Archaeological survey of india(asi) warns of threats of puri heritage corridor project.

Why in news?

• As per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, any new construction within 100 meters of a temple is prohibited.
• But for PHCP, National Monument Authority (NMA) reportedly issued a No Objection Certificate to the state government for some construction work within the prohibited zone.
• NMA, under Ministry of Culture, has been set up under AMASR provisions for considering grant of permissions for construction related activity in prohibited and regulated area.
• PHCP was unveiled in December 2019 to transform the holy town of Puri into an international Place of heritage.

About Puri Jagannath Temple

• It was constructed by Ganga Dynasty king Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva dating back to 12th century at the seashore Puri.
• Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and elder brother Balabhadra (the holy trinity) are being worshipped in Puri.
• It is designated as one of the Char Dhams (Dwarika, Badrinath & Rameswaram are other three) for pilgrimages in India.
• Various festivals of Sri Jagannath observed during the year are Snana Yatra, Netrotsava, Ratha Yatra (car festival), Sayan Ekadasi, Chitalagi Amabasya, Srikrushna Janma, Dussehra etc.

Architectural features

• Main temple is constructed in Kalinga architecture, in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day.
• Idols of the holy trinity are carved out of wood rather than stone or metal idols.
• Unlike other temples of the region, the carvings on the temples are predominantly of gods and goddesses.