Bangalore: The Puri Jagannath Temple, described in a DV Editorial (DV Edit April 16, 1997) as the “India’s biggest mental hospital”, is also noted for its notorious (Brahmin) priests who are a pest on the visiting devotees. Here is a report:
Puri priest held for pick pocketing
Police on Feb.15. arrested a priest red- handed on charges of pick pocketing inside the Puri Jagannath temple. The accused has been identified as Madhusudan Gury, police said adding a case has been registered. Police said Guru was earlier involved in another case of pick pocketing inside the temple. This came on the heels of the arrest of another priest, Jagannath Khuntia for snatching the earrings from a devotee two weeks ago. Based on an FIR filed by a devotee, police on Saturday registered o case against another priest, Bhima Mudiratha for allegedly beating him up inside the temple. (Times of India, Feb.16, 2007).
Bulging belly
These pandas (priests), as they are called, threaten the devotees if they don’t give them the money demanded and sometimes, they even put their hands info your pocket and seize the purse. There are cases when the pandas gang up and assault not only men but even women if they are not given the money asked.
The pandas stink when they come near you and they present an ugly sight lying on temple floor with their bulging bellies. Some have even raped women forcing them inside the dark dungeons of the temple.
The Editor of Dalit Voice faced one such group of angry pandas pestering for money. When refused they even come to beat the Editor. Five DV members escorting the Editor drove them back.
The Brahmin priests whether in Puri or in other temples act with so much courage because they are considered the Bhoodevatas — gods on earth. No law of the land can touch them.
This is the wonder that is Hindu India,
