Jagannath Temple of Puri.
Puri (Odisha): The authorities of Puri’s Jagannath temple have announced a complete ban on eating ‘paan and gutkha’ in the temple premises from January 1, 2024. Before a complete ban is imposed, awareness will be spread about not consuming paan and gutkha in the premises of this 12th century temple. The decision taken in this regard was announced by Ranjan Kumar Das, Chief Administrator of Shri Jagannath Temple Administration. Das, the temple’s chief administrator, said the restrictions would be strictly enforced for devotees, sevadars and temple staff.
‘There is a provision for fine for such things in the temple’
Ranjan Kumar Das said on Tuesday, ‘Awareness will be spread in November and December not to consume paan and gutkha in the temple premises, while the ban will come into effect from January 1. Those who violate the rules will be fined. The temple administration has also written a letter to Chhattisa Nijog, the apex organization of sevadars, on this subject. It said in the letter that there is a provision of fine for eating such things in the temple premises, but ‘no one is following the rules.’
‘Temple is not a place of entertainment’
Let us tell you that last month the temple administration had said that it will implement a ‘dress code’ for the devotees from January 1. Das had said, ‘It is our responsibility to maintain the dignity and sanctity of the temple. Unfortunately, some people come to the temple without regard to the religious sentiments of other people. Some people were seen in the temple wearing torn jeans, sleeveless clothes and half pants, as if they were roaming in the beach or park. God lives in the temple, the temple is not a place for entertainment.
Dress code will be applicable from January 1, 2024
Temple administration officials had also said that the security personnel posted at the ‘Singh Dwar’ of the temple and the Pratihari servants inside the temple have been entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing the dress code. He said the decision to enforce a ‘dress code’ for devotees was taken in the ‘Policy’ sub-committee meeting after some people were seen in ‘indecent’ attire in the temple. Ranjan Kumar Das said that ‘dress code’ will be implemented in the temple from January 1, 2024.
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