Puri:Chief Administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration(SJTA) Dr.Arabinda Kumar Padhee has issued a stern show-cause notice to senior daitapati sevak Sri Ramakrishna Das Mohapatra, demanding an explanation within seven days for his recent controversial statements that have allegedly caused confusion among devotees and tarnished the temple’s dignity.
The notice, issued earlier today, cites Sri Das Mohapatra’s alleged participation in the foundation/inauguration ceremony of a Sri Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, and his donation of a new-age idol of the Chaturdhamurti to the said temple. This was followed by contradictory statements in the Odisha media where he reportedly refuted his earlier involvement, claiming instead that he had crafted a deity from a different neem tree and installed it himself.
The Temple Administration has taken serious note of these inconsistencies. The notice emphasizes the established tradition of preserving surplus wood collected for the deities within the temple’s designated “wood store” and its exclusive use for the deities’ needs when required. It further states that Sri Das Mohapatra, despite his experience and seniority as a religious leader and his presumed awareness of these customs, has created unwarranted confusion among countless devotees through his statements.
The Temple Administration asserts that the contradictory remarks made by Sri Das Mohapatra have sown discord among the devotees of Lord Jagannath, deeply wounded their religious sentiments, and damaged the glory and heritage of the ancient shrine.
The notice explicitly warns that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated seven-day period will result in strict disciplinary action against Sri Das Mohapatra, in accordance with the Sri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955.
This development has sent ripples through the devotee community and temple circles, with many expressing concern over the controversy surrounding a senior servitor. The temple administration’s swift action underscores its commitment to upholding the sanctity and traditions of the Sri Jagannath Temple and addressing any actions that could potentially undermine its revered status.
All eyes are now on Sri Das Mohapatra’s response and the subsequent actions to be taken by the Temple Administration.