Search the Internet          Tips

Puri temple bans spitting

The world famous Lord Jagannath temple in Puri has banned spitting in the temple premises.

The management committee of the oldest Hindu temple has decided to take strict action against those found spitting in the temple.

The committee was planning to ban spitting for long, to keep the holy premises ''totally clean and hygienic''.

''At last, we have taken a decision to ban spitting, particularly paan [betel], gutkha and khaini in the temple by pilgrims and priests," said a member of the temple committee.

Paan-chewing is very popular in Orissa.

Temple manager Hemanshu Sekhar Samantray told rediff.com that since many devotees and sevayats eat paan and spit in the temple premises, it was decided by the temple management that a fine of Rs 5 would be charged.

He said that the managing committee also decided that if necessary, police help would be taken for implementation of the order.

It was also decided to place stone statues and basil (tulsi) shrubs will be planted in spots where people habitually spit.

Puri's Jagannath temple is considered an important holy centre for Hindu devotees because it is one of four dhams established by the Adi Sankaracharya.

The Srimandir information centre will make repeated announcements, to spread awareness among devotees and sevayats, about the order.

You may also want to read:
The Jagannath Temple

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report