Devotees’ unwavering faith in Lord Jagannath has translated into substantial offerings at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
According to details shared in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the temple’s hundi (donation box) has collected a remarkable 58 kilograms and 317 grams of gold from 1981 up to the 2024-25 financial year. Similarly, 158 kilograms and 836 grams of silver have been gathered during the same period.
In response to an unstarred question by BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan provided these insights. He further revealed that between 2011 and 2024-25, a total of Rs 304 crore and 57 lakh has been collected from the hundi and other donation sources. The minister outlined the allocation of these funds: 90% of the hundi collections and amounts exceeding Rs 500 from other donation schemes are deposited into long-term fixed deposits under the Shree Jagannath Temple Foundation Fund. Meanwhile, 10% of hundi proceeds and donations up to Rs 500 are incorporated into the Shree Jagannath Temple Fund for daily operational expenses. Donations over Rs 1 lakh from other schemes are treated as part of the Shree Jagannath Temple Corpus Fund and placed in long-term fixed deposits.
Mixed gold and silver donations are utilised as needed for repairing or creating new ornaments for Lord Jagannath, with any surplus stored in the State Bank locker at the temple office.
In the past year alone, the hundi amassed Rs 18 crore, 59 lakh, 23 thousand, and 770 from devotees. Additionally, 3 kilograms, 441 grams, and 300 milligrams of mixed gold, along with 33 kilograms, 648 grams, and 950 milligrams of mixed silver ornaments, were donated.
10 Illegal Drone Flights Over Srimandir Since June 2024; 700 Unauthorised Mobile Entries Reported
In a concerning revelation about security lapses at the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan informed the state assembly that there have been 10 instances of illegal drone flights over the temple premises from June 2024 to the present.
This disclosure came in a written response to an unstarred question posed by BJD MLA Pratap Keshari Deb.
According to the minister’s reply, 10 cases have been registered in connection with these drone violations. Final forms have been submitted in two of these cases, while investigations are ongoing in the remaining eight.
The security issues extend beyond drones. From June 2024 to now, a staggering 700 individuals have entered the temple premises unauthorizedly carrying mobile phones, leading to fines totalling Rs 6.93 lakh.
In response to these breaches, nine cases have been filed at the Singhadwar Police Station, with seven resolved and two still under investigation.
Additionally, authorities have noted eight incidents where illegal photographs or videos taken inside the temple were shared on social media. Eight cases have been lodged at Singhadwar Police Station for these violations, with investigations completed in five and ongoing in three.
These revelations highlight both the temple’s enduring spiritual significance and the ongoing challenges in maintaining its sanctity amid modern intrusions.
