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India Gazette
30-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Administrative lapse, callousness": BJD's Mohanty demands resignation of Odisha Law Minister over Puri stampede
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 1 (ANI): Biiju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Lenin Mohanty on Monday lashed out at the 'administrative lapse and callousness' of the concerned authorities which led to the stampede during the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra a day earlier on June 29 and demanded the resignation of State Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. The BJP leader said that the officials and ministers concerned with the law and order situation during the Rath Yatra were absent during the stampede. Speaking to ANI, Mohanty said, 'We are extremely sad for the incident that has happened. This is the land of Lord Jagannath and people love to come to that place. During the annual rath yatra, a stampede took place on Sunday due to administrative lapse and callousness.' 'A team of 5 ministers was constituted, they were not there when the stampede took place, nor were the officials. When the stampede happened, these five ministers and the top-level officers were not there. An apology is not sufficient. Immediately after that, the real culprit should be punished. They just transferred the collector and DSP,' he said. Adding further, he said, 'The real culprit is the law minister (Prithviraj Harichandan). He always boasts high but has very low performance. He should take moral responsibility and he should resign...' Karnataka Congress MLC BK Hariprasad also reacted to the stampede and said, 'The BJP always tries to take political advantage of every situation. The Rath Yatra, which has been ongoing for thousands of years, has never experienced anything like this before. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has the entire responsibility, and he should resign immediately...' Meanwhile, as an administrative inquiry began into the Puri stampede, Development Commissioner Cum Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha, Anu Garg, spoke to mediapersons and said, '... 30 days are given in which we have to tell the reason behind this unfortunate incident and what measures can be taken so nothing like this happens in the future. We will speak with everyone and review all possible footage. What SOPs were there, and what were followed? After checking everything, the report will be submitted to the gov...' Earlier on Sunday, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan described the stampede that occurred during the annual Puri Rath Yatra as 'very unfortunate' and said appropriate action will be taken after the completion of an investigation. Three devotees lost their lives and several others were injured during the crowd surge at the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. 'The incident is very unfortunate. The state government has taken strict action and a senior officer will investigate the incident... We will take action once we get the report of the investigation,' Harichandan told reporters. He added, 'Mahaprabhu, with his wish, gives darshan to his devotees... Tomorrow, the devotees will have the opportunity to offer prayers... I prayed to Mahaprabhu for the well-being of everyone.' Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the families of each of the deceased devotees. He also assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible and pledged to prevent such tragedies in the future. 'Rath Yatra is a source of pride for Odisha,' the Chief Minister said, adding that the safety and sanctity of the festival would be safeguarded at all costs. 'The chariots in the Rath Yatra reached Shree Gundicha Temple on June 28, and as per tradition, they visited their birthplace the next day. Unique and mesmerising rituals were conducted today very smoothly... We acknowledge the support and cooperation of the devotees... The important ritual will be the Sandhya Darshan on July 4. We request all the devotees to cooperate and follow the given instructions,' he said. The annual Rath Yatra is a significant religious event in Odisha, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country. The recent stampede has cast a shadow over the celebrations, prompting authorities to review crowd management and ensure stricter safety protocols in the coming days. (ANI)
India Gazette
30-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Odisha: Devotees throng Puri on fourth day of annual Rath Yatra
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 30 (ANI): On the fourth day of Rath Yatra, devotees gathered in large numbers to witness and be part of the grand event. The Rath Yatra began on June 27 from Jagannath Temple here. July 5 will mark the conclusion of the event, known as 'Bahuda Yatra'. A devotee named Anita, who got the opportunity to pull the chariot, shared her excitement and said, 'We have been feeling lucky for the last two days because when we first came here, the Lord gave us darshan on the chariot. There was a huge crowd, but even amidst that, it seemed like he was protecting us.' 'After the stampede yesterday morning, our family members were worried. However, we don't feel any chaos here. Everything is good here and everyone is kind. We are very blessed to see such beautiful scenes,' she further added. Another devotee, Deepak Rawat, who was attending the Rath Yatra for the first time, said, 'I have come here for the first time and Lord Jagannath has given me a wonderful opportunity to pull the chariot. I want to thank Lord Jagannath so that he can provide such opportunities to everyone and fulfil everyone's wishes.' Three devotees lost their lives and several others were injured in Sunday's stampede at the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan called the stampede 'very unfortunate' and said that appropriate action will be taken after the completion of investigation. 