Bhubaneswar September 9 : The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Thursday, performed Bhumi Pujan (ground breaking ceremony) rituals to remove sand from the “garbhagriha” (sanctum Sanatorium) of the Sun temple in Odisha’s Konark.After conducting a thorough study thorough documentation and having discussions with engineers and experts for the past two years, a secure system has been designed to eliminate the sand out of the temple so that visitors can walk into the shrine of the 13th century according to Arun Mallick, the superintendent of ASI.
“Keeping in view the direction of the Orissa High Court and assurance of the Union minister to the Parliament we have started the procedure today,” he said.
After entering the sanctum sanatorium through dragging an opening, the inside conditions of the temple is assessed and, if necessary the sand will be removed using an automated mechanical platform for working, said of the ASI official.
A reputable private construction company will provide technical assistance for the project, and ASI officials will be present to help with the removal of sand, he added.
The ASI is aiming to eliminate the sand in three years in an efficient manner making use of the latest technology.
The decision to eliminate the sand was made at a conference held by ASI at Konark in 2020.Experts from all over the world took part in the event and recommended the removal of sand from the “Jagmohanm” of the Sun Temple to further strengthen the structure.
The experts believe that the elimination of sand will extend the life span of the temple by several hundred years.
The temple was built by the king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the 13th century late-style Kalingan temple is the third part of the golden triangle of Odisha together with Puri and Bhubaneswar and draws pilgrims, tourists, and art and history lovers.
The sand was poured into the Jagmohan of the temple during British time in 1903 to help protect and preserve the Sun Temple.
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