The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has issued a show-cause notice to Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra, a senior servitor (Daitapati) of the Jagannath temple. He is being questioned over his alleged statements about using sacred wood from the Puri temple to build idols for a newly constructed temple in Digha, West Bengal.
What Happened?
According to media reports, Dasmahapatra had claimed that surplus neem wood (Daru), left over from the Nabakalebar rituals in 2015 at the Puri Jagannath temple, was taken to Digha and used to make idols for a new shrine.
This claim triggered concerns because neem wood used in Nabakalebar rituals is considered extremely sacred, and its use is governed by strict religious and administrative protocols.
What is Nabakalebar?
Nabakalebar is a unique ritual that takes place roughly every 12 to 19 years in which the idols of Lord Jagannath and his siblings are replaced with new ones carved from specially selected neem trees (called Daru). The process is sacred, and every step is performed under strict secrecy and ritualistic guidelines.
Why Was the Notice Issued?
The SJTA took the media reports seriously and demanded an explanation from Dasmahapatra within seven days. If he fails to justify his statements, disciplinary action may be taken against him under the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955.
The administration’s concern is that such statements could:
- Mislead devotees
- Cause confusion about temple protocols
- Damage the sanctity and image of the 12th-century Jagannath temple
Dasmahapatra’s Clarification
After facing backlash, Dasmahapatra denied making the statement about using leftover wood from Puri. He said:
“This is false reporting. I never said this to any news channel. My statements might have been edited or misinterpreted.”
He clarified that he only confirmed that neem wood idols had been consecrated at the Digha temple, but never claimed that the wood came from Puri’s Nabakalebar rituals.
Background: Why Is This Controversial?
The wood used in Jagannath’s Nabakalebar is considered holy and exclusive to the temple. Any claim suggesting that this wood was transported and used elsewhere is highly sensitive, both religiously and culturally. It could also imply a breach of temple protocols and raise questions about how such sacred material was handled.
Government’s Role
Following the controversy, the Odisha government had already instructed the SJTA to investigate the media reports and verify the claims. The current show-cause notice is part of that inquiry process.
This situation has brought to light the importance of preserving the sanctity of temple rituals and ensuring that public statements made by temple servitors do not lead to misunderstandings or disrespect toward the centuries-old traditions of Lord Jagannath.
