Jagannath temple’s head priest is no more

The head priest of the Jagannath Temple in the Jamalpur area of the city passed away on Friday morning after a prolonged illness.

A huge procession (palki) was taken out in areas near the temple to commemorate the demise of Rameshwarji Maharaj. The body of the priest was carried in a chariot in a procession which also included a truck laden with flowers and 8-10 decorated elephants.

Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the procession.
After the priest's demise in the morning, temple authorities are busy looking for a new priest as they believe that the seat of high priest should never remain empty.

By noon, Dilipdasji Maharaj was proclaimed as the new priest. Dilipdasji spoke to DNA and said, "I'm very sad about his death. It was a pleasure to be his disciple and learn from him every day."

The general secretary of the Tajiya committee, JV Momin, shared his grief saying, "He was a saint who brought about harmony between the Hindu and Muslim communities through his acts. We have worked together for various rath yatras for the past 32 years. We will miss him a lot."

The last rites and cremation procedure took place in the evening at Jamalpur where various political figures and leaders were present.

CM Narendra Modi who was also present at the cremation, expressed his condolences and said, "When given a chance to become the head of the temple, Rameshwarji Maharaj said that he chose to be a servant of the temple rather than a head."

President of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, Arjun Modhwadia expressed how the absence of Rameshwarji will be felt not only in Jagannath Temple, but also in the whole of Ahmedabad and Gujarat.

"He was a popular figure for various religions. Now, it lies with the trustees to keep up the tradition of the temple in his absence."
Similarly, Gujarat BJP president RC Faldu said, "He was a symbol of cultural unity in the city. Gujarat has lost a great, pious and
religious leader and saint."