar entrance.
