Puri: Three servitors of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri were suspended for two months for allegedly indulging in indiscipline and flouting the norms of the 12th century shrine.
As per sources, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda Padhee took the disciplinary action against the three in accordance with section 21 (A) of Shree Jagannath Temple Act 1955.
The suspended servitors have been identified as Suar Badu servitor Narayan Panda, Khuntia servitor Rajaram Khuntia and Mahasuar servitor Bena Mahasuar.
It may be noted that Narayan and Rajaram were found allegedly collecting money illegally from devotees for facilitating ‘darshan’ last month and clashed with each other near Bahara Katha over sharing the earnings.
The two were suspended for violating temple guidelines and affecting its security and dignity, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) stated in a release.
Similarly, Bena was suspended for alleged use of ‘Dalda’ for preparation of Mahaprasad in place of OMFED ghee which has been mandated by the temple administration.
Sources said the three servitors have been restricted from participating in any kind of temple services throughout the suspension period. The SJTA has warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken and their suspension period would be extended if they are found creating any kind of indiscipline at the temple.
