Controversy throws light on servitors’ conduct yet again

BHUBANSESWAR: The recent suspension of Jagannath Temple’s Daitapati servitor Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra in connection with the controversy surrounding Digha shrine’s naming has once again highlighted the challenges faced by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in maintaining order and discipline among its servitors. The controversy represents just one instance in a series of incidents that have raised questions about servitors’ conduct at this 12th century shrine.At the heart of Jagannath Temple’s daily operations are about 2,200 servitors who maintain centuries-old traditions through their hereditary services. While some of them have services to offer daily, there are others who perform their sacred duty on some specific days in a year.Every day, nearly 80 servitors are required to perform around 20 rituals in the shrine and their remuneration ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 2,500 per day, depending on their specific duties on certain days and the frequency of their service.Despite their crucial role in preserving ancient traditions, the temple has faced recurring issues with servitors’ conduct.Senior servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra, while acknowledging this reality, said, “Not all sevayats are unruly. Misconduct of a few of our colleagues has often tarnished the reputation of the entire community. Their conduct has improved over the years.”Day before Ramakrushna’s media statement on Digha temple idols triggered outrage, SJTA on April 4 and 5 had organized a two-day training session for servitors focussing on maintaining discipline, appropriate behaviour, proper interaction with devotees, importance of timely ritual performance and preservation of temple dignity.Historical efforts to improve servitor conduct date back to 2006 when the shrine administration attempted to curtail behaviours such as the use of vulgar language and consumption of betel or gutka.“Comprehensive guidelines outlining servitors’ roles, responsibilities, conduct and obligations will be issued soon,” law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said.SJTA’s chief administrator Arabinda Padhee has taken a firm stance, declaring that no kind of indiscipline and misconduct will be tolerated.