‘Second Konark disrespect to world heritage site’

The Ramarajya Parishad on Tuesday criticised the proposal of construction of a second Konark temple by nominated Rajya Sabha member Raghunath Mohapatra. Ramarajya Parishad State coordinator and former Utkalika Chairman Dr Aryakumar Jnanendra said Mohapatra is a world-class sculptor, but his move to construct a second Konark temple is questionable.  

Odia people are proud of the glorious heritage of the Konark temple. Won’t it be a disrespect to the world-class heritage site, he questioned.

Jnanendra said if Mohapatra wants to show some miracle to the  new generation, he should do research on Odisha’s glorious past and collect information and reconstruct an original temple at Konark. Today Raghubabu is telling to construct a new Konark temple elsewhere. Tomorrow some other artisan would dream of constructing a second Shree Jagannath temple. Would the people of the State accept it? So, those who love the culture, heritage of Odisha should staunchly oppose this unrealistic imagination, said Jnanendra.

Notably, the Ramarajya Parishad is a body that has sanctity of support and blessing of Puri Govardhan Peeth Shankarachaya.