Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 10: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has issued a notice to Pratihari servitor Shivashankar Mohapatra, holding him accountable for a 35-minute delay in the Dwaraphita ritual on Friday. This delay affected other temple rituals, including the distribution of Mahaprasad.
The notice, issued for violating temple norms, requires Mohapatra to provide an explanation within seven days. Failure to respond could lead to disciplinary action in accordance with the Shree Jagannath Temple Act.
Madhav Mohapatra, Secretary of Pratihari Nijog Palia, supported the SJTA’s decision. He emphasized that concerns over recurring delays in the Dwaraphita ritual were raised in a recent meeting. “We requested prompt action against those responsible for the delays. The administration’s decision is a positive step towards ensuring strict adherence to temple norms and maintaining the smooth functioning of the shrine,” Mohapatra stated.
