Court notice to ASI, Orissa government on Konark temple

BHUBANESWAR - The Orissa High Court, hearing a public suit alleging that the authorities were neglecting the Sun Temple in Konark, Thursday served notices to the Archaeological Survey of India, Orissa government and the Puri collector.

The petitioner has demanded that worship of the sun god be allowed at the Chhayamaya temple inside the the 13th century Sun Temple in Konark.

The petitioner has claimed that the World Heritage site temple was not only being neglected by by ASI but the “sentiments of Hindus were being hurt” by not allowing worship of the “sun idol” inside the sun temple.

“The sentiment of Hindu devotees is hurt as the ASI is not allowing worship of the sun god in the Chhayamaya temple inside the main sanctum and sanctorum. The ASI has been barricading the premises and not allowing devotees to worship the sun god,” said petitioner Prabhat Praharaj.

The petitioner has also demanded proper protection of the monument, waiver of entry fee, maintaining the sanctity of “a place of worship” among others.

The PIL was filed in 2007. Hearing the PIL, the high court has sent notices to the three parties and asked them to file their replies within four weeks.