Bhubaneswar: In a bid to enhance security and maintain sanctity at the revered Jagannath Temple, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has deployed a team of 20 retired army personnel at Ananda Bazaar on the temple’s premises where Mahaprasad is sold.
The ex-army personnel, dressed in civil attire, will work in two shifts – 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM – to oversee the activities of servitors and devotees. Their primary objective is to ensure the sale of fresh Mahaprasad, monitor the behaviour of servitors, and maintain decorum in the area.
According to Ajay Jena, SJTA Administrator (Development), strict measures will be implemented to prevent the sale of stale prasad. Only authorized cooks, notified by the temple administration, will be permitted to sell Mahaprasad. The sale of other food products, except those offered to the deities, will be restricted to designated areas within Ananda Bazaar.
To avoid confusion, the temple administration is mulling to issue identity cards to authorized cooks. This initiative aims to maintain the sanctity of the offerings and ensure a smooth experience for devotees visiting the temple.
