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Puri: The Suar and Mahasuar community of the Puri Srimandir today continued their dharna demanding compensation for the losses incurred due to wastage of the 'Amhunia Mahaprasad' because of delay in temple rituals on Monday.
It may be noted that the rituals to be performed ahead of Puri Srimandir's Jagamohan opening yesterday got delayed after the 'Palia' servitor supposed to perform the puja failed to turn up due to ill health.
This led to delay in serving of morning bhog to the deities that was served around 4 pm leading to the wastage of the afternoon bhog -'Amhunia Mahaprasad'.
Soon after, members of Suar and Mahasuar communities started a dharna near the temple last night demanding compensation from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for the losses incurred by them.
The servitors have also threatened not to prepare bhog today if they are not compensated for their losses estimated to be around Rs 50 lakh. According to sources, the bhog that was prepared yesterday continues to be in the temple kitchen even today instead of being buried in Koili Baikuntha as per the rituals.
"It is sad that the devotees could not have Mahaprasad. Although, we had started preparation of prasad by 12 noon yesterday , the devotees could not have it due to the delay," said Baidyanath Mahasuar, former member of Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee.
Meanwhile the SJTA Chief Pradeep Jena has appealed to the servitors to cooperate in smooth conduct of the temple rituals. He also requested them to put forth their stand before the Orrisa High Court.
A sea of devotees had flocked the temple yesterday for darshan of the trinities after opening of the Jagmohan after a gap of two years.
