Apprehending trouble, the district administration promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in and around the place where Swami Adhokshajananda is staying. The Swami has confined himself to a room ever since his arrival in the town on July 15.

Meanwhile Gajapati Maharaj of Puri Dibya Singh Dev asserted that Swami Nischalananda was the true Sankaracharaya of Puri.

Swami Adhokshajananda had earlier attempted twice to stay in Puri to stake claim to the seat, but he was restrained by the local administration and asked to leave the town. This time also, the sub-divisional magistrate passed an order restraining his movement, but the order, sources said, could not be delivered to him.

Dibya Singh Dev told newsmen here on Sunday night that Swami Niranjan Dev Tirth, the Gajapati of Puri who died in 1992, had nominated Swami Nischalananda Saraswati as his inheritor to the post and accordingly made a will in the latter's favour.

Dev said Swami Adhokshajananda, by his claim, had damaged the image and reputation of the Goverdhan Peeth and was going against Hindu religion.

On his part, Swami Adhokshajananda alleged that Swami Nischalananda had maneuvered to proclaim himself as the Sankaracharaya of Puri Peeth. He claimed that Swami Niranjan Dev Tirth had appointed Swami Nischalananda as the in-charge of the Goverdhan Peeth in recognition of his service, but he was never made the Sankaracharaya of the Peeth.

He said Swami Nischalananda, with the help of the local administration, captured the Peeth on the death of Swami Niranjan Dev Tirth.

UNI