The Orissa High Court has ordered the revival of hereditary “Danadhyakshya” seva rights at the Puri Jagannath Temple. The court’s decision marks a crucial step in restoring traditional practices and preserving cultural heritage at one of India’s most prominent religious sites.
Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has directed the Puri Jagannath Temple administration to reinstate the age-old hereditary “Danadhyakshya” concept of Seva rights within three months. The court emphasized that the cessation of this tradition due to financial constraints was unjustifiable.
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The Division Bench, presiding over a writ petition advocating the revival of Danadhyakshya Seva, issued the directive, acknowledging the essential role of various categories of Sevaks in performing distinct Sevas and Nitis (rituals) for Lord Shri Jagannath. The court understands that discontinuing Danadhyakshya Seva solely due to financial reasons, considering its mention in the Record of Rights.
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“Therefore, in the interest of justice, equity and fair play, this Court directs the Temple Administration to revive Danadhyakshya Seva, taking into consideration the grievance made by the petitioners and other devotees, as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of three months,
the Bench directed.
In view of the above, this Court is of the considered view that hereditary Seva of the deity, which has been found place in the Record of Rights should not have been stopped on the plea of financial crunch, when huge amount of money is being spent for the purpose of development of the temple and its administration, the Bench observed.
Furthermore, the court expressed dismay over halting hereditary Seva rights, citing financial constraints, especially amid substantial expenditures on the temple’s development and administration.
The historic Jagannath temple, dating back to the 12th century, holds immense national and international significance, attracting millions of Hindu devotees annually. Initially under the management of the Maharaja of Puri, the temple’s affairs shifted to governmental oversight with the enactment of the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1952.
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While financial crises led to the suspension of certain sevas of Lord Shri Jagannath, efforts were made to revive them in a 2006 notification by the Temple Administration. The “Danadhyakshya” concept, rooted in ancient traditions, appoints individuals to oversee village affairs, mirroring the historical significance of its application at the Puri Jagannath Temple.
The Orissa High Court reaffirmed the importance of preserving and upholding traditional Seva rights, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices and devotion at one of India’s most revered religious institutions.
