Idols missing from Jagannath temple, saint on hunger strike:8 hours without food after priest flees with idols following dispute

A priest secretly took away idols of Lord Jagannath from the Jagannath temple in Khilchipur of Rajgarh district without informing anyone. When 75-year-old saint Balyogi Sohandas Maharaj, who lives in the temple, came to know about it, he was deeply hurt and gave up food. He has remained without food for the past 18 hours. Saint Sohandas Maharaj said that he will not eat until the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra are reinstalled in the temple. He said emotionally that he is deeply saddened by the departure of the deities and does not feel like eating anymore. See these 3 pictures… “God has left, how will I eat now” The saint said he does not know why the priest took the idols, but the incident has shaken him. He alleged that a person named Bhanwarlal had come to the temple in an intoxicated state and misbehaved with the priest, even slapping him. He said such incidents hurt the dignity of the temple, which is why he is deeply distressed. Left home at age 20 Sohandas Maharaj belongs to the Udasin sect. He said he adopted a saintly life at the age of 20 and has been engaged in spiritual practice and service for the past 55 years. About 45 years ago, he established an ashram near Shri Ram Petrol Pump in Khilchipur and has been living there since. He continues to carry out religious activities while residing in the temple premises. Team departed for Vrindavan to bring idols Meanwhile, taking the matter seriously, Khilchipur TI Umashankar Mukati left for Vrindavan on Saturday morning with a police team and some local residents. The aim is to bring back the idols of Lord Jagannath and hold discussions with the priest. Locals are also emotional over the saint’s decision and are demanding the idols be returned at the earliest. No case has been registered against the priest so far.