Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has urged the Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (OMFED) to set up an exclusive depot to supply pure ghee to the 12th-century shrine in Puri.
This followed a decision to use only OMFED ghee for all temple rituals and activities.
In a letter to OMFED Managing Director, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee said that a decision to use only OMFED ghee for preparing Mahaprasad and lighting lamps in the temple has been taken after discussion with the servitor nijogs concerned.
“Therefore, OMFED has been requested to take steps to ensure adequate supply of ghee to the temple by opening a dedicated depot, which will help meet the requirement and prevent entry of sub-standard ghee,” he said, seeking the cooperative’s support to ensure a steady supply of ghee for the temple’s daily needs.
Sources said about 6,000 litres of ghee is purchased from OMFED every month at Rs 700 per litre for the temple.
In addition, Padhee urged OMFED to consider reducing the price of ghee, following requests from various servitor groups. “Strict steps will be taken to prevent the entry of any ghee other than that supplied by OMFED into the temple. Any violation will not be tolerated, and strict action will be taken if attempts are made to bring other branded ghee into the temple,” he added.