A socio-economic study of ritual functionaries (SEVAKS) of world-famous shri Jagannath temple, Puri, India

This research analyses the impact of the world-famous Lord Sri Jagannath Temple on the socio-economic conditions of the ritual functionaries of the temple of Puri in eastern India. The number of Ritual Functionaries has increased over a period of time but the rituals are remaining constant. The study reveals that the majority of the ritual functionaries are not getting adequate remuneration directly from the rituals due to multiplication of families over generations. But they have been getting their income indirectly from the pilgrims who are visiting the temple. The new generations have also started seeking jobs and doing business for their livelihood, but whenever their family’s turn comes for rituals in the temple, they take it as an opportunity to serve the Lord without missing their turn. The economic analysis shows that there is wide variation in the earnings of the ritual functionaries depending on the type and number of days of service allotted to them per month. There is a scope for deployment of the ritual functionaries during their free time to serve the tourist, who are coming directly to the temple and other types of tourist who are staying in the hotels. In this way, they can earn a decent income for them thereby improving their standard of living. Time has come to allot the visitors to the functionaries and attach them to the local hotels to act as the guide to the visitors in a systematic manner. It will help all the functionaries to earn more income. The tourist will also get full satisfaction with their visit. In this manner, Puri can be placed as a major religious tourist spot in the world.