Puri, June 24, 2025 — The Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Vir Vikram Yadav, has strongly refuted recent allegations surrounding the reported theft of ‘modaks’ from the revered Srimandir, dismissing the claims as “unverified and lacking evidence.”
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Yadav stated that no formal complaint or credible report had been filed with the SJTA or the temple management regarding any theft of offerings, including the sacred sweet known as modak, believed to be one of Lord Jagannath’s offerings during rituals.
“These are baseless allegations with no supporting documentation or evidence,” Yadav said. “The temple follows strict procedures in the preparation, offering, and distribution of bhog (sacred food). Every step is monitored, and any deviation is immediately addressed.”
The controversy began when certain local news outlets and social media users claimed that a quantity of modaks prepared for ritual offerings had gone missing from the sanctum sanctorum. The reports quickly went viral, prompting concern among devotees and calls for investigation.
However, SJTA officials insist that internal audits and temple procedures show no irregularities. “We take temple protocol seriously, especially when it concerns bhog offerings which hold spiritual significance. Any such mismanagement would be dealt with stringently. But in this case, we have not found anything that corroborates these claims,” Yadav clarified.
The Chief Administrator also urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors that could harm the sanctity of the 12th-century shrine. “Such unverified claims not only create unnecessary panic but also undermine the tireless efforts of the sevayats (temple servitors), who uphold centuries-old traditions every day,” he added.
Sources within the temple management noted that the preparation and handling of modaks are overseen by designated servitors under the supervision of senior temple priests. Security personnel, CCTV surveillance, and daily documentation further ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, some opposition figures and activists have demanded an independent inquiry into the matter. They argue that even if minor, the allegations raise questions about transparency within temple operations. “The devotees deserve to know that all rituals are being performed with utmost devotion and without irregularities,” said one local activist.
In response, Yadav reiterated SJTA’s openness to scrutiny. “We are ready to cooperate with any official probe if legitimate concerns are raised. But we request people to bring forth facts, not just hearsay,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Srimandir has faced allegations related to bhog mismanagement, though most have been debunked or resolved internally. With preparations already underway for the annual Rath Yatra, authorities are especially wary of any distractions that could disrupt the temple’s functioning.
As of now, the SJTA maintains that there is no theft, and daily rituals continue uninterrupted at the Shree Jagannath Temple. The Chief Administrator urged devotees to maintain their faith and avoid falling for unverified reports.
