Synopsis

This is an empirical study of temple sevakas at the Jagannath temple at Puri. It examines the role of the sevakas and their relevance from the historical, religious, social and political viewpoints. It deals with the rituals associated with god Jagannath, the rathyatra and the history and myths of Navakalevara. It studies the involvement of the sevakas in performing the rituals, the sevaka categories, their recruitment, socialisation of the sevakas as well as their rights, prerogatives and remuneration. It also presents the self-evaluation of the sevakas focusing on their remuneration, job satisfaction, rights and duties, response to the management and social status.