'The incident is very unfortunate. The state government has taken strict action and a senior officer will investigate the incident. We will take action once we get the report of the investigation,' Harichandan told reporters. He added, 'Mahaprabhu, with his wish, he gives darshan to his devotees. Tomorrow, the devotees will have the opportunity to offer prayers. I prayed to Mahaprabhu for the well-being of everyone.' Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a financial assistance of 25 lakh to the families of each deceased devotee. He also assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible and pledged to prevent such tragedies in the future. Following the incident, the state government has ordered a high-level administrative inquiry to be supervised by the Development Commissioner. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra has been appointed in place of the previous SP, and Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain has been replaced by Chanchal Rana. Odisha DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were also suspended for negligence of duty. (ANI)
News18
30-06-2025
- News18
Why The British Feared Lord Jagannath And Couldn't Uncover The 'Brahma Substance'
Last Updated: According to Hindu tradition, the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra contain a sacred 'Brahma substance'—believed to be Lord Krishna's heart or divine essence The annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, which took place on June 27 in Puri, Odisha, drew lakhs of devotees to the coastal city. As part of the grand tradition, Lord Jagannath was placed on the Nandi Ghosh Rath, Devi Subhadra on the Darpadalan Rath, and Lord Balabhadra on the Taladhwaj Rath, following elaborate ritualistic worship. In the 1800s, the British perceived Lord Jagannath not just as a deity but as a formidable force. The sheer number of devotees visiting the temple instilled fear in them. On X, Ranvijay Singh recounted incidents involving the East India Company, detailing how the British spied to uncover the temple's secrets. Eventually, their espionage led to fear and retreat, as noted by several British officers, including in Lieutenant Stirling's diary. The British Secretly Spied Inside The Temple The British conducted their spying discreetly, often sending agents disguised as pilgrims and researchers. Their goal was to gather intelligence, create maps, and reveal the temple's secrets. When the locals learned of this, it sparked widespread anger and resentment. Puri, for the British, was more than a temple city; it was a hub of public energy and resistance. Local obedience to Jagannath surpassed adherence to colonial laws. Lieutenant Stirling Maintained A Secret Diary Lieutenant Stirling's secret diary, which mysteriously vanished, documented his observations and eerie experiences within the temple. He described the idol's eyes and the uncanny silence near the sanctum sanctorum, suggesting that Jagannath seemed alive and breathing. Stirling had arrived to spy, filled with pride—and the arrogance of being an Englishman. But the moment he entered the temple, that pride began to fade, replaced by awe and fear. One Officer Went mad, Another Was Struck With Fever The British were desperate to uncover the mystery of the Brahma substance believed to reside inside the idol of Lord Jagannath. Some say it is his beating heart, others believe it to be a relic from the cosmos. While some whisper about it in secret, others claim the Brahma substance pulses like a living being. According to legend, those who dared to touch it never lived long. During the covert operation, one British officer developed a sudden, severe fever. Another lost his mind—screaming that the Lord's eyes were watching him, even in the dark. The locals believed that Lord Jagannath protected himself. Soon, the atmosphere grew so intense that British soldiers and officers began avoiding the sanctum sanctorum altogether. One officer even began referring to him as a 'living god". Lieutenant Stirling's original diary mysteriously disappeared. However, a rare copy is believed to exist in a private collection in London. Some claim it contains deeply disturbing revelations for the British, which is why it remains sealed to this day. In reality, the British feared that the immense popularity and organizational strength of the Jagannath Temple could spark rebellion against their colonial rule. Some X-posts claim that British spies who observed temple activities in Puri returned not just with reports, but with a deep sense of awe at its spiritual and social influence. British officials like Robert Clive and others from the East India Company often described India's cultural and religious practices in their diaries as 'mysterious" and 'uncontrolled"—elements they saw as a challenge to their authority. British Fear Deepened By The Paika Rebellion The British were also deeply wary of the Paika Rebellion in Odisha—an early and significant uprising in which the local warrior class, the Paikas, revolted against colonial rule. This rebellion occurred in the region influenced by the Jagannath Temple, further heightening British concerns. They feared that the temple's immense popularity and influence could inspire more such uprisings. The annual Rath Yatra, which drew millions of devotees, appeared to the British less like a religious event and more like an organised mass movement—a potential threat to their authority. When The British Tried To Seize The Temple After capturing Odisha in 1803, the British attempted to take control of the Jagannath Temple's administration. However, strong resistance from local priests and devotees forced them to withdraw. This incident served as a clear lesson—it was not easy to