Bhubaneswar, April 3: A serious argument developed between the sevayats of the 12th century Jagannath temple and the Maa Mangala temple in Kakatpur today. The dispute arose over performing the puja of Maa Mangala, the presiding deity of Kakatpur.

The servitors of the Jagannath temple threatened not to come to the Maa Mangala temple in future, as they did not get the required cooperation from local sevayats during the puja.

Daitapati Niyog secretary Premananda Das Mohapatra said: "After we go back to Puri, we will come out with a statement on what happened here during the ritual and urge our next generations not to come to this place again."

According to the traditions, the travellers of banajaga yatra used to come to the Maa Mangala temple and perform the rituals. Then, they set off on the journey to find right wood for making the idols of the Trinity.

Hundreds of people turned out to see them. After reaching the temple, the servitors of Jagannath temple performed all the rituals, specially the majana niti or bathing rituals.

However, a section of local servitors objected to this. They said that they would perform the rituals instead of the Puri servitors.

This led to heated arguments. A section of the servitors of Jagannath temple left the place in a huff.

The situation came under control after senior servitors intervened. Daitapati Niyog president Rama Krushna Das Mohapatra said: "There was a difference of opinions and many of us expressed our dissatisfaction towards the treatment meted to some of our members. Now, everything is settled. We did our puja as per the rituals and are sure of getting the blessings of Goddess Maa Mangala."

Senior servitor of the Maa Mangala temple, Tapas Dixit, said: "The argument has been sorted out. After completing all the rituals, the Puri servitors left the place."

After performing the rituals, the banajaga yatris (travellers) left the temple to go to Deuli Mutt on the banks of River Prachi. They would stay at the mutt tonight. Puri collector Arvind Agarwal and superintendent of police Ashish Singh were present during the procession and the rituals.

Senior servitor of the Jagannath temple, Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, said: "As the lunar eclipse is tomorrow, we have not yet decided when we will move out in search of the sacred wood. We will be waiting for the instruction of the deity on this."

Besides, the district administration today deployed additional forces in Kakatpur to ensure that no law and order problem arises due to the heavy rush of devotees.