Puri / Chief Administrator Apologises for Disorder at Jagannath Temple, Pledges Better Coordination

Puri, Jan 5: Admitting that a lack of coordination led to the recent disorder at the 'Sata Pahacha' of the Jagannath Temple, the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda Kumar Padhee on Monday apologised for the incident and pledged that such lapses would not be repeated.

The assurance came after a high-level coordination meeting was held at the SJTA office to review the jostling incident at the Sata Pahacha, which had disrupted temple rituals and darshan. The meeting concluded with a decision to order a senior-level inquiry into the incident. Officials said strict action would be taken if any lapses or misconduct were established.

Addressing the media, the Chief Administrator said the incident occurred due to coordination failures among different agencies involved in temple management and security. “We apologise for the inconvenience caused. We are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not recur,” the administrator said.

To prevent future lapses, it was decided that a monthly coordination meeting would be held involving the district administration, police authorities and all officials associated with temple rituals and security.

The administration also announced that a separate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) would be framed for protocol darshan. Under the revised system, protocol services will be provided only with the knowledge and approval of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, officials said. The meeting emphasised the need to protect the dignity and authority of the Temple Commander’s post, keeping in view the sanctity of temple rituals.

The SJTA also decided to strictly enforce mobile phone restrictions inside the temple. Servitors and staff will not be allowed to use mobile phones within the temple premises, unless required for essential duties related to rituals, discipline or security, officials said.

To strengthen security arrangements, the administration announced plans to fill vacant posts in the Jagannath Temple Police (JTP) and the temple security force. A proposal will be sent to the state government seeking approval to fill the vacancies. Officials said that outsourcing may be considered, if required, to ensure adequate deployment of personnel.

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The administration reiterated that temple discipline, ritual sanctity and devotee safety would remain top priorities and that coordination among all stakeholders would be strengthened to avoid any recurrence of such incidents.