No Mobile Phones To Be Allowed On Chariots Of Lord Jagannath & Siblings: SJTA Chief Arabinda Padhee

Puri: After taking charge as Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Padhee on Friday said that sevayats will be banned from carrying mobile phone to the chariots of the sibling deities.

It was alleged that the sevayats were busy clicking pictures and taking videos on their mobile phones when the idol of Lord Balabhadra slipped and fell on the ‘charamala’ of the chariot during ‘Adapa Bije Pahandi’ on Tuesday evening.

Speaking to the media, Padhee said that strict action will be taken against any indiscipline during the conduct of rituals of the Lords. “Only designated sevayats will be allowed on the chariots. The focus will be on smooth conduct of the rituals with cooperation of all. We have held initial discussions with Nijogs and are hopeful of their cooperation to ensure that none bring bad name to Jagannath culture,” he said.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Replaces SJTA Chief Administrator Two Days After Lord Balabhadra Idol ‘Fall’

He further said another meeting with all Nijogs is scheduled later in the evening. “We have sought forgiveness of the Lords for the mishap. A panel has also been formed to probe it. The temple administration will take all steps to prevent an recurrence during the upcoming Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha, Niladri Bije and other rituals,” he added.

The mishap happened when the heavy wooden idol was being brought down from Lord Balabhadra’s chariot to be taken to the Shree Gundicha Temple around 9 pm on Tuesday.

Senior servitor Jagannath Swain Mohapatra had blamed the sevayats for the ‘sad’ incident. He said that ropes to control Lord Balabhadra’s movement was not tied properly, causing the deity to fall on the slanting ladder. “The number of sevayats was more than was actually required for the pahandi ritual,” he claimed.

On Wednesday, the temple managing committee formed three-member panel to probe the incident and it has been asked to submit the report within 10 days of Niladri Bije.

Also Read: Temple Managing Committee Puts Stamp On Ratna Bhandar Opening Date, Forms Panel To Probe Balabhadra Idol Fall