Post News Network
Puri, March 19: Sashimani, the last Mahari servitor of Jagannath temple, passed away at age 92 due to protracted illness, here Thursday. A pall of gloom descended on the holy city when the news of her death spread. Hundreds of people paid their last tributes to the departed soul at her Dolamandap Sahi residence. Sashimani dedicated her life to the Lord’s service when she was only seven. She had performed her rituals during four Nabakalebar festivals in her life span.
She was felicitated by several government and non-government organisations for her rare contributions to the preservation of Jagannath cult. She fell ill after a bull attacked her when she was on her way home seven years ago. She had her leg broken. Her condition had been critical for the last 15 days. Culture department and the Srimandir administration had provided Rs 25,000 and Rs 1,500 for her treatment.