Orissa's Jagannath Temple secured in wake of Jaipur terror attack

Puri (Orissa), May 20 : Security has been tightened in and around the world famous Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa in the wake of the terror attack in Jaipur, Rajathan, which claimed over 60 lives and maimed over 200.

The decision to beef up security has been taken in advance of the annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra, which is celebrated in June-July, and has been going on for the last ten centuries.

"Security of Jagannath temple has been beefed up after the serial blasts in Jaipur. The Orissa Government has upgraded the check post into a full police station," said Ajit Panigrahi, Superintendent of Police, Puri, on Tuesday.

Priests and visitors, however, expressed their dissatisfaction with the security arrangements and demanded more measurers.

"I feel there should be a security team, especially with the Rath Yatra, which will take place in two months time, with lakhs of visitors coming, yet there are no arrangements as such," said R. N. Mohapatra, a priest.

Preparations for the Jagannath Yatra begin months in advance to put together the famed wooden chariot of the Lord, construction of which is considered a privilege by artisans.

"I feel there is a need for security just like in the Mahalaxmi Temple and Ashtvinayak temple at Mumbai there should be security and at each and every stage here also. Every person should be frisked to check the identity. No matter how heavily the gathering is security should not be compromised. A security like this is a threat to this world heritage centre so I feel the government should take necessary steps for increasing the security," said Nitin, a visitor.

The Lord Jagannath temple is one of the most revered Hindu shrines in India. Lord Jagannath is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver and one of the trinity of the Hindu pantheon.

ANI