SJTA takes action against servitors for using iron pans in Jagannath temple kitchen

Bhubaneswar, Oct 1: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has taken disciplinary action against three Supakar servitors of the Jagannath Temple for using iron pans instead of traditional earthen pots in the temple kitchen. These servitors are now barred from entering the temple premises and the sacred kitchen (rosha sala). One of them, a Palia servitor, has also been suspended from performing daily rituals.

This suspension was enforced under Section 21-B (a) of the Sri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955. SJTA Chief Administrator, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, emphasized that any breach of temple traditions or discipline will face strict consequences.

The issue surfaced when a complaint was lodged about the use of iron utensils for preparing Maha Prasad in the temple kitchen. On September 12, Dr. Padhee ordered an investigation and the seizure of the iron pans. He instructed the Suar Mahasuar Nijog and other temple officials to visit the kitchen, confiscate the unauthorized utensils, and submit a detailed report on the matter.

Previously, the Suar Mahasuar Nijog servitors had appealed to the temple administration to halt the use of iron pans for cooking Anna Mahaprasad, explaining that these utensils were used temporarily during the COVID-19 lockdown due to a shortage of earthen pots.