Bhubaneswar: Administration of the Jagannath temple in Puri on Monday decided to install 12 official donation collection boxes ( hundis) near the chariots during rath yatra to further tighten the screws on the powerful servitor community that has been collecting dakshina (monetary offering) from devotees since decades.

Six such boxes would also be placed at the Sri Gundicha Temple, which is the final destination of the three chariots.

The sevayats will also be prevented from issuing tickets for the darshan of the deities at the Gundicha temple. This has been an additional source of income for them.

"Once the chariots reach (the Sri Gundicha temple) the hundis will be installed," said chief temple administrator Pradipta Mohapatra.

The decision was taken following Mohapatra's meeting with members of the Daitapati Niyog. The decision comes in the wake of Supreme Court's suggestion for reforms in the Jagannath temple.

The move to install official donation boxes has triggered resentment among a section of servitors.

Sevayat Rabi Narayan Mohapatra said it was unjust to take away a servitor's right to receive dakshina.

He said: "How will they run their families if this right is taken away?"

The servitor said the apex court should have had sought the opinion of the sevayat community.

"We respect the court, but the truth is if someone is keen on paying us he can even come to our house and offer money. The issue should be looked at from all angles," he added.

Former temple management committee member Rabindra Nath Pratihari lashed out at the temple administration for taking a "hasty" decision about installing hundis near the chariots.

"The Supreme court is yet to give its final verdict in the matter. It has only made some suggestions. The administration could easily have waited a little," he said.

Daitapati Niyog president Ramkrushna Das Mohapatra said while barricades should be put up around the chariots when they reach the Gundicha temple, the administration should make arrangements so that devotees could at least touch the chariots.

Mohapatra during his meeting with the Daitapati Niyog discussed preparations for " nabajauban darshan" of the deities. The ritual is held a day before rath yatra.