Latest news with #ShreeJagannathTempleAdministration
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Orissa High Court issues notice to SJTA on Patabola Seva row
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has issued notice to the chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in response to a petition challenging its decision to allowing two persons, who are not descendants of original Record of Rights (RoR) holders to perform the sacred Patabola Seva at the 12th century shrine in Puri. Justice RK Pattanaik issued the notice on Wednesday on the petition filed by Santosh Kumar Patra and seven others seeking the court's intervention against the order issued by the chief administrator on June 12, 2025. The petitioners claimed they are Patara Bishoyi Sevaks and descendants of the original RoR holders, who were specifically assigned to look after the Patabola Seva in the temple. According to the petition, Patabola Seva is a ritual service traditionally reserved for hereditary sevaks. It is a sacred secret service whose knowledge is transferred from generation to generation, and the outsiders have no scope to acquire such knowledge. Sevak means any person who is recorded as such in RoRs. During the hearing, advocate Avijit Patnaik, representing the petitioners, argued that allowing the two persons to take part in the Patabola Seva is contrary to section I21 (2) (1) of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955. The temple administration has encroached upon the religious practice and rights of sevaks, Patnaik contended. In the order on Wednesday, Justice Pattanaik said, 'Considering the facts pleaded on record and plea advanced by the petitioners, the court is inclined to have the response of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration in particular.' The judge issued notice to chief administrator and directed to list the matter on June 25.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt reviews preparations for Puri Rath Yatra
1 2 Bhubaneswar: A high-level ministerial committee, led by deputy chief minister Pravati Parida, conducted a comprehensive review of preparations for the June 27 Rath Yatra in Puri on Thursday, emphasizing the need to complete all preparatory work within the designated timeline. "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure this year's Rath Yatra is conducted smoothly and safely. Our focus is on providing a seamless experience for lakhs of devotees," Parida said. The committee, comprising law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, health minister Mukesh Mahaling, housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, held detailed discussions with officials from various departments and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration. Key focus areas included deity rituals, pahandi arrangements, security, sanitation and VIP accommodation. The ministers highlighted the need to preserve the sanctity of tradition while ensuring public safety. During an inspection of the Puri district headquarters hospital, the committee addressed health concerns in view of recent diarrhoea cases. "Multiple medical teams will be deployed across the city, and additional beds have been arranged to handle any emergencies," said a health official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The govt has extended invitations to distinguished guests for the June 27 celebration. "We are honoured to invite the President, Prime Minister, Union ministers and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states to participate in this grand celebration," Parida said. Parida also shared details of the multi-layered security plan, including crowd control, traffic regulation, and the setting up of an integrated command and control centre. Transport minister Jena said, "Special arrangements have been made for parking and transportation. We are coordinating with railways to operate additional trains during the festival period." Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to visit Puri on June 22 for a final review of the festival arrangements.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
HC notice to SJTA chief over Puri temple ritual
Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Wednesday issued notice to the chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in response to a petition filed by Santosh Kumar Patra and seven others, challenging the recent inclusion of two individuals in the sacred 'patabola seva' — a ritual service traditionally reserved for hereditary sevaks of the Puri Jagannath Temple. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The petitioners, who claim to be patara bishoyi sevaks and direct descendants of the original Record of Rights (ROR) holders, argued that the June 12, 2025 order issued by the chief administrator permitting two non-descendants to perform the patabola seva was 'arbitrary and unlawful'. Through their counsel advocate Avijit Patnaik, the petitioners contended that the patabola seva is a sacred and confidential religious duty, the knowledge of which is passed down exclusively through hereditary lines. They alleged that including outsiders not recorded as sevaks in the ROR violates Section 21(2)(1) of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955. The service is not only religious but carries deep cultural and traditional significance, known only to those who have inherited it through generations, advocate Patnaik argued. While hearing the matter, Justice R K Pattanaik said, "Considering the facts pleaded on record and the plea advanced by the petitioners, the court is inclined to have the response of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration in particular." The court directed the SJTA to file its reply and listed the matter for further hearing on June 25. In an interim order, Justice Pattanaik also directed the temple administration to consider excluding the two newly appointed individuals from participating in the ongoing patabola seva, ensuring that the service continues undisrupted in the meantime.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Puri king's younger brother Ranarnab Deb passes away
Bhubaneswar: Ranarnab Deb, younger brother of Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, passed away following prolonged illness in the early hours of Monday. He was 67. Ranarnab, who was known as 'Thaata Raja', is survived by 'Thaata' queen Soma Debi (63) and prince Devraj Deb (37), family sources said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) said that Ranarnab, an enthusiast of travel, wildlife and business, held no official duties at the shrine, unlike his elder brother, who serves as the first and foremost servitor of Lord Jagannath. "Thaata Raja's death will not impact king Dibyasingha Deb's seva puja during the Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra. As the Thaata Raja wasn't a temple servitor, daily shrine rituals will continue normally," Biswajit Dash, late Ranarnab's manager, told TOI. Family sources said Ranarnab was hospitalised in Puri recently. "Thaata Raja had liver cirrhosis. He died of cardiac arrest on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday," said Dash. Ranarnab's funeral took place at Puri Swargadwar with royal honours. The pyre was lit using flames from the temple's kitchen. Following royal customs, his remains were taken on shoulders by four men in a 'covered kokei' (a frame made of bamboo and tied with straw ropes). Palace priests conducted the last rites. CM Mohan Charan Majhi, deputy CMs Pravati Parida and K V Singh Deo, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Puri MP Sambit Patra, among others, expressed their condolences. "I am deeply saddened to hear about the demise of the Thaata Raja of Puri, Ranarnab Deb. My condolences to the bereaved family. May Lord Jagannath grant them patience and strength in this hour of unbearable grief. I pray at the feet of Lord Jagannath for the peace and solace of the departed soul," the CM wrote on X.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ranarnab Deb, brother of Puri King Dibyasingha Deb, dies at 67; last rites with royal honours
BHUBANESWAR: Puri's royal family mourns as Ranarnab Deb, the younger sibling of King Dibyasingha Deb, passed away at age 67 following a prolonged illness. Family sources confirmed his passing at about 12.30 am between Sunday and Monday at a private medical facility in Puri. The last rites will be performed in Puri with full royal ceremonial honours. A senior Shree Jagannath Temple Administration official stated, "His demise will not affect his elder brother's 'seva puja' during Rath Yatra on June 27." Many dignitaries expressed their grief at Deb's passing. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi shared on 'X': "I am deeply saddened to hear about the demise of the Thata Raja of Puri, Ranarnab Deb. My condolences to the bereaved family. May Lord Jagannath grant them patience and strength in this hour of unbearable grief. I pray at the feet of Lord Jagannath for the peace and solace of the departed soul."
