In an unfortunate turnout of events, around 80 mud ovens (chulhas) inside the Puri Jagannath temple’s kitchen also known as the ‘Rosa Ghara’ were allegedly vandalised on Sunday.
It is suspected that some unidentified persons allegedly ransacked the chulhas following some dispute after the completion of traditional rituals on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, the incident has raised questions on the security measures at the sacred shrine. Sources said the pithagada, Kothabhoga, Satapuri and Thaliada chulhas have been ransacked.
However, the exact reason that how the chulhas got damaged is not yet known. However, it has sparked resentment among lakhs of devotees in the State and outside.
Narayan Mahasuar, president of Suar-Mahasuar Nijog said, “We are deeply hurt after coming to know about the incident. Exemplary action should be taken against those involved in ransacking the chulhas. As we do not have any evidence on who has done such act, we demand a detailed investigation into the incident.”
It is pertinent to mention that the Puri Srimandir’s Rosa Ghara is the largest and the biggest kitchen in the world. Several types of hearths are used in the kitchen of the Srimandir to prepare different types of ‘Bhoga’ for Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities.
Hundreds of cooks (Suaras), who are directly engaged in cooking, are only allowed inside the kitchen of the Srimandir. Only earthen pots are used to cook the Mahaprasad which draws lakhs of devotees to the shrine on a daily basis.
Ranjit Subhakar, a sevayat said, “It is for the first time that such an incident has occurred. We suspect involvement of six to seven persons as it could not be done by a single miscreant. It will take another three to four days to repair the chulhas.”
Following the incident, senior administrative officials including the Puri Collector and the SP visited the temple to take stock of the situation.
Puri Collector, Samarth Varma said, "It seems that someone has damaged the chulhas in the wee hours. Already a joint inquiry has been started by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Administrator (Niti) and additional SP (temple security). We ensured conduct of all the rituals and offering of Kothabhog to the deities today."
According to Varma, efforts are underway to ensure the preparation of Mahaprasad to its normal amount by tomorrow. Other aspects including CCTVs at entry points will be ensured.
“After the joint inquiry, stern action will be taken against those found guilty,” Varma added.