Bhubaneswar: Amid flutter over the recent Supreme Court's suggestion of allowing non-Hindus and abolishing the heredity system of service by sevayats inside Puri Srimandi, a delegation of Chhatisa Nijog on Sunday met Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and held discussion on the issues.
Making their stand clear, president of the Singhari Nijog Ramchandra Singhari stated that the servitors will oppose the entry of people of other faith inside the temple and will present our stand in the Supreme Court.
After discussion with the Chief Minister, Ramchandra Singhari further stated that politics shouldn't be done in the name of religion and the apex court's suggestions are not something over which discussion is needed as it will only further complicate the issue.
"We are against proposals of allowing non-Hindus inside the Puri Srimandir. Keeping the age-old tradition of the shrine intact is what the sevayats, the devotees and the government want," he said.
On the issue of abolition of hereditary system of service by sevayats in the Srimandir, Singhari said that the matter is still in discussion stage, adding that they have put forth four to five demands before the CM for his consideration.
Puri MP Pinaki Mishra, who also accompanied the Nijog's members, said the sevayats have given a representation to the CM stating that they were not heard by the SC while passing the interim orders on July 5.
"The SC has said that the directions and orders have to be followed through deep investigation and they are subjected to further orders. Puri Srimandir is different from other temples and it has a unique system. While other temples have deities, 'Living God' is worshiped here in Puri temple," said Mishra.
Odisha government has already constituted a three-member team to look into the issue. The team will listen to the sevayats and submit its report to the court as the SC was not communicated properly about the age-old tradition of hereditary system of service by sevayats.
“The CM termed the request of the sevayats fair and reasonable and assured that the government will provide all help to them,” Mishra added.