Puri: After Adapa Bije mishap on the chariot that triggered sharp criticism questioning the ability and dedication of Puri servitors, the Chief Badagrahi of Lord Balabhadra broke his silence over the issue.

"The servitors and their indiscipline activities were responsible for the incident," said Haladhar Dasmohapatra expressing his displeasure over the servitors, who were present on Taladhwaja chariot on July 9 during Adapa Mandap Bije pahandi.

Explaining the entire scene, he said, "Excess number of servitors were present on the back side of the idol of Lord Balabhadra on the chariot. They were repeatedly shaking the 'chhateni' (a rope made from patta clothes) that was tied to top portion of the idol. As the 'chhateni' got loose, the idol slipped."

"However, nothing happened to 'Srianga' of Lord Balabhadra. This is our duty to keep it safe, not the government's responsibility. The idol fell on servitors," he clarified.

He alleged that servitors of indulging in indiscipline activities during Ratha Jatra. "The indiscipline acts by servitors are causing inconveniences to other servitors, who are assigned to perform a particular ritual," he said.

He complained that the temple administration is sitting silent every time whenever the issue is raised before it.

"We have been informing the temple administration about indiscipline activities of servitors on chariots for last 20 years. Unnecessary presence of servitors on the chariot also creates a hindrance for which the devotees are not able to see the deities properly. We have also brought this matter into notice of Gajapati Maharaja many a time, who is the head of Srimandir Managing Committee. However, he prefers to be silent. The officials are transferred after every 2-3 years and nothing changes under their supervision," the senior servitor said.

On July 9 evening, idol of Lord Balabhadra slipped on a makeshift staircase while descending from the chariot during ceremonial pahandi ritual at Sharadhabali. This drew public outcry from all quarters.

Describing the incident as the first of its kind during Ratha Jatra, Dasmohapatra said, "I have been serving the Lord for last 50 years. I have performed my duty in 50 Ratha Jatra also known as Gundicha Jatra, 4 Nabakalebara, but such incident had never taken place in the past. The servitors were responsible for this."

Appealing to the temple administration to streamline the rituals, he said, "This is the duty of temple administration to control servitors. Kindly control them, take action against them for indulging in indiscipline acts. Whom we hand over the charge for rituals, other servitors forcefully join them causing inconvenience during the process."

Also Read: What led to Adapa Bije Pahandi mishap in Puri? Senior servitor explains