Puri: Senior servitor of Puri Jagannath Temple Rajat Kumar Pratihari passed away at a hospital in Mumbai following prolonged illness.
Pratihari, a former member of Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mumbai and breathed his last following a cardiac arrest, family sources said on Sunday.
The mortal remains of Pratihari are being brought from Mumbai to his residence at Balisahi in the pilgrim town of Puri. Last rites will be performed at Swargadwwar in Puri after family members, temple servitors pay their last respects to the departed soul.
Popularly known as Telugu Panda, he used to provide services of Garabadu and Hadapanayak at the 12th century shrine. He was offering hospitality to Telugu speaking devotees on several occasions.
Pratihari contributed immensely towards several development works in the pilgrim town. He also worked for the welfare of servitors, apart from playing a significant role in maintaining discipline during the Rath Yatra festival.
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