Puri: In view of possible threat to rocks of Puri Jagannath temple as well as servitors and devotees due to smoke released from diyas (lamps), Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) asked Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (Omfed) to supply pure ghee for burning diyas (lamp) on premises of the shrine.

The temple administration wrote to Odisha's milk federation requesting it to provide pure ghee for purpose of burning diyas for safety of rocks.

After discussion with chief administrator on Tuesday, the temple administration has decided not to allow impure ghee inside the century old shrine in pilgrim town Puri.

As per the decision, all the shop owners selling diays will be bound to use pure ghee. The Omfed will be asked to provide it at appropriate prices. The new guideline will be in force from September, informed Puri Collector Arvinda Agarwal, who is also the SJTA deputy chief administrator.

Besides, rule has been strongly imposed in case of burning Akhand dipa inside the innermost sanctum of the temple. No other diya except AKhand dipa will be allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum.

The temple administration has decided to engage another special servitor to assist the servitor appointed for burning the Akhand dipa inside the sanctum sanctorum. Earlier, only one servitor was placed on duty near AKhand dipa.

A number of diyas is offered everyday inside temple sanctum sanctorum despite rule. However, not a single report was filed in this regard.

The fresh guidelines will be imposed from September 1. The temple administration will take stern action in violation of the rules, sources in the SJTA said.