The mysterious disappearance of lsquoamuniya modaksrsquo from the Puri Jagannath Temple s storehouse continues to stir controversy with new allegations now suggesting a possible link to Digha the seaside town in West Bengal.
This fresh claim has added an unexpected and sensational twist to what was initially thought to be an internal mismanagement or theft.
The lsquodashamula modakrsquo is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation and it plays a crucial role during the Anasara period when the deities of Puri Jagannath temple are believed to fall ill after their ceremonial bath on the occasion of Snana Purnima.
Jagannath culture researcher Prof. Prafulla Rath on Tuesday alleged that the missing modaks specially prepared offerings used in Mahaprabhursquos Dasamula ritual may have been transported to Digha for ritualistic reuse.
Rath expressed concern that this could be part of a larger pattern of unauthorized appropriation of temple materials pointing to earlier instances where wood from the temple allegedly meant for sacred rituals was stolen and relocated to Digha for establishing idols.
ldquoWhile the modaks were meant for anointment and had no practical utility after ritual use Rath emphasized that these amuniya modaks were never actually offered and thus may still retain sanctity making their disappearance particularly significant. He raised suspicions that they might be reused elsewhere possibly for parallel rituals or symbolic acts in imitation of Jagannath traditionsrdquo said Rath.
In response to the allegation senior servitor Ganesh Mahasuara expressed strong concern over the violation of ritual discipline calling the disappearance of the modaks a major breach of temple protocol.
ldquoOut of the 313 modaks 70 are missing. If actually the same number of modaks were provided a detailed investigation needs to be conducted as the place where the items are stored is a very secure place. Now we need to ascertain whether the CCTV cameras have captured the incident or not. The Badagrahi of Balabhadra has brought such allegations and they can give a clarification on what exactly happened as a single person cannot carry all the 300 modaks alone. Other Badagrahis can shed more light on thisrdquo said Ganesh.
Meanwhile devotees and cultural observers are calling for a transparent inquiry into the disappearance not only to hold those responsible accountable but also to prevent any dilution or distortion of sacred temple practices especially if elements of Lord Jagannathrsquos rituals are being misused or commercialized outside Odisha.
This latest revelation brings the focus back to the need for tighter security and accountability within one of Indiarsquos most revered and symbolically rich temples.