Challenges of Puri Heritage Corridor Project (PHCP)
Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has written to the Odisha government warning about the dangers associated with the Puri Heritage Corridor Project (PHCP).
- Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASAR) Act, any new construction work is prohibited within 100 meters of this temple.
- Whereas the National Monuments Authority has issued a no-objection certificate to the state government for some construction work under PHCP. The construction is reportedly to take place within the restricted area.
- The National Monuments Authority is an organization under the Union Ministry of Culture. It was established under the AMASAR Act
- This authority considers granting permission for construction related activities in restricted and regulated areas.
- It is to be noted that the Puri Heritage Corridor Project was announced in December 2019 to convert the holy city of Puri into an International Heritage Site.
About Jagannath Temple of Puri:
- It was built by the Ganga dynasty’s king Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev in the 12th century at Puri.
- The holy trinity i.e. Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Balabhadra is worshiped in Puri.
- It is one of the famous Char Dhams for pilgrimages in India. The other three dhams are Dwarka, Badrinath and Rameshwar.
- Many festivals dedicated to Shri Jagannath are celebrated throughout the year. These include Snan Yatra, Netrotsav, Rath Yatra, Shayani Ekadashi, Chitlagi Amavasya, Shri Krishna birth, Dussehra etc.
Architectural Features of Jagannath Temple
- The main temple is built in the Kalinga architectural style. This temple has been constructed in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day.
- The images of the Holy Trinity are carved on wood rather than on stone or metal. Unlike other temples in the region, the temples at Puri are mainly carved with images of deities.
Source – The Hindu
