||| Read in Oriya ||| Servitors (Sevayats) AAA owiaA vAp\Aer pWibA AAA

The persons entrusted in the Seva-Puja (ritual services) of the deities in Jagannath Temple are known as Sevayats or Sevakas (servitors). Most of the servitors enjoy hereditary rights to perform the ritual services.
In the past in 13th Century A.D. there was provision of "36 Nijogas" or 36 types of sevakas in the Jagannath Temple. According to the report, Collector of Puri, Mr Grome during British rule in 1805, engaged thirty-six types of servitors.

The Gajapati (The King of Puri) is treated as the first and foremost Servitor of the Temple. During Car Festival he sweeps the three Cars with a golden broomstick. In addition to this, he has to perform a number of rituals/duties in different occasion.
The Raj Gurus were entrusted with managing the functions of the Parichha. At present the Temple is being managed by a Managing Committee and the King of Puri (Gajapati Maharaj) as it's ex-officio chairman. An Administrator appointed by the State Government of Orissa is looking to the day-to-day affairs of the Temple. Still then the Parichhas have a few duties of their own to perform.
Patjoshi Mohapatra is the head of all Servitors. 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 sabara chieftain Biswabasu, who was worshiping Jagannath before the Lord came to this temple and hence the Daitas are considered as close relatives of Jagannath.

Though there are near about 120 categories of Sevaka or Servitors, on an average 75 Sevitors perform ritual services everyday. They do not receive monthly salary, they are entitled to get a portion of Bhoga (offerings) from total Bhog offered by the Temple Administration, which is known as 'Khei'. In addition to Khei most of the Sevaks are paid daily remuneration in form of cash reward, according to the scales prescribed by the Managing Committee of the Temple. There is also provision for special cash rewards over and above the daily cash reward for Car Festival and special occasions.

The Record of Rights of Sri Jagannath Temple spells about 119 categories of Sevaks (Servitors), which is stated as follows.
1. Gajapati Maharaja
2. Parichha or Rajaguru
3. Chhatisa Nijog Naik Patajoshi Mahapatra
4. Bhitarachha
5. Talichha
6. Mudirasta
7. Deula Purohit
8. Puja Panda
9. Bada Panda
10. Puspalak
11. Mahajan
12. Mudra
13. Khuntia
14. Bhandar Mekap
15. Palia Mekap
16. Akhand Mekap
17. Changada Mekap
18. Khata Seja Mekap
19. Pratihari
20. Daita
21. Pati Mahapatra
22. Patribadu
23. Garabadu
24. Suarbadu
25. Khuri Naik
26. Mukha Pakhala
27. Ghatuari Oger
28. Gochhikar
29. Sunagoswami
30. Muduli
31. Alati Balita Sevak
32. Puran Panda
33. Dutta Mahapatra
34. Lugadhua & Panikunda Sevak
35. Ballav Jogania
36. Bimanbadu
37. Anasar Sudha Suar & Sudha Suar
38. Hadap Naik
39. Bidia Jogania
40. Khatuli Sevak
41. Asan Pratihari
42. Kothabhog Jogania
43. Pradhani
44. Paika
45. Lenka
46. Suar Nijog Naik
47. Suar Nijog & Mahasuar
48. Jagia Mahasuar
49. Badu Suar Thala, Tuna, & Amalu Suar
50. Pantibadu
51. Amalu Tola,Pura Kharadi
52. Tolabadu
53. Rosa Paika
54. Bahara Deuli Suar
55. Bahara Deuli Jogania
56. Rosa Dhopakhalia, Angarua,Gobar Pania & Rabadia
57. Handi Jogania Tolabadi
58. Birimunda Samartha
59. Kotha Bhoga Pania
60. Panikipata
61. Nikap & Gandhan Nikap
62. Biri Buha
63. Daudi Bala
64. Chunara
65. Sabat Nijog
66. Paniapat
67. Mandani
68. Chakaapasar
69. Mulia Suansua
70. Binakar
71. Darpania
72. Kotha Suansua
73. Mahabhoi
74. Gitagobind
75. Bhitara Gaeni
76. Samprada Nijog
77. Dayanamali
78. Madeli
79. Prasad Badu,Badu Mahapatra
80. Tatua
81. Patar Bundha
82. Baijayanti
83. Chhatar Nijog
84. Kahalia
85. Sankhua
86. Parbyatra Jogania
87. Chitrakar
88. Rupakar
89. Bania
90. Damara Bisoi
91. Karatia
92. Bentabindha Paika
93. Patara Bisoi
94. Kala Bethia
95. Daraji Seva
96. Kumbhar Bisoi
97. Rath Bhoi
98. Mala Chula
99. Banua
100. Chakradihudi
101. Ojha Maharana
102. Ghanta Seva
103. Ghantua
104. Rath Dahuka
105. Badhei
106. Baidya
107. Amunia Chhatar
108. Chhamudihudi
109. Chapadehera
110. Chapa Dalei
111. Mapasaita Karan
112. Chadhhau Karan
113. Deula Karan
114. Baitha Karan
115. Kotha Karan
116. Churcha Karan
117. Dayanapatra
118. Chaula Bachha Karan
119. Matha & Byaktigata Seva
 
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