It is the old tradition-versus-modernity story with a twist: the dispute is over the way Lord Jagannath is worshipped.
It is the old tradition-versus-modernity story with a twist: the dispute is over the way Lord Jagannath is worshipped. Traditional devotees of the deity are up in arms at what they see as a dilution of customs by Iskcon (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), which was founded in 1966.
An irked Puri Jagannath temple administration has asked all places of worship of the deity in India and abroad to replicate the rituals and traditions followed at the Puri temple, which was built in the 11th century.
The ‘order’ was issued during a workshop by the Puri temple administration in Bhubaneswar on October 10 and 11. Two of its key points are: holding the Jagannath rath yatra improperly and the entry of non-Hindus into the temples.
As per tradition, the rath yatra must be held every year on Asdha Shkla Dwitiya, which falls in June or July.
The Puri temple authorities want rath yatras across the world to be held at the same time (Iskcon organises rath yatras throughout the year).
“They never follow any rule,” said Harekrushna Mahasuara, general secretary of the Sri Jaganath Sevayat Samilani.
Maharaja of Puri Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, chairman, Jagannath Temple Management Committee, said the panel wants to bring uniformity to rituals across all Jagannath temples. “Our attempt is to ensure the propagation of Jagannath culture in an effective manner.”
The committee has released a book on the rituals it wants followed.
Bhakti Purussotam Swami, secretary of Iskcon’s international governing body, said the society would try to hold the rath yatra in India on the traditional day. “But it will not be possible to apply the same rule across the world. We have to follow their (the host country’s) rules and regulations and also to keep in mind the climatic conditions of that country,” he said over telephone from Mayapuri, West Bengal.
On the issue of the entry of non-Hindus, he said Iskcon would not force the entry of non-Hindus into the Puri temple. “We will wait till the servitors of the Puri temple invite us to enter the temple.”
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