
Attempts to encroach Puri Jagannath temple land will not be tolerated: Shrine authorities
The SJTA, in a statement, said that it would computerise land records of the temple and protect them as per the Uniform Policy of the state government and the provisions of the Shri Janganath Temple Act, 1955.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Non-servitors climbing chariots during Rath Yatra to face arrest: Minister
Bhubaneswar: State govt on Sunday said any devotee disguising themselves as servitors of Puri Jagannath Temple to access the chariots during Rath Yatra on June 27 would face immediate arrest. Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the govt would strictly implement rules preventing non-servitors from boarding chariots during Rath Yatra. The Orissa high court in 2014 restricted chariot access to only duty-bound servitors. "We will ensure that the highest level of discipline is maintained for the smooth conduct of the grand festival that will attract lakhs of devotees. Non-servitors will be booked and arrested if they are found on chariots. Any servitor facilitating the access of unauthorised persons onto chariots will also face legal action," Harichandan said, adding that servitors cannot use mobile phones on chariots like previous years. The minister said the temple authorities are finalising a list of eligible, duty-bound servitors permitted on chariots and during 'Pahandi', an essential ritual involving the transfer of idols of the deities to and from chariots. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "We have requested all nijogs (servitor associations) to shortlist the names of servitors. Our prime objective is to keep the chariots less crowded and maintain discipline," Harichandan said. The announcement follows an incident from July 9, 2024, when Lord Balabhadra's idol slipped from hands of servitors during transfer from the chariot to Gundicha Temple, two days after Rath Yatra. Temple sources attributed the fall to excess number of servitors during Pahandi. Critics said previous attempts to control crowds on chariots and during Pahandi have proved ineffective. "Prior to every Rath Yatra, govt had made such claims. But those decisions and announcements were never translated into action. Servitors in large numbers attended Pahandi and allowed their guests in priestly dresses to climb the chariots for huge monetary gain," claimed Bibhuti Ranjan Mallick, a culture enthusiast in Bhubaneswar. Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) said police complaints were previously lodged against non-servitors for boarding chariots. "We had also got cases registered against a few servitors for assisting devotees to get access to chariots. In 2016, an Atlanta-based NRI was arrested for climbing a chariot in the guise of a servitor," an SJTA official said.


India Gazette
5 days ago
- India Gazette
Deba Snana Purnima: Sudarsan Pattnaik crafts sculptures of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, Lord Balabhadra on Puri beach
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 10 (ANI): On the auspicious occasion of Deba Snana Purnima, celebrated with deep devotion at the sacred Jagannath Temple, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik unveiled a magnificent sand sculpture of Maha Prabhu Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra on Puri Beach. The intricately crafted sculpture was complemented by an artistic installation of 108 Kalash (sacred pots)--symbols of purity, devotion, and divine energy--thoughtfully arranged to enhance the spiritual ambience of the display. The artwork eloquently portrays the emotional and religious significance of Snana Yatra, the ceremonial bathing ritual of the deities observed on this holy day. The installation attracted thousands of devotees, tourists, and art enthusiasts, blending tradition, devotion, and creative expression. Dr Arvind Padhee, IAS, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), visited the site and praised Pattnaik for his meaningful and inspiring contribution. He commended the artist's continued role in promoting and preserving Odisha's cultural and spiritual heritage through his globally recognised sand art. Sudarsan Pattnaik, acclaimed for using sand as a medium of storytelling and spiritual reflection, once again elevated Odisha's rich legacy onto the global stage through this divine tribute. Earlier on June 9, Padma Shri awardee and renowned sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik on Monday created a sand sculpture on Puri beach to mark 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led government, highlighting the journey towards a 'Viksit Bharat'. Narendra Modi first took office as the Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014, and is serving his third consecutive term. Last year, he took office on June 9 after winning the third-term elections. Recently, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and Union Minister JP Nadda highlighted the government's achievements, including good governance, change in India's 'political culture,' and several bold decisions over the past 11 years. (ANI)


New Indian Express
06-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Rs 2.25 crore reward for Daitapatis for smooth conduct of Jagannath Rath Yatra
BHUBANESWAR/PURI: In a massive incentive, the Law department has approved Rs 2.25 crore for Daitapati servitors of the Shree Jagannath Temple if they ensure a smooth Rath Yatra. A proposal in this regard was sent by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) recently. In a letter to the Srimandir chief administrator, the department informed that the government has approved Rs 2.25 crore as a 'special reward' for Daita servitors for disciplined conduct during the annual festival of the Trinity. The money will be paid from the SJTA funds and replenished with the allotment of funds as special grants to the SJTA at the supplementary budget stage. Other servitors welcomed the incentives for Daitapatis and urged release of funds for all servitors who render services connected with the Rath Yatra. In another development, the I&PR department has decided to set up temporary information kiosks at various places in Puri to reach out to maximum number of devotees coming to the city for Rath Yatra. At a preparatory meeting on Thursday, principal secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh said various programmes are being planned by the department for the upcoming Rath Yatra which includes folk art performances and live broadcasting of the festival. Meanwhile, DIG S Praveen Kumar informed that at least 70 platoons of police force along with four senior commandant rank police officers and 450 other officers will be deployed in Puri for the Snana Purnima on June 11. Addressing the press, the DIG said, 'Our primary aim is to bring discipline to the darshan of the deities, ensure the security of devotees, and regulate traffic.' Earlier in the day, the DIG discussed the security issue with Puri Superintendent of Police Vinit Kumar, and other senior officers of the district. The temple administration has also conducted a number of meetings with temple servitors and Daitapatis for the timely observance of daily rituals of the deities.