Jagannath Temple, Puri – Sevayats
The people who perform the ritual services at the
Jagannath temple are called the Sevayats or servitors. These Sevayats acquire
their position hereditarily. Records of 13th century A.D. and of the
British period suggest that there were 36 categories of Sevayats. Within the
last two centuries the number of categories have been increased from 36 to 250.
The first sevayet of Lord Jagannath is Gajapati, the king of Puri. He as a sevayet
is expected to perform certain duties and rituals on certain occasions. The
major ritual is that he sweeps the three chariots of the lord with a golden
broomstick.
Earlier the head of the Sevayats used to be the
Rajaguru. Today Patjoshi Mohapatra is the head of all Servitors. He is
entrusted with the functions of managing the pariccha. He ensures that the
Servitors perform their duties properly and rites of temple are observed
regularly. Bhitara-Chhu Mohapatra looks after the sanctity of the Bhog being
offered to the deities and also to the cleanliness of the temple premises.
Taluchha Mohapatra likewise looks after the cleanliness of the kitchen.
Mudirath performs all works of the King in latter's
absence as his representative. The temple Purohit chants Vedic Mantras and
performs Japas. Pujapandas performs the ritualistic Puja (worship). Puspalaks
dress up the deities, smear sandal wood paste etc. Khuntias guard the sacred
body of the deities. The Mekaps remain in charge of different store articles. Pratiharis
keep guard over different strategic points. Suars cook the food offerings.
Karans keep the accounts of all expenditure both cash and materials.
Bhitara Gaini Seva (service) is performed by the
Debadasis who sing songs before the deities. The Daitas perform all duties
during Snana Purnima and Ratha Yatra (Car Festival) and plays an important role
during Nabakalebar, the ritual in connection with changing of wooden bodies of
the deities. It is said that they are the decedents of the shabara chieftain
Biswabasu, who was worshiping Jagannath before the Lord came to this temple and
hence the Daitas are considered as close relatives of Jagannath.
Nearly 75 such Sevayats perform their functions daily
and without any salary. They are only entitled to get a portion of the total
bhoga or offerings. This portion is known as ‘Khei'. A few Sevayats also get
cash rewards from the management. On special occasions like Rath Yatra, all the
Sevayats are given cash rewards.
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