Senior Puri Jagannath temple servitor who took part in Digha shrine consecration suspended for 30 days
Senior Servitor of Puri Jagannath Temple Suspended for Role in Digha Shrine Consecration
Ramakrishna Dasmohapatra, a senior servitor and secretary of the Daitapati Nijog at Puri’s Shree Jagannath Temple, has received a 30-day suspension from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). This disciplinary action follows his involvement in the consecration ceremony of a newly built Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, on April 30, 2025.
The Allegations
Dasmohapatra’s suspension stems from two primary allegations:
- False Claims About Sacred Materials: He claimed that surplus neem wood from the 2015 Nabakalebara ritual at Puri was used to create idols for the Digha temple. Investigations revealed that this claim was inaccurate. This misrepresentation raised concerns about the authenticity of the materials used in the new temple.
- Violation of Traditional Protocols: Despite clear instructions from key servitor groups, such as the Suar-Mahasuar and Puspalaka Nijogs, to refrain from participating in the Digha temple’s rituals, Dasmohapatra attended the consecration ceremony. These groups had warned that servitors who participated would face social boycotts, as they viewed this action as a breach of Puri’s sacred traditions.
The Impact on the Puri Temple Community
The suspension has sparked intense debate within the servitor community. Puri’s Jagannath Temple has long followed strict spiritual and cultural protocols. Dasmohapatra’s involvement in Digha’s rituals challenges these practices. Many servitors argue that the temple must preserve its customs and ensure the authenticity of the materials used for rituals.
Disciplinary Measures and Reactions
The SJTA has prohibited Dasmohapatra from entering the Puri temple or participating in rituals during his suspension. The administration also warned him against influencing or intimidating other servitors. If he violates these terms, his suspension may extend.
This incident has ignited a discussion about how Puri’s traditions should be maintained in a modernizing world. Some believe the temple should adapt to new influences, while others stress the importance of protecting the sanctity of traditional practices.
Looking Ahead
The controversy underscores the tension between preserving tradition and embracing change. As the Puri Jagannath Temple holds great religious significance, the servitor community faces the challenge of balancing time-honored rituals with new spiritual developments across India. The temple’s future may depend on finding this balance.
