Puri: A servitor of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri has been suspended for three months following allegations of misconduct and delay in performing rituals.
The suspension order was issued by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) after the servitor, identified as Ramakrushna Khuntia, and two ot
hers reportedly failed to carry out their duties on February 28, causing disruption in the temple’s daily schedule of rituals.
Officials stated that Khuntia also used offensive language toward temple staff, further prompting disciplinary action.
The SJTA had issued show-cause notices and the trio was asked to submit written explanations about the complaints against them. After reviewing their explanations and consulting with temple officials, Khuntia has been suspended and two other servitors—Madhab Khuntia and Madhusudan Khuntia—have been let off with strict warnings.
The suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of punctuality and discipline in preserving the sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s temple.