Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has taken strict disciplinary action against a Khuntia servitor for indiscipline in the temple on February 28 that delayed the daily rituals by approximately four hours.
Due to unseemly behaviour and disruptive activities by some servitors, the rituals were significantly disrupted. This caused hardships for devotees, who faced difficulties and were deprived of receiving Mahaprasad at the designated time. Complaints also emerged regarding disrespectful treatment meted out to temple administration officers and employees during the episode.
SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee sought explanations from the involved Khuntia servitors: Ramakrushna Khuntia, Madhab Khuntia, and Madhusudan Khuntia. After carefully reviewing their responses alongside statements from the affected administration staff, Dr. Padhee issued a formal order.
Ramakrushna Khuntia has been suspended for three months. During this period, he is barred from participating in any temple services or worship rituals. The order warns that if he engages in incitement, threats against other servitors or individuals, or obstructs temple services and policies, the suspension will be extended, his ‘shadhi bandha’ ritual rights will be revoked, and stricter disciplinary measures will follow.
The other two servitors, Madhab Khuntia and Madhusudan Khuntia, have received conditional pardons but have been sternly warned of severe action if similar misconduct recurs.
Dr. Padhee noted that the majority of servitors cooperate effectively to ensure smooth implementation of temple policies. However, he expressed regret over disruptions caused by a few individuals’ disorderly conduct. He reiterated that no form of indiscipline or disruption will be tolerated in the sacred precincts of Shree Jagannath Temple.
