Air-cooling system in Puri temple

BHUBANESWAR: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) installed an air-cooling system in the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine on Wednesday. The deities, who had gone on a nine-day sojourn to Gundicha Temple would return on Thursday.
"Central PSU Mecon Limited has installed the air-cooling system. The Rs 25-lakh system will bring down temperature and humidity in the sanctum sanctorum, which used to become extremely warm due to offering of huge quantities of steaming Mahaprasad to the deities every day," said temple's chief administrator Suresh Mohapatra.
The 36x36 ft sanctum sanctorum becomes very damp as Mahaprasad is served to the deities at least four times a day. Lighting of diyas has blackened the walls. "There was a threat to the ancient structure as the hot and humid ambience caused deposition of moisture on the walls. We hope the air-cooling system would improve the situation," Mohapatra said.
Since installation of air-conditioning machine inside the sanctum sanctorum was not feasible, Mecon has installed the air-cooling system. "Cool air is being blown inside the sanctum sanctorum through a pipe. Installation of AC would have damaged the structural walls," said Mohapatra.
In 2010, the temple had proposed to install ACs inside the sanctum sanctorum. But ASI rejected the proposal as work would have involved chiseling of the wall. Two years ago, the temple invited proposals from experts to keep the sanctum sanctorum cool without causing damage to the structure.
ASI, the custodian of the 12th century shrine, said it has carried out minor repair works inside sanctum sanctorum and Jagamohan. "Though some weak points were recently spotted in the Jagamohan, we need at least seven to nine months for foolproof conservation. Major repair works would not have been possible during the nine-day car festival when the deities were away in Gundicha Temple. We have requested the temple to shift the deities from the sanctum sanctorum soon so that we can start it," said an ASI officer.