Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has taken stringent disciplinary action against three servitors of the Puri temple for flouting norms and causing disorder. SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee initiated the suspension of the trio under Section 21(a) of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955.
Shri Narayan Panda, a Suar Badu servitor, and Shri Rajaram Khuntia, a Khuntia servitor, have both been suspended from service for two months. The action was taken after they were found illegally collecting money from pilgrims near the outer wall and subsequently clashing over the collection, an incident that undermined the temple’s dignity and security.
In a separate action, Mahasuar servitor Shri Bena Mahasuar was also suspended for two months. This disciplinary measure comes after the servitor allegedly instigated the use of Vanaspati Ghee (Dalda) for the preparation of Mahaprasad, violating the Shree Jagannath Temple’s standing directive that mandates the exclusive use of OMFED ghee to maintain the sanctity and purity of the sacred food.
Chief Administrator Dr.Padhee issued a clear warning to the suspended servitors, stating that any attempt by them or any other person to create disorder during the suspension period would result in the extension of the suspension and even stricter disciplinary action.
Emphasizing the Temple Administration’s zero-tolerance policy, Dr.Padhee clarified that no servitor or individual would be spared if they created any obstruction to disrupt the orderly worship of the Lord or the experience of devotees. He has sought the cooperation of all concerned to uphold the order and dignity of the temple.
SJTA under Chief Administrator Dr.Padhee, an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath has maintained a firm stance on discipline, initiating several actions against servitors accused of flouting Srimandir norms and traditions.
Recently, Senior servitor Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, who also serves as the Secretary of the Daitapati Nijog, was suspended for 30 days in May. The disciplinary action was taken for his alleged involvement in the controversy surrounding the newly built Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal.
In October 2024, three Supakar servitors were banned from entering the temple’s kitchen (Rosaghar) for using iron pans to prepare Mahaprasad, which is a violation of the long-standing tradition of using only earthen pots. A Palia servitor was also prohibited from performing services in connection with this violation.
Chief Administrator Dr.Padhee has repeatedly asserted a zero-tolerance policy, warning that any indiscipline, corruption, or disruption of the Lord’s worship will lead to stringent action as per the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955.