The people who perform
the ritual services at the Jagannath temple
are called the sevayats or servitors. These
sevayats acquire their position hereditarily.
Records of 13th century A.D. and of the British
period suggest that there were 36 categories
of sevayats. Within the last two centuries
the number of categories have been increased
from 36 to 250.
The first sevayat of Lord Jagannath is Gajapati,
the king of Puri. He as a sevayat is expected
to perform certain duties and rituals 0n certain
occasions. The major ritual is that he sweeps
the three chariots of the lord with a golden
broomstick.
Earlier the head of
the sevayats used to be the Rajaguru. Today
Patjoshi Mohapatra is the head of all Servitors.
He is entrusted with the functions of managing
the pariccha. He ensures that the Servitors
perform their duties properly and rites of
temple are observed regularly.
Bhitara-Chhu Mohapatra looks after the sanctity
of the Bhog being offered to the deities and
also to the cleanliness of the temple premises.
Taluchha Mohapatra likewise looks after the
cleanliness of the kitchen. Mudirath performs
all works of the King in latter's absence
as his representative. The temple Purohit
chants Vedic Mantras and performs Japas. Pujapandas
performs the ritualistic Puja (worship). Puspalaks
dress up the deities, smear sandal wood paste
etc. Khuntias guard the sacred body of the
deities. The Mekaps remain in charge of different
store articles. Pratiharis keep guard over
different strategic points. Suars cook the
food offerings. Karans keep the accounts of
all expenditure both cash and materials. Bhitara
Gaini Seva (service) is performed by the Debadasis
who sing songs before the deities. The Daitas
perform all duties during Snana Purnima and
Ratha Yatra (Car Festival) and plays an important
role during Nabakalebar, the ritual in connection
with changing of wooden bodies of the deities.
It is said that they are the decedents of
the shabara chieftain Biswabasu, who was worshiping
Jagannath before the Lord came to this temple
and hence the Daitas are considered as close
relatives of Jagannath.
Nearly 75 such sevayats
perform their functions daily and without
any salary. They are only entitled to get
a portion of the total bhoga or offerings.
This portion is known as ‘Khei’.
A few sevayats also get cash rewards from
the management. On special occasions like
Rath Yatra, all the sevayats are given cash
rewards.
