Puri: Gajapati Dibyasingha Dev Tuesday exuded confidence that the Supreme Court of India will take appropriate steps for bringing reform measures for Srimandir after listening to all stakeholders of the 12th century shrine.
“The apex court has suggested certain reform measures for Srimandir in its interim order. We hope that it will listen to all sides before pronouncing the final verdict on the shrine. We are quite sure that the SC will take into account the feelings and views of Srimandir servitors,” Dev said to media.
Commenting on a proposal to end hereditary rights of temple servitors, the Gajapati said the servitors are part and parcel of Srimandir tradition. “Servitors are providing service to the deities as per the temple record of rights (RoR) and tradition. We believe that the SC has no intention to change the traditions and customs of the shrine,” added the king.
According to the Gajapati king, the apex court has the authority to bring administrative reforms for Srimandir, but Puri Shankaracharya and the scholars of Muktimandap are the appropriate entities to suggest religious reforms for the temple. “Srimandir RoR has descriptions regarding the authorities of Shankaracharya and Muktimandap scholars for suggesting religious reforms for the temple,” he said.
Responding to a query on the Nagarjuna Besha of Srimandir deities scheduled for 2020, Dev said the Srimandir managing committee and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) will make arrangements for the unique ritual at appropriate time. “The Nagarjuna Besha will be organised smoothly with the Lord’s blessings,” added Dev.
PNN