In a significant move to uphold discipline and sanctity within the Shree Jagannath Mandir, the Mandir administration has suspended three servitors for violating Mandir norms and engaging in activities that undermined the shrine’s dignity. The disciplinary action, initiated by Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Padhee, reflects the Shree Jagannath Mandir Administration’s (SJTA) firm stance on maintaining order, integrity, and the spiritual sanctity of the centuries-old MandirΩ.
According to official sources, Suar Badu servitor Narayan Panda, Khuntia servitor Rajaram Khuntia, and Mahasuar servitor Bena Mahasuar have been suspended for a period of two months under Section 21(A) of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955.
Two servitors suspended for illegal money collection
The first case involves servitors Narayan Panda and Rajaram Khuntia, who were found illegally collecting money from devotees near the Bahara Katha (outer wall) to facilitate ‘darshan’ of the deities. The incident escalated when the two engaged in a verbal altercation and physical clash over sharing the collected money, leading to public embarrassment and disruption of temple discipline.
The SJTA, in its official statement, said the actions of the two servitors not only violated the Mandirs operational guidelines but also tarnished its sanctity and compromised the security of the premises. The administration took immediate disciplinary action by suspending both for two months and restricting them from participating in any Mandir-related duties during the suspension period.
“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable in a place as sacred as Srimandir,” the SJTA noted. “Any servitor found indulging in acts of corruption or misconduct that disturb the temple’s sanctity will face strict consequences.”
Use of Vanaspati ghee sparks disciplinary action
In a separate incident, Mahasuar servitor Bena Mahasuar was suspended for allegedly promoting the use of Vanaspati ghee (Dalda) instead of the prescribed OMFED ghee for preparing the sacred Mahaprasad. The Shree Jagannath Mandir has a long-standing directive that mandates the exclusive use of OMFED ghee to maintain the purity, sanctity, and traditional quality of the Mahaprasad.
The violation, reportedly instigated by Mahasuar, was viewed as a serious breach of the Mandirs religious discipline. Consequently, he too was suspended for two months and barred from participating in any form of temple service during this period.
Dr Padhee stated that any servitor involved in compromising the sanctity of rituals or Mandir food preparation would not be spared, reiterating SJTA’s commitment to preserving Srimandir’s traditions.
Strict warning and call for discipline
While announcing the disciplinary measures, Dr Padhee emphasised SJTA’s zero-tolerance policy toward indiscipline, corruption, and any disruption in the Mandirs daily rituals or the experience of devotees.
“Anyone found creating obstacles in the smooth conduct of Mahaprabhu’s rituals or in the orderly darshan of devotees will face stringent action. We will not tolerate any deviation from the established traditions,” Dr Padhee warned, urging all servitors to cooperate in maintaining the dignity and sanctity of the Mandir.
The SJTA also stated that the suspension period of the three servitors may be extended further if they are found engaging in any form of indiscipline during their suspension.
Recent actions reflect continued vigilance
This is not the first time SJTA has taken stern action against errant servitors. In May 2024, senior servitor and Daitapati Nijog Secretary Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra was suspended for 30 days for his alleged involvement in a controversy linked to the newly constructed Jagannath Mandir in Digha, West Bengal.
Earlier, in October 2024, three Supakar servitors were barred from entering the Mandirs kitchen (Rosaghara) for using iron pans instead of earthen pots in Mahaprasad preparation, violating long-held Mandir traditions. A Palia servitor was also prohibited from performing his duties in connection with the same violation.
Security Breach: Two devotees detained
Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, two devotees were detained by police on Friday for allegedly attempting to enter the Mandir disguised as servitors and carrying spy cameras inside the premises.
In one instance, a devotee from Jajpur managed to enter the sanctum sanctorum by posing as a servitor, while another person from Ahmedabad was caught wearing spectacles fitted with hidden cameras near the Jagamohan. Both were detained by servitors and handed over to police for interrogation. These consecutive incidents have prompted the SJTA to tighten security and internal monitoring inside the Srimandir premises.
Reaffirming the administration’s unwavering stance, Chief Administrator Dr Padhee said, “The Shree Jagannath Mandir is not merely a monument it is a living temple of faith and devotion. We will ensure its sanctity is never compromised, no matter who is involved.”
