Strict Action Against Anyone Deviating From Age-Old Rituals Of Puri Jagannath Temple, Says Odisha Minister

Bhubaneswar: There will be strict action for any deviation in the ‘Niti’ (rituals) of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan warned on Wednesday.

“Whoever it is, strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of not abiding by the rules. There will be no laxity,” the Minister said referring to action against servitors, who allegedly used iron cauldron to prepare Mahaprasad on the temple premises.

He said, the said case is still under review. “Anyone found involved will not be spared. The temple administration will take strict action against him.”

On September 12, Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda Padhee ordered an investigation into the matter after receiving complaints about the use of iron pots for cooking Mahaprasad in Srimandir’s kitchen.

Following which, three servitors were banned from entering the temple premises and Rosghar. “One of them, a Palia servitor, has been prohibited from performing the service of the Lords,” Padhee said, adding that the duration of the ban will be decided after receiving their written explanations.

Also Read: SJTA Prohibits 3 Servitors From Entering Kitchen Of Puri Jagannath Temple For Use Of Iron Pans

Only earthen containers or utensils are permitted in the shrine’s kitchen, considered to be the largest cooking area in any temple in the country, in accordance with the temple’s tradition.