suppress the temple's immense religious and social influence. The British never fully grasped the significance of the Rath Yatra or the temple's deeply symbolic rituals. Nor could they unravel the mystery of the sacred 'Brahma substance" believed to reside within the idols. The Secret Of The 'Brahma' Substance According to Hindu tradition, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are believed to contain a sacred 'Brahma substance'—a mystical element thought to be either the heart of Lord Krishna or a spiritual essence that gives the idols their divine sanctity. This element is transferred to new idols every 12 to 19 years during the highly secretive Navakalevara ritual. The transfer is performed exclusively by a designated group of priests known as Daitapatis, under strict confidentiality and typically at night. To maintain the sanctity of the ritual, even the priests' eyes are covered during the process, as it is believed that no one should directly see the sacred object. According to the Puranas, the heart of Lord Krishna is eternal and indestructible—an idea that reinforces the divine nature of the Brahma substance. While the British were reportedly eager to uncover this mystery, their attempts were blocked by the fierce reverence and vigilance of the temple priests and local devotees. No outsider was ever allowed to witness or interfere with the ritual. To this day, no scientific study has been conducted on the Brahma substance, as the temple practices remain closed to external scrutiny. It is widely believed to be a symbolic object, endowed with profound spiritual meaning shaped by centuries of tradition. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : brahma idols jagannath temple puri lord jagannath lord krishna Location : Puri, India, India First Published: June 30, 2025, 14:59 IST News india Why The British Feared Lord Jagannath And Couldn't Uncover The 'Brahma Substance'
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Puri Rath Yatra stampede: Law Minister vows action after probe into 'very unfortunate' incident
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday described the stampede that occurred during the annual Puri Rath Yatra as "very unfortunate" and said appropriate action will be taken after the completion of an investigation. Puri: Police officials visit the site after a stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple, in Puri, Odisha, after three people were killed in a stampede(PTI) Three devotees lost their lives and several others were injured during the crowd surge at the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. "The incident is very unfortunate. The state government has taken strict action and a senior officer will investigate the incident... We will take action once we get the report of the investigation," Harichandan told reporters. He added, "Mahaprabhu, with his wish, gives darshan to his devotees... Tomorrow, the devotees will have the opportunity to offer prayers... I prayed to Mahaprabhu for the well-being of everyone." Following the incident, the state government has ordered a high-level administrative inquiry to be supervised by the Development Commissioner. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra has been appointed in place of the previous SP, and Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain has been replaced by Chanchal Rana. Odisha DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were also suspended for negligence of duty. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a financial assistance of ₹ 25 lakh to the families of each of the deceased devotees. He also assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible and pledged to prevent such tragedies in the future. "Rath Yatra is a source of pride for Odisha," the Chief Minister said, adding that the safety and sanctity of the festival would be safeguarded at all costs. Meanwhile, Arabinda K Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Office in Puri, said that the rituals during the festival were carried out smoothly despite the unfortunate incident. "The chariots in the Rath Yatra reached Shree Gundicha Temple on June 28, and as per tradition, they visited their birthplace the next day. Unique and mesmerising rituals were conducted today very smoothly... We acknowledge the support and cooperation of the devotees... The important ritual will be the Sandhya Darshan on July 4. We request all the devotees to cooperate and follow the given instructions," he said. Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania also noted that the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath was completed peacefully. "Just now, lakhs of people throughout the country witnessed the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath. There was no disturbance anywhere," he said. The annual Rath Yatra is a significant religious event in Odisha, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country. The recent stampede has cast a shadow over the celebrations, prompting authorities to review crowd management and ensure stricter safety protocols in the coming days. (ANI)
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Time of India
'Emotional moment…', devotees from across the world participate, watch! - The Economic Times Video
On the third day of the Jagannath Rath Yatra, devotees from across the world gathered to witness and participate in the Yatra in Puri, Odisha. Witnessing the Yatra, a foreign devotee expressed his happiness, saying it was an emotional moment for foreign devotees. The grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced on Friday in Odisha's Puri, with thousands of devotees pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The event was marked by chanting, drumbeats, and an overwhelming sense of spiritual Yatra will conclude on July 1, with Lord Jagannath returning to the Jagannath temple.
