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NDTV
13-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Odisha To Copyright Jagannath Temple Rituals
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has started working on securing copyright for the rituals of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri to protect its traditional cultural expressions, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the titular king of the pilgrim town, said. The statement came amid resentments among the devotees of Lord Jagannath over the untimely celebration of Lord Jagannath's rituals by the ISKCON abroad and the West Bengal government's declaration of a temple in Digha as "Jagannath Dham". These are "gross violations" of sacred scriptures and ancient tradition, the Gajapati Maharaja, considered the first servitor of the Lord Jagannath, told PTI in an interview. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated a temple at the seaside town of Digh on April 30 and called it 'Jagannath Dham', much to the chagrin of the Odisha government, the Shankaracharya of the Puri Govardhan Peeth Nischalananda Saraswati and a large number of devotees. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is entrusted with the job of performing the rituals and puja of the sibling deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev and Devi Subhadra – in the Digha temple. The ISKCON has faced criticism recently for holding the Rath Yatra festival in foreign countries on dates different from those traditionally observed in Puri. "The ISKCON celebrating Rath Yatra and Snan yatra (bathing ritual) at random times of the year and the declaration of the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham - these are matters of great concern for every devotee of Lord Jagannath around the world. These are gross violations of our sacred scriptures and ancient tradition," Deb said. After objections were raised, ISKCON in India has decided to honour the established tradition of Lord Jagannath for performing the 'Snan Yatra' and Rath Yatra on the prescribed dates by the scriptures, he said. "But, so far as the festival held outside India is concerned, the untimely celebration continues. We have taken up the matter with Mayapur," Deb said. The ISKCON headquarters are located at Mayapur in West Bengal's Nadia district. The Governing Body Commissions there decide on celebrations around the world. The Gajapati Maharaja said that the dialogue is on now with ISKCON. "We hope that ISKCON authorities in Maypur take the right decision (about celebrations abroad) and they take it quickly," he said. Asked if Mayapur does not come up with a "favourable conclusion", Deb said, "Then we will have to see other ways and means on how this breach of the Lord's tradition can be stopped." About the declaration of the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham, he said it was a breach of tradition. "This has been declared by the Shankaracharya of Gobardhan Peeth Puri, the Shankaracharya of Joshi Math, Badrinath, and also the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha (the apex religious body in Puri)," Deb said. In May, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wrote to his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee requesting her to reconsider using the term "Jagannath Dham" for the new temple at Digha. "We want both the state governments to sort out this issue. If that happens, it will be the end of all controversies. And if it does not, we have to look for other possibilities on how to stop the breach of tradition," he said. Asked if he would suggest that the Odisha government consider copyrighting rituals related to the 12th-century shrine in Puri to stop recurrence of such incidents, the titular king said that the state administration has already started working on it. "It has to be seen from a legal point of view. The state will take the opinions of experts and take appropriate steps," Deb said. The Gajapati Maharaja alleged that the term of previous members nominated by the Odisha government in the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, a statutory body, has expired on September 2, 2024, and no new members have been appointed. Unless these 10 members are nominated, the committee will not have a quorum to convene its meetings, he said and urged the government to name new members. "Now that the Rath Yatra is over, we hope the government will make the nominations. It is necessary in the interest of the smooth and efficient management of the affairs of the Puri temple," Deb said. The committee, constituted under the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955, has 18 members, out of which the government nominates 10. To another question, the titular king said he has no objection to politicians raising "Jai Jagannath" slogan at the beginning of rallies. "I don't think it is misuse of the Lord's name. The real culture of India is spiritual or religious belief. Any person belonging to any party is free to declare his devotion to the Lord, whichever Lord and whichever tradition it may be," Deb said. Politicians across the world take the name of their Gods, he said, adding that during the oath-taking of US President Donald Trump, priests were present.
