Puri: The alleged theft of sacred modaks from the Puri Jagannath Temple ’s secure storehouse continues to remain under scrutiny. Finally, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Padhee on Tuesday broke his silence on the issue.
He stated that the initial allegations raised by the Badagrahi are not backed by verified evidence and emphasized the need for a more thorough investigation.
Padhee addressed the media following a wave of controversy sparked by servitor Haldhar Dasmahapatra’s written complaint, which claimed that 70 ‘amuniya modaks’ mysteriously disappeared from the temple’s ‘garada ghara’ before they could be offered to Lord Jagannath during a key ritual on June 21.
“The claims made by the Badagrahi are not based on conclusive evidence,” said Padhee, clarifying that the matter requires deeper examination. He assured that the temple administration would review CCTV footage and examine records to determine if any discrepancies actually occurred.
“Further investigation will be conducted, and if anyone is found guilty, action will be taken as per the rules,” he assured.
The SJTA Chief Administrator also urged caution regarding public discussions of secret rituals and internal matters, adding, “It is not appropriate to discuss confidential ritual processes in public forums.”
“We urge all servitors and other stakeholders not to discuss the secret rituals outside. On allegations of sale or the modaks being transported to Digha, we will conduct a detailed investigation and will seek report. If anyone is found guilty, action will be taken,” Padhee added.
While the Jagannath temple administration appears to be taking a cautious and procedural approach, pressure is mounting from cultural experts, devotees, and servitor groups for a transparent and swift resolution.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, not just over the alleged theft but also about ritual discipline, internal communication failures, and administrative accountability within one of India’s most sacred and ancient temples.
As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on the SJTA to uphold the sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s rituals and ensure that such controversies do not erode the faith of millions of devotees.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.