Puri Jagannath Temple Photo Sparks Security Concerns

Puri,  – A photograph allegedly taken inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Shree Jagannath Temple has gone viral on social media, showing Lord Jagannath seated on the Ratna Singhasan.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage and raised serious questions about temple security and compliance with long‑standing restrictions.

Temple rules strictly prohibit photography within the premises, especially near the Ratna Singhasan. Devotees are required to pass through multiple security checks, making the breach particularly alarming.

Sources suggest the image was captured from very close proximity to the deity, an area completely off‑limits for cameras and mobile phones.

The viral photo has reignited debates about crowd management, vigilance by temple staff, and the effectiveness of screening mechanisms during peak darshan hours.

Temple authorities have stated that an inquiry is necessary to determine when the photo was taken, who captured it, and how it was uploaded online.

Officials emphasised that the sanctity of the temple must be preserved at all costs, and any violation of its rules undermines centuries‑old traditions.

The incident has also sparked calls for stricter enforcement of security protocols to prevent similar breaches in the future.