May 28, 2018 — CANADA (SUN) — By Dr. Surendranath Pati for Orissa Review.
The Adisankar, who installed the Deities in the then Srimandira in 9th century A.D., prescribed certain Puja rituals according to the Vedas. The founder of the present day great temple, King Ananga Bhimadev III of the Ganga dynasty in 1230 A.D introduced 120 types of Sevas and Nitis and a group of Sevaks called "Chhatisa Nijog". He donated a huge amount of land and gold for the great expenditure to occur in future.
These practices continued for several hundred years. Gradually, as a result of aggression on the great temple, kings of Utkal could not pay proper attention and some Sevas or rituals were discontinued. In reply to the Right to Information (R.T.I.), the temple Administration has replied to a media person that the Sevas enumerated below have been discontinued, the reason being no candidate applied for the posts. They cannot compel anybody to perform Sevas.
1. Binakar Seva, 2. Geeta Govinda Seva (3) Maharee Seva (4) Sampradah Nijog (5) Bhittara Ganni Seva (6) Madeli Seva (7) Kala Bethia Seva (8) Mapa Saita-Karan Seva (9) Charchayita Karan Seva. For the Information of present day citizens, the above Sevas may be hinted below as follows:
Binakar Seva – This is the playing of Beena or violin during the painting of sandalwood paste on the sacred bodies of the Deities; the Sevak will stand at the Kabhat Dwara and play. Also during night Pahud at Jaya Vijay Dwara the playing of Beena has been discontinued since 1950 A.D.
Geeta Govinda Seva – The unique "Geeta Govinda", written by Sri Jayadev Goswami in 12th century A.D, is the most favourite song of Lord Jagannath. One Brahmin Priest would sing this during the Chandan Lagi Procession.
Mahari Seva – The Maharies are also called Devdasi, a group of female persons, unmarried and devoted to the Lord, their husband only. They are divided into two groups – Bhittar Gaunis dance at the time of Sakala Dhoopa, night Pahuda during Allata Lagi of Chandan Yatra, on the boat, Rukmani Vivaha, at Gundicha temple, Solapuja of Vimala, Snana Mandap, Nabakalebara Daru. Dancing and singing are both performed by Bhittara Gauni Sevikas. Samprada Nijog Maharee dance during Sakala Dhoopa, Herapanchami, Rukmini Haran etc. Works of both the groups are interchangeable and they are adept in both.
Madeli Seva – Madal is a drum beaten during Sakala Dhoop, on the boat, Snanamandap, Solapuja of Vimala, Dolabedi, during Ratha Yatra etc. by Sevak.
Kala Bethia Seva – They were agricultural farmers who work free of cost for pulling of the chariots and during Dakshina Moda at Saradhabali. This seva has currently been discontinued.
Mapa Saita – Karan Seva – They distribute Bhoog, after the Puja is over as per the prepared list earlier, those on duty at that day get Bhoog Prasad.
Charchayita – Karan Seva – These group of servitors call the Sevaks of that day from their residences, before time to attend to the Deities, with the help of Lenkas, Paikas, Pradhanis. At present this work is performed by the Jagannath Temple Police (J.T.P.)
