A photograph allegedly taken from the Ratna Singhasan inside the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri has once again gone viral on social media, triggering renewed concerns over security lapses and enforcement of the long-standing ban on photography within the shrine.
The image, purportedly showing Lord Jagannath seated on the Ratna Singhasan, surfaced on Instagram and was later circulated widely as a status post. Sources said the post originated from a user identified by the handle ‘Ashirbad945’.
Questions Over Security and Screening
The viral image has raised serious questions about how a mobile phone or camera managed to enter the temple’s highly restricted inner precincts, despite multiple layers of security checks and repeated advisories prohibiting electronic devices inside the shrine.
Temple rules strictly ban photography, particularly near the Ratna Singhasan, making the alleged close-range image a matter of grave concern.
Photo Appears to Be Taken from Close Proximity
According to informed sources, the photograph appears to have been captured from very close to the Ratna Singhasan, an area that is completely out of bounds for photography. The incident has reignited debate over crowd management, vigilance by temple staff, and the effectiveness of screening mechanisms, especially during peak darshan hours.
Temple officials said an inquiry is required to determine when the photograph was taken, who captured it, and how it was uploaded on social media. As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding the identity of the individual involved or the timing of the breach.
