Ramkrushna Das Mahapatra, a senior Daitapati servitor at the Shree Jagannath Mandir in Puri, has been suspended for 30 days amid growing controversy over the newly constructed Jagannath Mandir in Digha, West Bengal. The suspension prohibits Das Mahapatra from entering the Srimandir and performing his religious duties for Bhagwan Jagannath during this period.
Allegations suggest that his conduct was responsible for breaching the Mandir’s dignity.
Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Mandir Administration (SJTA), confirmed that he personally conducted an inquiry, which led to a report being submitted to the Odisha government. Based on the findings, Das Mahapatra was suspended for one month due to “indisciplinary conduct.”
The Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Mandir Arabinda Padhee has announced that this action aims to instil discipline within the Mandir. He emphasised that it is our collective responsibility to uphold the traditions, dignity, and sanctity of the Mandir, free from pride or ego. Our actions should reflect our devotion and surrender to Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath. He also clarified that any form of indiscipline will not be tolerated in the future.
— Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri (@SJTA_Puri) May 11, 2025
The disciplinary action follows allegations that Das Mahapatra was instrumental in the unauthorised removal and transportation of sacred neem wood, believed to be leftover Daru from the 2015 Nabakalebar rituals in Puri, for the construction of vigrahas in the Digha Mandir. His alleged involvement has raised significant concerns among devotees and Mandir authorities regarding a potential violation of the dignity and sanctity of the 12th-century shrine.
The controversy escalated after an RTI activist filed a formal complaint, accusing Das Mahapatra of removing the sacred wood without prior permission from the Mandir administration. Servitor groups and religious organisations expressed outrage, demanding greater transparency and stricter regulation of Mandir materials and resources.
Complicating matters, Das Mahapatra was interrogated for nearly an hour and a half by Srimandir officials last May 11, regarding the vigraha-making process at the Digha Mandir. The Jagannath Sena, a prominent group of devotees, submitted a written complaint naming Das Mahapatra and calling for an impartial investigation into the alleged unauthorised transportation of sacred Daru from the Puri Mandir to West Bengal.
Earlier reports from West Bengal media quoted Das Mahapatra as stating that the neem wood used in the Digha Mandir was leftover from the 2015 Nabakalebar rituals. However, he later denied making such claims, calling the reports false and asserting that his statements had been misrepresented. He did confirm that neem wood vigrahas had indeed been consecrated at the Digha shrine.
Due to these conflicting statements, the SJTA issued a showcause notice to Das Mahapatra, requiring a written explanation within seven days. His changing accounts reportedly caused confusion among devotees and were perceived as damaging to the Mandir’s reputation.
Das Mahapatra’s presence at the inauguration ceremony of the Digha Mandir had already raised concerns. This incident has sparked calls for stricter oversight of Mandir materials and servitor conduct, particularly regarding sacred rituals and symbols associated with the Puri Srimandir.
The situation remains under investigation, with both Mandir authorities and police urged to conduct a thorough probe to ensure accountability and preserve the sanctity of one of India’s holiest shrines.
