A historically significant sculpture resembling a crocodile (Mugger) head has been removed from the Meghanada Pacheri (grand wall) near the Dakshina Dwar (southern gate) of the Shree Jagannath Temple (Srimandir), Puri. The removal has sparked concerns among the temple’s Sevayats (servitors) and heritage conservationists regarding its preservation.
Sources indicate that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) allegedly removed the structure without prior consultation with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for the temple’s conservation. The incident has raised questions about the handling of temple heritage and historical artifacts.
🔎 Historical Significance of the Sculpture
The crocodile-head sculpture was an integral part of the temple’s water drainage system. Traditionally, water used in temple rituals would pass through the crocodile’s mouth before being discharged. Over time, the sculpture’s drainage function had diminished, prompting the temple administration to install modern pipelines beneath the structure to improve water flow.
The sculpture was located near a temporary office of the Archaeology Department and a water tank, including Nirmalya Khala, which reportedly led to increased water outflow. Some servitors claim that instead of carefully preserving and relocating the artifact, it was removed without proper conservation measures.
Temple servitors have expressed concerns, stating:
“Unless it is properly preserved for reinstallation in the future, the sculpture might gradually wither away.”
The ASI is now expected to seek clarification from the temple authorities regarding its removal and the conservation status of the artifact.
⚠️ Concerns Over Unapproved Removal
The primary concerns surrounding the removal of the sculpture include:
- ✔ Lack of Consultation – The ASI was allegedly not informed before the removal of the structure. As Srimandir is a protected heritage site, any changes to its architecture should ideally involve ASI’s approval.
- ✔ Risk of Heritage Loss – The absence of a structured preservation plan could lead to the sculpture’s deterioration or permanent loss.
- ✔ Past Incidents of Neglect – This is not the first time concerns have been raised over heritage conservation in Puri.
🦁 Previous Controversy: The Case of the Lion Sculpture
This incident has drawn parallels to a 2022 controversy when a stone lion sculpture was unearthed at Emar Mutt during excavation under the Srimandir Parikrama Project.
- The ASI superintendent, Arun Mallick, had confirmed that the lion sculpture dated back to the Ganga Dynasty.
- However, after being excavated, the artifact was left unattended in the debris, leading to public outrage.
- Following strong reactions from intellectuals and local residents, the ASI intervened and inspected the sculpture.
Heritage conservationists and servitors fear a similar fate for the crocodile-head sculpture unless urgent steps are taken for its preservation and reinstatement.
🔄 Next Steps: What Lies Ahead?
- ✅ ASI’s Response – The ASI is expected to seek an official explanation from SJTA regarding the removal and future conservation of the sculpture.
- ✅ Official Statement from SJTA – The temple administration has not yet released an official statement, leaving many questions unanswered.
- ✅ Heritage Preservation Measures – Conservationists and local scholars have urged authorities to ensure that all historic artifacts are documented, preserved, and restored in accordance with established heritage conservation norms.
🏛️ Conclusion
The removal of the crocodile-head sculpture from Srimandir’s Meghanada Pacheri has ignited debates over heritage conservation and administrative responsibility. While the temple administration may have had practical reasons for modifying the drainage system, the lack of transparency and consultation with the ASI has raised valid concerns.
With the ASI likely to intervene, all eyes are now on whether the temple authorities will take necessary steps to preserve and restore this important piece of temple heritage.