The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Monday installed two statues of 'Jaya' and 'Vijay' at the Lion's Gate of Shree Jagannath Temple here.
"As per ASI director-general Usha Sharma's directive, we have completed post-cyclone repair work at the temple on Snana Purnima (June 17) day," Arun Kumar Mallick told reporters after two statues were installed at the main gate of the 12th century shrine.
The two statues of Jaya and Vijay were constructed by a team of stone sculptors headed by Nirmal Chandra Maharana of Sukhuapada village near Lalitgiri in Jajpur district. The sculptor team took a month's time to construct the statues of six-feet high each. The statues were made of Khondalite stone, Maharana said.
The statues of 'Jaya' and 'Vijay' are significant in the temple rituals as the cooking of "bhog" (food) begins only after worship of the duo, said Rabindanath Mishra, a researcher in the Jagannth Culture.
Mishra said according to rituals in the 12th century shrine, the Lord is offered "Bhog" only after worship of 'Jaya' and 'Viajay', considered as the "Dwarpal" (Choukidar) of the temple.
"The Jaya and Vijay according to mythology represents demon king Ravana and his brother Kumbhakarna", Mishra said.
Lord Ram appointed Ravana and his brother Kumbhakarna as the "Dwarpal" at the Jagannth Temple as they wanted to serve the Lord, Mishra said
The said that the ASI will begin inspection and repair work of others parts of the temple that have been damaged due to cyclone from Ratha Jatra (July 4). Repair work of Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), Nata Mandap, Rosa Ghara (temple kitchen) and Jagmohan inside the temple will be repaired between July 4 and July 14.
SJTA chief PK Mohapatra had earlier said that though no crack has been found on the roof of the Garbha Griha, the ASI will carry out an inspection on the basis of the complaints by servitors about seepage of water into the innermost chamber during cyclone Fani.
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