'No deviation from tradition': SJTA orders action against use of iron 'kadhai' for Lord Jagannath's Mahaprasad

Amid allegations of the use iron 'kadhai' to cook Mahaprasad, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has ordered an inquiry into the matter. This decision follows the concerns raised over the use of iron 'kadhai' in the temple's cooking area.

SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee has directed to submit an action-taken report within seven days, along with the seizure of the iron 'kadhai' allegedly used in Mahaprasad preparation. 

Suara, Mahasuara, Roshpaik Nijog, and Rosh Amin have been directed to enforce these actions.

Additionally, Pattjoshi Mohapatra, Talichcha Mohapatra, and Deulkaran have been assigned to inspect the Srimandir Roshasala (Kitchen).

Notably, OTV had reported that iron 'kadhai' was being used to cook Mahaprasad, even though it goes against the traditions of Puri Srimandir.

The issue of using iron cauldrons in Mahaprasad cooking was discussed at the Ananda Bazar Sanskar meeting. According to reports, during the Covid-19 pandemic, a shortage of ‘kudua’ (earthen pots) forced some servitors of the Suar Mahasuar Nijog to use iron cauldrons.

“The servitors have agreed not to use iron cauldrons to prepare Mahaprasad. We have requested the SJTA to provide a sufficient number of ‘kudua’. The reality is that the potter community is struggling to meet the demand for these earthen pots. In the coming days, this problem may worsen, and we need to address it seriously,” said Narasingha Pratihari, Joint Secretary of the Suara Mahasuara Nijog.