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Odisha to copyright Jagannath temple rituals to protect traditional expressions: Puri's titular king
Bhubaneswar, The Odisha government has started working on securing copyright for the rituals of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri to protect its traditional cultural expressions, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the titular king of the pilgrim town, said. Odisha to copyright Jagannath temple rituals to protect traditional expressions: Puri's titular king The statement came amid resentments among the devotees of Lord Jagannath over the untimely celebration of Lord Jagannath's rituals by the ISKCON abroad and the West Bengal government's declaration of a temple in Digha as "Jagannath Dham". These are "gross violations" of sacred scriptures and ancient tradition, the Gajapati Maharaja, considered the first servitor of the Lord Jagannath, told PTI in an interview. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated a temple at the seaside town of Digh on April 30 and called it 'Jagannath Dham', much to the chagrin of the Odisha government, the Shankaracharya of the Puri Govardhan Peeth Nischalananda Saraswati and a large number of devotees. International Society for Krishna Consciousness is entrusted with the job of performing the rituals and puja of the sibling deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev and Devi Subhadra – in the Digha temple. The ISKCON has faced criticism recently for holding the Rath Yatra festival in foreign countries on dates different from those traditionally observed in Puri. "The ISKCON celebrating Rath Yatra and Snan yatra at random times of the year and the declaration of the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham - these are matters of great concern for every devotee of Lord Jagannath around the world. These are gross violations of our sacred scriptures and ancient tradition," Deb said. After objections were raised, ISKCON in India has decided to honour the established tradition of Lord Jagannath for performing the 'Snan Yatra' and Rath Yatra on the prescribed dates by the scriptures, he said. "But, so far as the festival held outside India is concerned, the untimely celebration continues. We have taken up the matter with Mayapur," Deb said. The ISKCON headquarters are located at Mayapur in West Bengal's Nadia district. The Governing Body Commissions there decide on celebrations around the world. The Gajapati Maharaja said that the dialogue is on now with ISKCON. "We hope that ISKCON authorities in Maypur take the right decision and they take it quickly," he said. Asked if Mayapur does not come up with a "favourable conclusion", Deb said, "Then we will have to see other ways and means on how this breach of the Lord's tradition can be stopped." About the declaration of the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham, he said it was a breach of tradition. "This has been declared by the Shankaracharya of Gobardhan Peeth Puri, the Shankaracharya of Joshi Math, Badrinath, and also the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha ," Deb said. In May, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wrote to his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee requesting her to reconsider using the term "Jagannath Dham" for the new temple at Digha. "We want both the state governments to sort out this issue. If that happens, it will be the end of all controversies. And if it does not, we have to look for other possibilities on how to stop the breach of tradition," he said. Asked if he would suggest that the Odisha government consider copyrighting rituals related to the 12th-century shrine in Puri to stop recurrence of such incidents, the titular king said that the state administration has already started working on it. "It has to be seen from a legal point of view. The state will take the opinions of experts and take appropriate steps," Deb said. The Gajapati Maharaja alleged that the term of previous members nominated by the Odisha government in the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, a statutory body, has expired on September 2, 2024, and no new members have been appointed. Unless these 10 members are nominated, the committee will not have a quorum to convene its meetings, he said and urged the government to name new members. "Now that the Rath Yatra is over, we hope the government will make the nominations. It is necessary in the interest of the smooth and efficient management of the affairs of the Puri temple," Deb said. The committee, constituted under the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955, has 18 members, out of which the government nominates 10. To another question, the titular king said he has no objection to politicians raising "Jai Jagannath" slogan at the beginning of rallies. "I don't think it is misuse of the Lord's name. The real culture of India is spiritual or religious belief. Any person belonging to any party is free to declare his devotion to the Lord, whichever Lord and whichever tradition it may be," Deb said. Politicians across the world take the name of their Gods, he said, adding that during the oath-taking of US President Donald Trump, priests were present. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Odisha to copyright Jagannath temple rituals to protect traditional expressions: Puri's titular king
