Bhubaneswar: The menace of rats and cockroaches has resurfaced inside the Jagannath Temple in Puri forcing the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to step up measures to safeguard the sanctity of the shrine. Temple officials admitted that the rodents and insects, which had largely disappeared over the past 3 to 4 years, have re‑emerged in recent weeks, damaging the attire of the deities and raising hygiene concerns in the sanctum sanctorum.On Saturday, the SJTA convened a meeting to chalk out remedial steps. SJTA said it is exploring solutions that respect rituals while ensuring hygiene. “Pest control measures, in sync with temple traditions, are regularly undertaken. We will consult the concerned servitors and intervene as appropriate,” SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee told TOI.Collector (Puri) Dibya Jyoti Parida, who also serves as deputy chief administrator of the SJTA, said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been roped in. “We have heard the concerns of servitors and flagged the issue with ASI,” Parida said. Currently, rat traps are being deployed to capture rodents, which are later released outside. Earthen pots laced with jaggery and other sticky substances have been placed inside the sanctum to attract and trap cockroaches.Servitors stressed that extermination is not an option, structural gaps that allow rodents to enter must be identified and sealed. “Going by tradition, we cannot kill rats or cockroaches. The drainage holes and wall gaps through which they enter should be traced and closed,” senior servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra said.Another servitor, Madhab Chandra Pujapanda, added: “The rats damage the deities’ attire at night when the sanctum is shut after rituals. This is deeply worrying.” Some servitors also voiced frustration. “Devotees expect a pristine sanctum. If rodents continue to damage the Lord’s attire, it will hurt sentiments. Authorities must act swiftly,” said servitor Ganesh Mahasuar.
