Argus News - Photo from inside Puri Jagannath Temple Goes Viral, Security under Scrutiny

Puri, Dec 17: A fresh controversy has erupted over the security arrangements at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri after yet another photograph from inside the shrine went viral on social media.

The latest incident surfaced when 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.

According to temple regulations, devotees are strictly prohibited from carrying mobile phones inside the premises due to security and sanctity concerns. Multiple signboards have been installed at all four gates, and frequent public announcements are made warning visitors against taking phones inside.

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Police personnel stationed at the entrances also conduct checks before allowing devotees to enter. However, the repeated appearance of such images online has triggered questions about the effectiveness of these measures.

This is not the first time that photos from inside the temple have gone viral. On September 19, another youth named Subhranshu had posted similar images on Instagram, which sparked widespread criticism. Earlier in August, a group of young men allegedly used a hidden camera to capture photos inside the sanctum, leading to public outrage and demands for strict action.

The recurring incidents have prompted devotees and local residents to demand stronger enforcement and accountability. Many have questioned how individuals manage to bypass security checks and capture images from such close proximity to the deities. They argue that such violations not only breach temple rules but also compromise the sanctity of one of India’s most revered religious sites.

“They Come for Drama, Not Darshan”

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has reacted strongly to the recent incident, calling it a serious breach of temple discipline and sanctity. He stated that the government is actively considering stricter punishment provisions to curb such repeated violations.

“Nothing can be done if some people deliberately try to act mischievously,” said the Minister. “Even after repeated warnings from the temple administration, a few individuals continue to violate the rules. Therefore, the government is thinking of introducing tougher penalties,” he added.

“Those who do such things are not coming to have darshan of Mahaprabhu; they come only to create drama and to run their social media accounts,” slammed Harichandan.

The Odisha Law Minister said that discussions have been held on how to stop such individuals through strict action. “There are several penalty provisions in the old law, and the process of making certain amendments is underway. Steps are being taken to completely ban photography, mobile phones, and camera‑equipped glasses inside the temple — measures that were not included in the earlier law,” he concluded.