The Odisha government has started working on securing copyright for the rituals of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri to protect its traditional cultural expressions, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb , the titular king of the pilgrim town, said. The statement came amid resentments among the devotees of Lord Jagannath over the untimely celebration of Lord Jagannath's rituals by the ISKCON abroad and the West Bengal government's declaration of a temple in Digha as "Jagannath Dham". These are "gross violations" of sacred scriptures and ancient tradition, the Gajapati Maharaja, considered the first servitor of the Lord Jagannath, told PTI in an interview. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated a temple at the seaside town of Digh on April 30 and called it 'Jagannath Dham', much to the chagrin of the Odisha government, the Shankaracharya of the Puri Govardhan Peeth Nischalananda Saraswati and a large number of devotees. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is entrusted with the job of performing the rituals and puja of the sibling deities - Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev and Devi Subhadra - in the Digha temple. Live Events The ISKCON has faced criticism recently for holding the Rath Yatra festival in foreign countries on dates different from those traditionally observed in Puri. "The ISKCON celebrating Rath Yatra and Snan yatra (bathing ritual) at random times of the year and the declaration of the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham - these are matters of great concern for every devotee of Lord Jagannath around the world. These are gross violations of our sacred scriptures and ancient tradition," Deb said. After objections were raised, ISKCON in India has decided to honour the established tradition of Lord Jagannath for performing the 'Snan Yatra' and Rath Yatra on the prescribed dates by the scriptures, he said. "But, so far as the festival held outside India is concerned, the untimely celebration continues. We have taken up the matter with Mayapur," Deb said. The ISKCON headquarters are located at Mayapur in West Bengal's Nadia district. The Governing Body Commissions there decide on celebrations around the world. The Gajapati Maharaja said that the dialogue is on now with ISKCON. "We hope that ISKCON authorities in Maypur take the right decision (about celebrations abroad) and they take it quickly," he said. Asked if Mayapur does not come up with a "favourable conclusion", Deb said, "Then we will have to see other ways and means on how this breach of the Lord's tradition can be stopped." About the declaration of the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham, he said it was a breach of tradition. "This has been declared by the Shankaracharya of Gobardhan Peeth Puri, the Shankaracharya of Joshi Math, Badrinath, and also the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha (the apex religious body in Puri)," Deb said. In May, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wrote to his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee requesting her to reconsider using the term "Jagannath Dham" for the new temple at Digha. "We want both the state governments to sort out this issue. If that happens, it will be the end of all controversies. And if it does not, we have to look for other possibilities on how to stop the breach of tradition," he said. Asked if he would suggest that the Odisha government consider copyrighting rituals related to the 12th-century shrine in Puri to stop recurrence of such incidents, the titular king said that the state administration has already started working on it. "It has to be seen from a legal point of view. The state will take the opinions of experts and take appropriate steps," Deb said. The Gajapati Maharaja alleged that the term of previous members nominated by the Odisha government in the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, a statutory body, has expired on September 2, 2024, and no new members have been appointed. Unless these 10 members are nominated, the committee will not have a quorum to convene its meetings, he said and urged the government to name new members. "Now that the Rath Yatra is over, we hope the government will make the nominations. It is necessary in the interest of the smooth and efficient management of the affairs of the Puri temple," Deb said. The committee, constituted under the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955, has 18 members, out of which the government nominates 10. To another question, the titular king said he has no objection to politicians raising "Jai Jagannath" slogan at the beginning of rallies. "I don't think it is misuse of the Lord's name. The real culture of India is spiritual or religious belief. Any person belonging to any party is free to declare his devotion to the Lord, whichever Lord and whichever tradition it may be," Deb said. Politicians across the world take the name of their Gods, he said, adding that during the oath-taking of US President Donald Trump, priests were present.
India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Former Puri King objects to ISKCON performing Rath Yatra rituals
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 13 (ANI): The former King of Puri, Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, has objected to ISKCON devotees celebrating Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra 'throughout the year' outside India, calling it 'inappropriate', thus against tradition and scriptures. He said talks are ongoing with ISKCON's head office in West Bengal to stop such practices. 'There is a specified date for that in our Sanatan Vedic culture, and it is celebrated only on Jyeshtha Purnima. We are seeing that the ISKCON is celebrating the birthday on different days abroad... This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this,' he told ANI. 'Whether it is the Rath Yatra or Snan Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the dates are decided by the Lord himself in Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana and different holy scriptures. The Snan Yatra is the day of his appearance,' he added. Earlier, Dibyasingh Deb said ISKCON had agreed to follow scripture-based traditions in India, and no violations were seen in recent years. 'After criticism, the Indian ISKCON agreed to celebrate the Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra as per the scriptures, and there has been no violation for two to three years. But outside India, ISKCON is celebrating Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra throughout the year. This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this,' he said. He added that discussions are underway with ISKCON's Mayapur head office to stop these practices abroad. 'Discussions are ongoing with the ISKCON head office in Mayapur, West Bengal, as to how to stop this. We hope that they get information and scriptural evidence from the Jagannath Puri temple and they stop this violation outside India, because this hurts the religious and spiritual sentiments of all the devotees of Lord Jagannath in the world,' the erstwhile king of Puri added. Asked about the long-standing restriction on non-Hindus entering the Jagannath Puri temple, he said any change must come from the Shankaracharya. 