The Shraddha rituals for the forefathers would not be allowed any more on the Baisi Pahacha (the holy 22 steps) of the Shreemandir.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) would shift the site for the rituals to some other place in the shrine.
The problem has arisen from last Monday after a barricade system was introduced for devotees to enter the temple. Since both sides of the Baisi Pahacha were found packed with priests and pilgrims in connection with Shradha rituals, the SJTA decided to shift the venue to ease the rush and ensure devotees a hassle- free entry into the Shreemandir.
The Muktimandap, the highest advisory body on religion, has supported the move of the SJTA saying it was its old demand. It said the rituals are not allowed as per norms of the Jagannath Temple.
Terming the practices completely unethical and irreligious, the highest priests’ body said neither the Baisi Pahacha, nor any other place within the shrine, but ‘Pancha Tirthas’ are right places for such rituals where forefathers could get salvation.
“We have been opposing Shradha on the Baisi Pahacha from the very beginning as it is not at all a right place. Some unknown people are fooling devotees and fleecing them in the name of Shradha. But such rituals should be observed in the Pancha Tirtha,” said Muktimandap secretary Pandit Ajit Mishra.
Reacting over the years long practices, Mishra said that some people in priestly attire are collecting lakhs of rupees from the devotees.
He made the SJTA too culpable for giving licences to such people without verifying their caste identity.
Sources said nearly 20 years back, there were no such practices on the Baisi Pahacha. Devotees coming for the purpose were putting Mahaprasad on a rock called ‘Mukti Sila’ near the Baisi Pahacha in memory of their deceased.
A belief has it that if Mahaprasad is offered to this holy rock then the forefathers would receive it from their near and dear.
However, after the 1999 Super Cyclone, some people from Ganjam district gradually collected fees from devotees near the holy rock.
Afterwards they went on encroaching on the Baisi Pahacha for funerals. Given permission letters from the then Purohita (priests) of temple, the encroachers made practices their legal rights on the Baisi Pahacha.
Later on, they were able to get licence from the temple administration by paying annual subscription.