The Sri Jagannatha Swamy temple, believed to be constructed in the 13th century, got a facelift due to the concerted efforts of devotees who formed the Sri Jagannatha Seva Samiti to improve the condition of the temple and protect its valuable lands.
The temple, located on the Mahatma Gandhi Road, was renovated without disturbing the original structure.
The temple, considered to be a replica of the famous Jagannath temple of Puri, Odisha, was constructed in accordance with the rules of the Pancha Ratra Agama Sastras. Prayers are offered to Lord Jagannatha Swamy, along with his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra. Special pujas are performed to Sri Venugopala Swamy and goddess Mahalakshmi on the same premises.
The temple was in a dilapidated condition till a few months ago.
Local youngsters who took steps for its cleaning were shocked with the identification of the sculpture, which was hidden behind thick and tough coatings. They took the issue to the local elders who, in turn, alerted the Endowments Department and the Archaeology Department for the preservation of the Kalinga sculpture.
All the elders formed the Sri Jagannatha Seva Samiti and contributed around ₹40 lakh to ensure the facelift. The Endowments Department also sanctioned around ₹12 lakh.