'Currently, there is no discussion regarding it. One needs to go to the Shankaracharya regarding this. This is a religious matter, and only a Dharmaguru can make any decision on it; only then can there be any changes. I cannot say anything about it. The established tradition is that only Hindus have the right to enter,' he said. The former Puri King also spoke about the increasing footfall at the annual festival and called on the government to provide better facilities. 'The number of devotees is increasing each year. This year, the no. of devotees during the Rath Yatra was nearly 15 lakhs. The government should make the required arrangements for accommodation, security and facilities. The no. of devotees this year was much more than expected. Lakhs of people attended the rituals during the nine days of the Rath Yatra. I am sure the state government will provide good facilities,' he said. His comments come after a stampede during the Rath Yatra on June 29, which left three people dead and several injured. On the decision to pull the chariots at night, he said there is no official restriction, but safety must be considered. 'As per the government directions, if the chariots reach near the temple, then they can be pulled during the night. According to the Skanda Puran, even in the night, the chariots should be pulled using thousands of torches, if needed and make the Rath reach the temple anyhow. There is no restriction on pulling the chariots at night. But for the safety of the devotees and to avoid mishaps, it is not appropriate to pull the chariots at night,' he said. On July 7, large numbers of devotees gathered in Puri for the sacred 'Adhara Panna' ritual, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, was offered a special drink on the chariot. The ritual is one of the most significant events of the Rath Yatra celebrations.(ANI)
Economic Times
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Former Puri King objects to ISKCON performing Rath Yatra rituals "throughout the year", says it "hurts our religious sentiment"
Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, the former King of Puri, raised concerns. He disapproved of ISKCON's year-round Rath Yatra celebrations outside India. He considers it against tradition and scriptures. Discussions are underway with ISKCON's Mayapur head office to address this. He also addressed the restriction on non-Hindus entering the Jagannath Puri temple. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The former King of Puri, Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, has objected to ISKCON devotees celebrating Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra "throughout the year" outside India, calling it "inappropriate", thus against tradition and said talks are ongoing with ISKCON's head office in West Bengal to stop such practices."There is a specified date for that in our Sanatan Vedic culture, and it is celebrated only on Jyeshtha Purnima. We are seeing that the ISKCON is celebrating the birthday on different days abroad... This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this," he told ANI."Whether it is the Rath Yatra or Snan Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the dates are decided by the Lord himself in Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana and different holy scriptures. The Snan Yatra is the day of his appearance," he Dibyasingh Deb said ISKCON had agreed to follow scripture-based traditions in India, and no violations were seen in recent years."After criticism, the Indian ISKCON agreed to celebrate the Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra as per the scriptures, and there has been no violation for two to three years. But outside India, ISKCON is celebrating Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra throughout the year. This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this," he added that discussions are underway with ISKCON's Mayapur head office to stop these practices abroad. "Discussions are ongoing with the ISKCON head office in Mayapur, West Bengal, as to how to stop this. We hope that they get information and scriptural evidence from the Jagannath Puri temple and they stop this violation outside India, because this hurts the religious and spiritual sentiments of all the devotees of Lord Jagannath in the world," the erstwhile king of Puri about the long-standing restriction on non-Hindus entering the Jagannath Puri temple, he said any change must come from the Shankaracharya."Currently, there is no discussion regarding it. One needs to go to the Shankaracharya regarding this. This is a religious matter, and only a Dharmaguru can make any decision on it; only then can there be any changes. I cannot say anything about it. The established tradition is that only Hindus have the right to enter," he former Puri King also spoke about the increasing footfall at the annual festival and called on the government to provide better facilities."The number of devotees is increasing each year. This year, the no. of devotees during the Rath Yatra was nearly 15 lakhs. The government should make the required arrangements for accommodation, security and facilities. The no. of devotees this year was much more than expected. Lakhs of people attended the rituals during the nine days of the Rath Yatra. I am sure the state government will provide good facilities," he comments come after a stampede during the Rath Yatra on June 29, which left three people dead and several the decision to pull the chariots at night, he said there is no official restriction, but safety must be considered."As per the government directions, if the chariots reach near the temple, then they can be pulled during the night. According to the Skanda Puran, even in the night, the chariots should be pulled using thousands of torches, if needed and make the Rath reach the temple anyhow. There is no restriction on pulling the chariots at night. But for the safety of the devotees and to avoid mishaps, it is not appropriate to pull the chariots at night," he July 7, large numbers of devotees gathered in Puri for the sacred 'Adhara Panna' ritual, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, was offered a special drink on the chariot. The ritual is one of the most significant events of the Rath Yatra celebrations.
