Servitor training to enhance devotee experience at Puri Jagannath temple

Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri is set to implement a comprehensive training programme aimed at preventing service interruptions and improving the conduct of the temple Sevayats (servitors), official sources said on Monday.

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This initiative is scheduled for April 4 & 5 at Niladri Bhakta Nivas in a bid to instil greater discipline among the servitors, an effort that has been met with optimism by the temple's devotees.

Participants will include all categories of servitors, officers from Puri Police, and temple employees. The session's primary focus will be on fostering polite interaction with visitors and ensuring appropriate behaviour during the sacred rituals.

Senior servitors, alongside the researchers of Jagannath culture, are expected to provide valuable insights on maintaining the temple's spiritual sanctity while adeptly managing large crowds during festive periods and major holidays.

Details of the training programme

The SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee publicly announced the details of the camp, strongly urging all groups involved in ritualistic duties to attend. The training agenda will concentrate on relationship building among servitors and ensuring operations are in line with the temple guidelines and traditions.

A crucial element of the training will involve enhancing coordination within the servitor community during significant temple events.

Recent disputes among servitors have occasionally escalated into physical altercations, causing concern among the worshippers. Such incidents, including the assault on a fellow servitor earlier this year and inappropriate behaviour towards a temple staff member last month, underscore the urgent necessity for this initiative.

The administration remains hopeful that this proactive approach will effectively avert similar disruptions in future.

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“The training programme will focus on how to improve a better interface with the devotees, qualities that a servitor should possess, and find ways to maintain good coordination among servitors. We will take insights from researchers and senior servitors in this regard,” Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain expressed while briefing to mediapersons.