Views of Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. |Picture source: Hindu
Officials said: “Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri, Odisha, has sent a performance notice to a senior servant about the alleged use of the remaining sacred wood of idols made by idols in a temple in the neighbouring West Bengal,” the officials said.
The notice was sent to the Secretary of Daitapati Nijog and senior servant Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, responsible for “creating chaos in the hearts of the countless devotees and believers of Lord Jagannath” and through his contradictory statements, “destroying the dignity of the temple”.
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“Daitapati Nijog” is a group of bodyguards considered Lord Jagannath. The notice said Mr. Dasmohapatra was asked to give a reply within 7 days from May 4.
Mr. Dasmohapatra and 55 other servants of Puri participated in the dedication ceremony of Digha Temple on April 30 in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
It is said that Mr. Dasmohapatra used the sacred wood of Puri Temple (stored in the daru Gruha” (store room) to make idols of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Jagannath and brought it to Digha Temple to Digha Temple.
The notice also mentioned that Mr. Dasma Patra admitted in an interview with the Bangladesh News Channel that he had used the sacred wood of Puri Temple to make idols of the Dita Temple, and later he refuted the same thing in the Odisha media.
It said: “Dasmohaptra claims that he has made the wood gods with another em tree.” SJTA expressed concern about the behavior of the senior servant, who is also responsible for the secretary “Daitapati Nijog”.
According to the tradition of Puri Shrine, after the festival of “Nabakalebara” (new form), excess wood is stored in a room and used to repair idols when needed.
“During the 'Banajoga' ceremony, the wood was collected from various places throughout the state, which followed a series of religious activities. Therefore, the wood collected during the 'Nabakalebara' is considered sacred and rare.”
Mr. Dasmapatra’s contradictory remarks and his remarks “harm their religious sentiments” and create resentment among the devotees.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan portrayed Digha Temple in the West Bengal government's portrayal of Digha Temple on May 2 and accused the use of remaining wood from Puri Shrine and alleged the use of remaining wood from Puri Shrine. On May 2, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan asked SJTA to ask SJTA.
SJTA Chief Executive Arabinda Padhee summoned Mr. Dasmahapatra and asked him about 90 minutes on Sunday (4 May 2025).
publishing – May 5, 2025 01:50 pm ist
