The development board of the Marda Jagannath Temple, located near Mathura in Odisha’s Ganjam district, has requested financial assistance from the state government for the upkeep and daily rituals of the over 300-year-old temple, an official said.

A temple priest highlighted the historical significance of the Marda Jagannath Temple, noting that it served as a safe hiding place for the deities of the Jagannath Temple in Puri from 1733 to 1735 AD. During this period, Kalingan-style temples were being targeted and destroyed by invaders, prompting the temporary relocation of the deities.

Despite its historical importance, the temple has remained empty since the deities returned to their original abode at Srikhetra-Puri once the threat subsided, according to local residents.

The development board’s appeal underscores the need for financial support to preserve the temple’s rich heritage and ensure the continuation of its daily rituals. The community hopes that the state government will recognize the temple’s historical and cultural significance and provide the necessary funds for its maintenance and preservation.