Entry of non-Hindus in Srimandir: SC order invites mixed reactions

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Puri: The Supreme Court’s order to implement the recommendations of Puri district judge for better management of Srimandir has invited mixed response from servitors, devotees as well as the common people.
Interestingly, the servitors have opposed recommendations for ending their hereditary rights to provide service to Lord Jagannath. They have sharply reacted to a proposal to allow non-Hindus into the shrine.
“Srimandir has a unique tradition. Here, servitors have hereditary rights to serve the Lord. Servitors are part and parcel of Srimandir deities. Abolishing hereditary rights of servitors will harm many customs and traditions of the temple,” said Daita Niyog president Ramkrushna Das Mahapatra.
Opposing the proposal, senior Daita servitor said, “Jagannath temple had faced several problems due to non-Hindus. No one will accept the proposal for their entry into the temple. We will raise all these issues with the amicus curiae appointed by the Supreme Court,” he said.
Gobardhan Peeth, the seat of Puri Sankaracharya, too opposed the entry of non-Hindu’s into the shrine. “No one had consulted the Sankarcharya before giving such a proposal,” said Manoj Rath, the spokesperson of Gobardhan Peeth.
Fomer Balikuda MLA Jyotisha Chandra Das, however, welcomed the proposal to end servitors’ hereditary rights at Srimandir. Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Dev said the managing committee of Srimandir will deliberate on the SC order. “We will discuss all issues with the amicus curiae,” he said.
Welcoming the proposal, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Niranjan Patnaik said, “I personally support the suggestion of the apex court because I firmly believe that irrespective of caste, creed and gender all humans are equal. People who are in charge of reforms should take a thoughtful decision.”
BJP leader Lekhashree Samantsinghar opined, “The opinion of all stakeholders on this matter is crucial. The Shankaracharya, Puri Gajapati, Sevayats and the devotees will have to analyse this. But the existing system on management of the temple needs a change.”
BJD Spokesperson Sameer Das, “It is just at the stage of a proposal. The recommendation of Supreme Court will be discussed at large by the temple Managing Committee. Only after the temple administration comes up with their report, the state government will take a stand on this.”