Bhubaneswar: With the sacred Ratha Jatra just days away, allegations of theft of Dashamula Modaks from the Jagannath Temple in Puri have stirred controversy. However, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has dismissed the claims, stating that no such theft has occurred.

“The modaks prepared for the deities are not counted individually, so the question of theft does not arise. A few Daita servitors are trying to create unnecessary confusion,” Harichandan said, adding that anyone found guilty after a proper investigation would face legal action.

Dashamula Modaks—Ayurvedic medicinal confections—are offered to Lord Jagannath during the Anabasara period when the deity is believed to recuperate from illness during hibernation for 14 days. The alleged incident came to light after Haladhar Das Mohapatra, the Badagrahi of Lord Balabhadra, submitted a formal complaint to the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

According to the complaint, 313 Amuniya Modaks prepared by the Rajvaidya (temple’s royal physician) had been stored in the Garada Ghara for ritual use. However, during the sacred ritual on Anabasara Ekadashi night (June 21), it was discovered that 70 modaks were missing.

Temple authorities have not issued an official statement yet.

The incident has sparked criticism from opposition parties. BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera questioned the seriousness of the temple's ritual conduct, stating, “How were the modaks stolen? If they were, how will the deities recover? And how will Ratha Jatra proceed? This reflects complete negligence on the part of temple administration.”

Behera further remarked, “The Chief Minister has promised an error-free Ratha Jatra this year, but lapses are already surfacing. The government must take swift action to investigate the matter and restore faith among devotees.”