Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday suspended senior Daitapati servitor Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra for 30 days, citing actions that allegedly compromised the sanctity of the temple.
An official notice issued by SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee stated that Das Mahapatra is barred from performing rituals or entering the premises of the 12th-century shrine during the suspension period.
The disciplinary action follows accusations that the servitor undermined temple tradition by installing a balaka (surplus) Daru wood idol—reserved for the sacred Nabakalebar ritual—at a temple in Digha of West Bengal.
The SJTA had earlier served two show-cause notices to Mahapatra, dated May 4 and May 9. The first sought an explanation for the alleged violation of ritual protocol, while the second questioned his role in the “Jagannath Dham – Digha” event, where he was seen representing the Puri temple without official authorization.
— Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri (@SJTA_Puri) May 11, 2025
The suspension order also warns that any attempt by Mahapatra to influence other servitors or disrupt temple proceedings during this period could lead to extended disciplinary action. The Shree Mandir Commander and Senior Supervisor have been tasked with monitoring his conduct.
“If any misconduct is observed during or after this period, allowances and honors due to him will be withheld or canceled,” the order stated.
Commenting on the decision, Dr. Padhee said, “This action was necessary to preserve discipline and uphold the dignity of Shree Jagannath Temple. No act of indiscipline or arrogance will be tolerated in Mahaprabhu’s service.”
