In a significant development, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has suspended Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra, a senior servitor of Puri Srimandir, for 30 days following allegations of breaching temple traditions. The suspension comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Digha Jagannath Temple in West Bengal.
Mahapatra, who also serves as the Secretary of Daitapati Nijog, was accused of unauthorised involvement in the consecration of idols at the newly constructed Digha Jagannath Temple.
The SJTA had earlier issued two show-cause notices to Mahapatra, demanding an explanation regarding his statements and actions. Following an inquiry, the Chief Administrator of SJTA, Arabinda K Padhee, announced the suspension, barring Mahapatra from entering the temple premises and performing any rituals during the suspension period.
The controversy has deepened as Jagannath Sena, a Puri-based socio-cultural organisation, has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged unauthorised transportation of sacred wood. Additionally, concerns have been raised over the naming of the Digha temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’, with many arguing that Puri remains the only true Jagannath Dham.
The suspension of Mahapatra has led to mixed reactions among servitors and devotees, with some supporting the decision as a necessary step to uphold temple traditions, while others demand greater transparency in temple administration.
