Puri: Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) has initiated stringent disciplinary measures against select servitors following an incident on February 28 that led to a four-hour delay in the sacred rituals of the 12th-century shrine.
The disruption caused significant hardship to thousands of devotees who were deprived of timely darshan and the distribution of Mahaprasad.
Following a formal inquiry, the Chief Administrator of SJTA, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, issued a suspension order against Chhamu Khuntia servitor Shri Ramakrishna Khuntia.
Based on complaints of misconduct and disrespectful behavior toward Shreemandir officials on duty, the servitor has been barred from participating in any divine services or ritualistic performances for a period of three months.
The administration has further warned that any attempt to intimidate witnesses or further obstruct temple protocols during this suspension period will result in an extension of the penalty and the permanent withdrawal of hereditary ‘Sari-bandha’ privileges.
While two other involved servitors, Shri Madhab Khuntia and Shri Madhusudan Khuntia, were granted a conditional pardon after the hearing, they have been strictly cautioned against the recurrence of such unruly behavior.
Dr. Padhee emphasized that while the majority of the sevayat community ensures the smooth conduct of the daily nitis through coordination, the indiscipline of a few individuals tarnishes the spiritual sanctity of the institution.
He reiterated that the Temple Administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any actions that impede the ancient traditions and religious services of Lord Jagannatha.