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Puri: The chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Pradipta Mohapatra today informed that the rate chart of 'Mahaprasad' or Abadha will be introduced at the 12th century shrine after the end of the ongoing month of Kartika.
As part of the Supreme Court's suggestions for introduction of reforms at the shrine, the temple administration had earlier decided to introduce uniform system of Abadha rates at a high-level meeting between the Suara-Mahasuara Nijog last month.
Confusion had cropped up after a few posters mentioning the rate chart were put inside the Srimandir in October last month, however, the chart was removed after the SJTA clarified that it had not finalised it for sale of Abadha.
This apart, the temple administration has also decided to replace the old idols of Laxmi, Narayan, Madan Mohan & Vamana inside the temple premises.
"Discussions on the matter were held during a preliminary meeting with Puja Panda Nijog and temple purohits today. The old idols need to be replaced and so the final decision will be taken during a meeting with other stakeholders like Taluchha, Pattajoshi, Bhittaricha and others on November 20," SJTA chief Pradipta Mohapatra said.
The SJTA had planned to consecrate a new golden idol of Goddess Laxmi at the 12th century shrine in 2015 after repeated demands of servitors. However, the initiative was suspended later even after a discussion with Puri Gajapati. An idol of Laxmi which was sculpted way back in 1972 is still to be installed in place of the old deity.
"On account of heavy footfall during the month of Kartika and 'Panchuka', a makeshift shed will be prepared for devotees waiting outside the temple and elaborate security arrangements will be made," Mohapatra further informed after a review meeting today.
