SJTA demands explanation from servitor following ritual delay

Bhubaneswar, Aug 10: The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has issued a notice to Pratihari servitor Shivashankar Mohapatra, holding him accountable for a delay in the Dwaraphita ritual that occurred on Friday.

The notice was prompted by Mohapatra's failure to adhere to temple regulations, resulting in a 35-minute delay of the Dwaraphita ritual. This delay had a cascading effect on subsequent ceremonies, including the distribution of Mahaprasad. SJTA has requested an explanation from Mohapatra for this lapse.

The notice is a show-cause directive, requiring Mohapatra to respond within seven days. If he fails to provide a satisfactory explanation, he may face disciplinary measures under the Shree Jagannath Temple Act.

In response to the notice, Madhav Mohapatra, Secretary of the Pratihari Nijog Palia, expressed support for the SJTA's action. He noted that concerns about recurring delays in the Dwaraphita ritual had been raised in a recent meeting. “We called for immediate action against those causing delays. This step by the administration is positive, and it is crucial to uphold strict adherence to temple procedures to ensure the temple's smooth operation,” Mohapatra commented.