Argus News - Drone Shots of Puri Jagannath Temple Go Viral, Spark Security Concerns

Puri, Dec 22: The sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri has once again become the centre of attention after drone-captured photographs of the shrine went viral on social media.

The images, posted by a group named ‘Explore India’ on Facebook, quickly gained traction as thousands of users shared and reposted them.

The viral photos reveal the grand Bada Deula (main temple) along with several subsidiary shrines of deities situated within the Kurma Bedha. Even the historic structures inside the Meghanada Pacheri are clearly visible in the aerial shots.

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While the visuals have fascinated devotees and viewers, they have also sparked serious questions about how such drone footage was taken despite strict restrictions.

The Jagannath Temple and its surrounding area have long been designated as a “No-Flying Zone” to ensure the safety and sanctity of the shrine. The circulation of drone images has therefore raised eyebrows among authorities and devotees alike, with many questioning the breach of security protocols.

This is not the first time visuals of the temple have gone viral, but the latest incident has reignited debates about surveillance, enforcement of no-fly regulations, and the need for stricter monitoring around the temple premises. Officials are expected to investigate how the drone managed to capture footage in a restricted zone and whether any lapses occurred in security enforcement.

A few days ago, an Instagram user, identified as ‘ashirvad945’, uploaded a close‑range photograph of Lord Jagannath on the Ratna Singhasan, raising serious concerns about how mobile phones continue to enter the temple despite strict restrictions.

The incident underscores the growing challenge of balancing technological advances with heritage protection. While aerial photography offers captivating perspectives of monuments, it also poses risks when conducted without authorization in sensitive zones.