Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has asked Suar and Mahasuar servitors not to chew betel and gutkha while cooking Mahaprasad at Srimandir kitchen.
The temple administration had earlier banned chewing of betel, gutkha and any other mouth freshener on Srimandir complex. It had constituted a special squad to take action against the violators.
‘‘The temple administration is trying to ensure complete hygiene at Srimandir kitchen. No Suar and Mahasuar servitor will be allowed to chew betel and gutkha while cooking Mahaprasad. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting between Srimandir chief administrator and representatives of Suar and Mahasuar Niyog,” said a SJTA official.
Sources said SJTA chief administrator Pradeep Jena sought servitors’ cooperation to maintain cleanliness at Anand Bazar, the dining place at Srimandir. “Srimandir chief administrator has asked servitors to ensure timely availability of Mahaprasad in the holy month of Kartika,” said the official.
According to sources, Suar and Mahasuar servitors have urged Jena to allow selling of Mahaprasad at the inner circle (Bhitara Bedha) of Srimandir in the month of Kartika. They also pleaded for ban on the entry of non-servitors into Anand Bazar.
In a related development, the district administration and the SJTA have permitted the Suar and Mahasuar Niyog to supply Mahaprasad to Habisialis (devout elderly women) during Kartika Brata. “Habisialis, who have enrolled themselves for the free boarding scheme of the state government, will get free Mahaprasad once a day. This time, around 1,700 devout women have registered themselves for the Habisiali scheme,” said an official of the district administration.
Sources said the administration has arranged three concrete structures to house the Habisialis. “Last year, we had constructed at least three temporary sheds to accommodate 1,400 Habisialis. However, fire broke out at one of the sheds despite taking every precaution,” added the official.
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