Bhubaneswar: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Pradipta Mohapatra has submitted a report to the Supreme Court-appointed amicus curiae Gopal Subramanium on violence in Puri temple following introduction of “queue system” for the devotees.
“As per instructions of amicus curiae, we have submitted a report to him,” Mohapatra told reporters. However, the chief administrator did not divulge contents of the report.
Some miscreants created terror and resorted to vandalism October 3 in protest against the introduction of queue system at the temple. The vandals also ransacked the Srimandir Information Centre, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration office and also the residence of Puri MLA and Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty. Two complaints have been lodged with police.
Subramanium is expected to visit Puri once again to review the situation and make further recommendations to the SJTA.
Meanwhile, Maheswar Mohanty has also opposed introduction of the queue system. Suggesting that such a system in Puri temple is against its tradition, Mohanty said, “There are temples which are in narrow alleys where you need a queue system. But Jagannath temple in Puri is spacious and this temple has several deities. You need to make some relaxation in the rules. Before implementing the system you must consult all stake holders.”
“In order to have a darshan of Lord Jagannath, you need to turn towards left and towards right to view Lord Balabhadra. Devi Subhadra can be viewed at the centre. So, what is the need for a queue system at Srimandir,” he questioned. Stating that such decisions should not be taken in a hurry, the Minister said he would request Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to make necessary suggestions to the Supreme Court in this regard.
