Tag: Puri Srimandir

As per BJP, it’s a planned conspiracy to go for the laser scanning of the Ratna Bhandar instead of opening it.

Several senior servitors, members of the Srimandir managing committee, and devotees of Lord Jagannath have demanded the revival of many extinct services including the ‘Sankha Seva’.

The month is particularly important for the Habisyalis who observe Kartika Brata and worship Lord Jagannath in Radha Damodara Besha during the entire holy month of Kartik.

The BJP wanted the State government and the SJTA to clear the air on the safety of the Ratna Bhandar and the ornaments stored in it. And as the Puri King is the President of the Temple Managing Committee, the saffron party submitted a memorandum urging him to press the State government to take immediate steps to reopen it.

Bijay Patnaik, said, “The Congress is demanding the reopening of all gates of Puri Srimandir which is also the demand of scores of people and devotees. However, keeping the gates closed for some vested interest contractors is condemnable.”

SJTA Chief Administrator Ranjan Das has written letters to the presidents and secretaries of all the servitor Nijogs and hotel owners to create awareness among visitors in this regard.

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

Like other festivals, it also involves a number of rituals, while the ‘rakhis’ for Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra are prepared through an elaborate procedure.

As per Saraka, a decision in this regard will be taken in due time as per the requirement and convenience of the devotees.

Puri Shankaracharya said that it would not be appropriate to comment on the matter as no one- the Managing Committee, the SJTA, the Odisha government or the servitors- has not sought his views.

The matter came to light after the Jagannath Temple Police (JTP) personnel recovered an empty donation box from the backside of Nrusingha temple. The JTP has handed over the donation box to Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

The local residents have to produce their ID cards supporting their resident to access the temple through Paschima Dwara, sources informed.

It is pertinent to mention here that at present devotees are only allowed inside Puri Jagannath Temple through the gate near Singhadwara. As a result, there is usually a huge rush and devotees have to wait for long hours to gain entry into the shrine.

Sachetana Nagarika Mancha, a Citizen's Forum, has also launched a signature campaign to press for the demand in the pilgrim town.

While Lord Balabhadra will be adorned with ‘Nila Chita’, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra will be decked up in diamond Chita and ‘Manikya Chita’ respectively.