The Jagannath Temple in Puri is set to embark on a digital preservation initiative for the “Madala Panji”. This endeavor extends beyond the Madala Panji to encompass various significant and rare documents. The decision has been made by the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration authority in Puri.
Among the myriad documents secured within the Jagannath Temple, the Madala Panji stands out as one of the most paramount. It chronicles the comprehensive history and sequence of events about the Jagannath Temple. The tome also elucidates the various rituals and regulations of this sacred edifice. Arvind Padhi, the Chief Administrator of the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration, has announced that this will now be preserved through digital means.
He shared this information on the social media platform X on Thursday. On the other hand, he revealed that numerous rare manuscripts and palm-leaf inscriptions within the temple would be preserved using the same methodology.
The Jagannath Temple Administration authority has also shed light on the rationale behind this decision. It has been disclosed that the temple committee is in the process of establishing a digital library to preserve the temple's rare records, rituals, the sacred Madala Panji, palm-leaf manuscripts, and much more.
Researchers frequently utilize this information for various purposes. However, due to their antiquity, these documents are on the brink of deterioration.
The Chief Administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration has elucidated that this initiative has been undertaken with the objective of safeguarding the timeless heritage of the Jagannath Temple. As a consequence of this endeavor, the Puri temple authorities will provide digital access to devotees and researchers alike.
