Bhubaneswar, March 19 -- The rat-repellent machine donated by a devotee to Srimandir in Puri to do away with the rat menace can't be used in the sanctum sanctorum of the 12th-century shrine.

This machine named 'Earth Innovation', which is currently being used at the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) office for testing purposes, produces a kind of sound to repellent rodents. It is said that the humming sound produced by the machine would disturb the Holy Trinity's sleep. This is the reason why the machine can't be used in the sanctum sanctorum.

"The decision has been taken after deliberations with the servitors," said JItendra Sahu, Niti Administrator of SJTA.

"The machine is donated by a devotee. It works like a repellent. I...