Know the 5-point norms imposed for employees in Puri Jagannath temple

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) implemented new regulations on Friday for employees working in the 12th Century Vaishnavite shrine in Puri, announcing that non-adherence could lead to stern disciplinary action.

SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee outlined a five-point code of conduct aimed at maintaining the sanctity and order within the temple’s premises.

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The fresh guidelines strictly prohibit employees from consuming paan (betel leaf), gutkha (a type of chewing tobacco), and any intoxicating substances including alcohol.

Moreover, the use of mobile phones within the Jagannath temple premises has also been restricted to ensure that decorum is maintained.

Employees are additionally required to submit a declaration of their assets by January 31.

The Chief Administrator stressed that any failure to comply with the new directives would compel the temple administration to take remedial measures.

“We have issued certain directives to our (SJTA) employees and made some appeals to them as well. The guidelines are: 
01.    Officials or subordinate staff cannot consume any kind of intoxicating substances (including paan, beedi, cigarette, and gutkha) inside the temple or SJTA office premises.
02.    The officials and subordinate staff would have to submit a declaration of their properties as of 1st January 2025. We will take disciplinary actions against them, in case they fail to do so.
03.    The officials and subordinate staff cannot use mobile phones inside the temple. However, only in emergent situations, specific officials can use their phones to convey any important information, but in a restricted manner. So that, they using the phones would not create any wrong impression in the minds of others.

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04.    The officials and subordinate staff have been requested to wear Khadi, or any other handloom clothes made in Odisha, on Fridays.
05.    Performance of the deities’ rituals has been given utmost priority by the SJTA and accordingly, actions will be taken against those who will be found guilty of any fault or any indiscipline.

Whatever actions being taken by the SJTA are all secular in nature,” Padhee said.

Notably, these guidelines are set to cultivate a more active and answerable administration, the Chief Administrator expressed.