The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri suspended a servitor on Wednesday for alleged unruly conduct and indiscipline during the inventory of valuables inside the Ratna Bhandar the previous evening. The servitor, identified as Kishan Mekap, who holds the hereditary role of Bhandar Mekap, was suspended from all seva and puja duties until further orders, according to an SJTA official.
Incident During Ratna Bhandar Inventory
Temple sources revealed that Kishan engaged in a heated argument with a family member over entry into the Ratna Bhandar on Tuesday evening. The verbal spat escalated into a physical confrontation inside the sacred chamber, in the presence of shrine officials. Senior administrators had to intervene to restore order.
Official Clarification
SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee clarified that the dispute was personal in nature and did not affect the ongoing inventory process. "The scuffle was an unfortunate personal matter between two servitors. I want to assure devotees that the inventory work inside the Ratna Bhandar continued smoothly and without disruption," Padhee said. He expressed hope that the matter would be resolved amicably, adding, "We expect the servitors involved to settle their differences through mutual discussion. Discipline inside the shrine is paramount, and any breach will be dealt with firmly."
Recurring Issues with Servitors
Kishan's suspension highlights ongoing challenges faced by the SJTA in maintaining order among the temple's approximately 2,200 servitors, who perform hereditary services preserving centuries-old traditions. While some serve daily, others perform duties on specific days each year.
This incident is not isolated. On April 29, a dispute between two servitors disrupted the Chandan Yatra's eighth day rituals at the sacred Narendra pond, stalling the divine boat ride of representative deities. On April 23, a servitor was suspended and barred from entering the temple after being arrested for an alleged crime against a woman. On March 14, another servitor was suspended for three months following unruly conduct with fellow servitors, which caused ritual delays on February 28.
"Despite their crucial role in preserving ancient traditions, the temple has faced recurring issues with servitors' conduct," said Binayak Mishra, a devotee. The SJTA continues to emphasize that discipline remains paramount, and breaches will be met with firm action.
