Rituals halt at Puri Srimandir after row over offering of services by axed Singhari servitor

A controversy erupted at Puri Srimandir on Friday after a Singhari servitor, who has been barred from offering services, entered the sanctum sanctorum of the temple forcefully and took part in the rituals.

In response, other servitors at the 12th century shrine staged a protest. As a mark of protest, they have stopped the rituals at the temple. As a result, the rituals of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra have been halted after ‘Mangala Alati’.

As per reports, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) held discussions with the servitors of various nijogs to end the impasse and resume the rituals.

“A barred servitor tried to offer service by entering the sanctum sanctorum of the temple forcefully. When other servitors protested against the move, SJTA and temple authorities reached the place immediately and started an investigation into the incident,” said SJTA Chief Administrator Ranjan Kumar Das.

“Our priority will be to take forward the rituals. Today is an important ‘Tithi’ at the temple. Stringent action will be taken against the concerned person for the violation of discipline. Discussion is underway with the servitors of various nijogs. We are hopeful that things will become normal and the rituals will be performed at the temple soon,” said Das.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the halt of the rituals at Srimandir has been solved after a discussion of the Chief Administrator of SJTA with servitors.

As per the Chief Administrator, ‘Abakasha Niti’ of Lord Jagannath will be performed after ‘Bada Mahasnana’ of the Holy Trinity. Then all other rituals at Srimandir will be performed as per the rules.