Puri: A shocking incident has come to light at Puri’s Jagannath Temple, where 70 sacred modaks went missing before being offered to Lord Jagannath and his deities.
According to sources, the modaks, prepared by the royal physicians (Rajavaidya) for the Dasamula ritual, were stored in the temple’s secure Garada Ghara. As many as 313 amuniya modaks were prepared, but 70 were found missing during the offering ritual on June 21, the day of Anavasara Ekadashi.
Balabhadra’s Badagrahi, Haldhar Das Mahapatra, has brought the allegation of stealing of sacred modaks from Garada Ghara and questioned how the remaining modaks were used in the ritual.
Also, Mahapatra has formally written to the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, demanding a thorough investigation into the theft and the circumstances surrounding it
A copy of this letter has been marked to the Temple Commander, Deputy Chief Administrator, and the District Collector for their information.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a heated debate among servitors and devotees, with many demanding action against those responsible. The temple administration has maintained silence on the matter.