KalingaTV News Network
Puri: Serving of ‘Mahaprasad’ to the deities in Sri Jagannath Temple here was stopped for the second day today following the cease work protest by Suar and Mahasuar servitors who demanded compensation for the ‘Amhunia Mahaprasad’ wastage on Monday.
The agitating servitors have demanded Rs 50 lakh for the loss incurred due to the wastage before the unoffered food could get buried at the ‘Koili Baikuntha’ on the temple premises as per the rituals. Due to the protest the ‘Rosha Homa’ ritual got delayed during the day causing stoppage of all other rituals and ultimately resulting in cancellation of afternoon bhog to the deities.
Only, ‘Mangala Aalati’ and ‘Abakash Besa’ of the deities could be formed today, say reports.
A logjam occurred between the servitors and the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Monday following a delay in serving of morning bhog to the deities due to the absence of ‘Palia’ servitor. The ritual was to be performed ahead of the Jagamohan opening. As the morning bhoga serving was delayed, the afternoon bhoga could not be offered and got wasted.
Meanwhile, the ‘Amhunia Mahaprasad’ of Monday has been buried at the ‘Koili Baikuntha’ following a dialogue between the SJTA chief Pradeep Jena and the agitating servitors. Jena visited the temple along with Puri SP Sarthak Sarangi earlier in the day.
“I appeal to the agitating servitors to cooperate in smooth conduct of the temple rituals. All issues could be solved through meaningful and composite dialogues,” insisted Jena following the talks.
Ms Kalinga