Puri, May 17: After eleborate discussions, it has been finally decided by the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee that the family members of servitors and devotees will not be given the privilege to climb above the sacred bathing altar during Snana Purnima ritual. On the other hand, Puri Shankaracharya will be given the opportunity to have the darshan of the deities and perform their puja at the Mandap during the Snana Yatra. Since yesterday, there had been large discussions at a meeting here with the Chhatisa Nijog on whether family members or devotees will be allowed to climb the chariots during the Snana Mandap in this year Rath Yatra follwoing which the decision was taken today. It has also been decided that although Puri Shankaracharya is allowed but his aides won’t be following him to the altar during the Snana Purnima. Notably, in 2014, the temple administration had prohibited the entourage of Shankaracharya’s disciples to the chariots during Rath Yatra that led to issues.
