After SC directive on Jagannath Temple affairs, Chhatisa Nijog to meet tomorrow

PURI: Devotees on Saturday welcomed the directives of the Supreme Court on Sri Jagannath Temple affairs whereas a meeting of Chhatisa Nijog will be held on Monday to discuss the apex court’s order.

The Nijog is the apex body of priests and its response to the apex court directives will be significant in view of ensuing Rath Yatra. Sources said the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is taking utmost care to ensure the directions are implemented in letter and spirit. The directions have come at a time when there is just one month left for the commencement of the annual Rath Yatra. So any wrong step may disturb the annual festival, it added.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of SJTA Laxmi Dhara Pujapanda said discussions will be held on the directions given by the apex court to prevent any malpractice and mismanagement in temple affairs, including hassle-free visit of devotees and their offerings.

He clarified that a notice on closure of all donation collecting thaals and bowls on temple premises being circulated in social media is a draft and it is yet to be finalised. The decision in this regard would be taken after deliberations with the servitors and all stake-holders during the meeting, he added. On Friday, a bench of the Supreme Court took serious note of alleged exploitation of devotees by ‘sevaks’ at the 12th century shrine in Puri and issued a slew of directions to prevent any such malpractice and mismanagement.

Devotees coming out of the temple after having darshan welcomed the directive and said the apex court order, once implemented, will streamline affairs and management of the temple. Besides, exploitation of the devotees would be reduced.