TV
In a startling development from the Jagannath Temple in Puri , a serious allegation has surfaced involving the mysterious disappearance of Lord Jagannath’s sacred ‘modak’ offering before it could even be presented.
The controversy revolves around 313 specially prepared ‘amuniya modaks’, which were meant for Lord Jagannath ’s traditional Dasamula ritual.
According to Haldhar Dasmahapatra, the Badagrahi of Lord Balabhadra, 70 modaks went missing from the temple’s secure ‘garada ghara’ before they could be offered.
The modaks, prepared by the Rajvaidyas (royal physician), were brought under strict security led by the temple’s Commander and stored safely. However, during the offering ritual on the night of June 21, a significant shortfall was noticed.
What raises eyebrows further is the fact that the remaining ‘mara modaks’ were still used subsequently.
Dasmahapatra has formally written to the Chief Administrator of the temple, demanding a probe into the theft and questioning how the prasad could vanish from within the temple’s secure premises.
Where Are The Modaks?
“Who took the modaks from the garada ghara? How can such a sacred item disappear under heavy security?” Dasmahapatra asked in his letter, fuelling debate among servitors and devotees alike. He has also questioned the propriety of using the remaining modaks, which were already deemed suspect, in the ritual anointing of the Lord.
So far, the Temple Administration has not issued any official statement regarding the allegations. The silence has further deepened the mystery and triggered a wave of speculation and concern among the faithful.
As questions swirl, the spotlight is now on Srimandir’s internal practices and security arrangements, with many urging the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation.
Sudarsan Pattnaik, former member of the temple’s managing committee, said, “It is an unfortunate incident. We are shocked to hear that the things that were meant for the Lord has been taken away or are missing. We demand a detailed investigation from the temple administration to ascertain where the modaks went. Other than servitors, nobody is allowed inside. The truth should come out as the 70 modaks, which were meant to be used for Lord Jagannath, are missing.”
Pattnaik said that it is a crime if anybody has taken away the modaks before they were offered to the Mahaprabhu. Every devotee has the right to know and stern action should be taken against those involved in any illegal activity.
“Odisha government and SJTA had earlier clearly stated that stern action will be taken for any kind of indiscipline ahead of Rath Yatra. I strongly believe that the temple administration will initiate an investigation in this regard,” he added.
