Photos from inside Puri Jagannath Temple go viral, raising security concerns

Bhubaneswar, Jan 19: Photos taken inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Puri Jagannath Temple have gone viral on social media, sparking debates about the security measures in place and the enforcement of the temple's photography ban.

The images, posted by a devotee named Banke Bihari Ananta on Instagram, were allegedly captured from the Natamandir, a location near the temple’s inner sanctum. This breach has raised significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of existing security protocols aimed at preserving the temple’s sanctity. Both the temple administration and local law enforcement are now investigating the matter.

The photos show scenes of Kirtan Chakada and areas associated with Patitapabana, which have drawn attention to the violation of the temple’s long-standing ban on photography. The incident has prompted calls for a reassessment of security measures to ensure the protection of this sacred site.

This is not the first instance of such a breach. Earlier, on January 12, photos from inside the temple, including those of the Kirtan Chakada, were shared by a youth and quickly went viral. These repeated violations highlight the ongoing challenges in enforcing the photography ban, and have led devotees, Jagannath cult followers, and temple servitors to push for stronger safeguards to protect the traditions and privacy of the temple.