Puri, March 15 The authorities of the Shree Jagannath temple in Odisha's Puri have suspended a temple worker for three months for alleged negligence that led to a delay in performing rituals at the 12th-century shrine on February 28.
In a statement, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said two other temple workers, also accused of negligence, were also warned that they would face action for any misconduct in the future.
"The SJTA will initiate disciplinary action against the two workers if they indulge in any type of indiscipline and misconduct in the future," Padhee said.
The suspended worker has been barred from performing the rituals at the shrine during his suspension period, the SJTA said in the statement.
"We will be forced to extend the suspension period of the worker and initiate stern action against him if he tries to create disturbances at the temple and obstruct others from performing rituals," Padhee said.
The SJTA had earlier served show-cause notices to temple workers for the delay in the rituals at the 12th-century shrine on February 28.
They were accused of misbehaving with the temple officials.
There was a delay of around four hours in the performance of rituals and the availability of Mahaprasad for devotees.
They submitted a reply, which was thoroughly examined before initiating action, the SJTA said.
The three workers traditionally assist priests in decorating the trinity – Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath – with flowers and clothes.