50. Sevaks of Jagannath temple

Sevaks of Jagannath temple:

Many types of sevaks (servants) have been employed for the services and worship of Jagannath. As per tradition they are divided into 36 categories, for which they are called Chhatisa Nijog. Actually, if examined for the purpose of categorisation, the number of sevaks will be far more than that. According to the "Record of rights" prepared by the Govt. with regard to the sevaks, there are 116 types of services. These sevaks perform their duties and services on a hereditary basis. Besides the deities installed on the Ratna Simhasan of the temple, the deities placed in other temples within the temple premises are also worshipped by them. Each sevak has a separate duty to perform. According to law, each sevak has a right to perform his seva (service or duty). There is "no system to pay salaries" to the sevaks for their services. They receive specific quantities of Mahaprasad, which is called "Kheyi" and that is their only remuneration.

The Raja of Puri is the first and foremost sevak of the temple. During the chariot festival, he sweeps the 3 chariots with a golden broomstick. During Navakalevar, the Daitas and Brahmins receive Gua (betle-nut- a token of representation) to proceed in search of Daru.The other important sevaks in the temple are Rajguru, Patjoshi Mahapatra, Bhitarachha Mahapatra, Taluchha Mahapatra, Bhandar Mekap, Palia Mekap, Purohit, Mudirath, Puspalak, Pujapanda, Mahajan, Pratihari, Khuntia, Pati Mahapatra, Garabadu, Bimanbadu, Daita, Gochikar, Sunagoswami, Mahasuar, Paik, Purana Panda, Chitrakar, Rupakar etc.

Earlier, when the Gajapati kings of Orissa were residing at Cuttack and Khurda, the Parichhas were looking after all affairs of the temple right from supervising the performance of all daily routines and rites of the temple to the law and order matters, the convenience of the visitors and pilgrims, management of the landed properties, observance of all festivals and ceremonies etc. Generally, the Rajgurus were managing the functions of the Parichhas. At present the temple is being managed by a Managing Committee and the Raja of Puri (using Gajapati Maharaj title) functions as its ex-officio Chairman. An Administrator appointed by the State Govt. of Orissa is looking to the day to day affairs of the temple. Still then, the Parichhas have a few duties of their own to perform.

It would be impossible to give a complete account of services offered to the deities, but here is a partial listing in order to give an idea of the diversity.

1. Patjoshi Mahapatra is the head of all 36 Nijogs. He ensures that the sevaks perform their seva properly and the rites of the temple are observed regularly. 

2. Bhitarachu Mahapatra:

Opens the locked door of the temple each morning before anyone enters.

3. Suarabadu: Cleans the Lord's chamber.

4. Sankhua: Blows the conch-shell

5. Mukhapakhala: 

Supplies tooth-cleaning sticks 

6. Mahabhoi: Supplies milk.

7. Paniyaparra: Supplies water. 

8. Tulasia: Supplies Tulasi leaves for puja.

9. Cangada Mekapa:

Responsible for supplying and maintaining clothing for the deities.

10. Puspalaks dress up the deities, smear sandal-wood paste etc. 

11. Pujapandas perform the ritualistic worship of the deities; perform Aarti, Bandapan etc, of the deities at different times. 

12. The temple Purohit chants Vedic mantras and performs Japa.

13. Khuntias guard the sacred body of the deities. 

14. Suars cooks and carries bhoga (unoffered food)

15. Bhitarachha Mahapatra sees the sanctity of the bhoga being offered to the deities and also to the cleanliness of the temple premises. 

16. Taluchha Mohapatra sees the cleanliness of the kitchen. 

17. Garuda or Ghunara Sevaka:

Places colorful flags atop the temple, and puts a lamp there on Ekadasi at sundown.

18. Devadasis sing songs before the deity. 

19. Vinäkära: Plays music on the vina as the deities retire.

20. Vimana Vadu: Carries the palanquin

21. Amunia Chatra: Holds umbrella during processions.

22. Paricha:

An administrator who also holds a golden cane during festivals.

23. Khuntia: Calls out "Manima! Manima!" during various functions.

24. The Daita performs all duties of the wooden deities during Snan and Rath Yatra festivals. They are said to be the descendants of the Sabar chieftain Biswabasu as mentioned earlier and hence close relatives of Jagannath.

25. Bhandara Nekab:

Treasurer of the Lord's storage room where costly garments and ornaments are kept.

26. Deula Karana:

Secretary and keeper of Madalapanji, the daily temple records.

27. Pratiharis keeps guard over different strategic points.

28. Dayita:

Servants of the deities, especially during the time of renovations known as anavasara.

29. Mudiratha does all the work of the Raja (raja-niti) in his absence as his representative. 

30. Talichu Mahapatra:

Locks the temple doors each evening and accompanies Madana-mohana, the vijaya-vigraha, during travel.