Since the Swargadwar crematorium receives 75% of the government-allocated wood, there is a scarcity of wood for manufacturing Mahaprasad at the Puri Jagannath temple.
As the number of devotees rises throughout the month of Kartik, this will make it difficult to prepare Mahaprasad. Due of their inability to sell the remaining bhog, the sevayats are losing money.
There is a significant problem with the Mahaprasad cooking at Jagannath Dham Puri. The temple’s kitchen (Rosghar) is severely lacking in wood. This worries both the sevayats and the devotees, particularly as the holy month of Kartik draws closer.
What caused the shortage?
Suar-Mahasuar Nijog claims that the temple sends almost 75% of the wood it receives from the government to Swargdwar Crematorium for cremation. As a result, the kitchen is running low on wood for making Mahaprasad.
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Issues will worsen throughout the month of Kartik.
Kartik is a very important month for the Jagannath temple. Thousands of Habishyaalis, or devotees who follow religious fasts, arrive in Puri during this period. In this case, making Mahaprasad in big amounts each day is essential. Without a solution to the wood scarcity, the Mahaprasad tradition might face severe challenges.
Employees’ financial loss
Recently, the temple authorities prohibited the Supakar Sevayats from selling the remaining bhog. This used to be a significant source of their revenue. The traditional chefs are now suffering significant financial losses as a result of this restriction.
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What does Nijog want?
Nijog has asked the government to guarantee a wood supply right now and make up for the sevayats’ losses. Additionally, a warning has been issued that the Mahaprasad preparations could have to be halted during the month of Kartik if things do not improve.
Concern over the administration’s lack of response
The temple management has yet to release an official statement in spite of the grave situation. Now, the administration and government are the focus of the sevayats and devotees’ attention.