Puri Gajapati Maharaja issues stern warning to ISKCON over untimely Rath Yatra

Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb has issued a strong message to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) over its continued ‘defiance’ of established traditions by organising untimely Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra events, both in India and abroad.

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Citing deviation from scriptures and age-old rituals, the Maharaja warned that legal action would be initiated if ISKCON fails to comply within a month.

As per Hindu scriptures, Rath Yatra must be conducted strictly on Asadha Shukla Dwitiya and Snana Yatra on Jyestha Purnima. Any deviation, the Gajapati Maharaja stressed, invites inauspiciousness and undermines the sanctity of Jagannath culture.

A detailed dossier comprising hundreds of pages has been sent to ISKCON's headquarters in Mayapuri, backed by legal opinion suggesting that violations within India can be dealt with under Indian law.

Stopping foreign events, however, would require approaching international courts — though diplomatic pressure may be more effective.

Cultural scholars and legal experts are calling for decisive action. With ISKCON reportedly organising 68 Rath Yatras and 40 Snana Yatras on unauthorised dates this year, questions loom: Will ISKCON bow to tradition or persist with its controversial practices?

“ISKCON has been conducting Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra events by violating the religious scriptures and Puri Jagannath temple traditions. Such activities oppose the temple’s dignity and sanctity of religious scriptures,” SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee said.

ISKCON’s earlier justification that varying time zones and local logistics necessitate alternate dates has been rejected by Jagannath scholars, who, during a past consultation, had categorically dismissed such logic. A scholarly rebuttal draft is now being prepared to be handed to ISKCON leadership as a formal rejoinder.

Raising deeper concerns, Gajapati Maharaja questioned how a group that disrespects Jagannath's spiritual lineage can claim to be its follower. He also warned that any further disregard would no longer be tolerated and that legal channels may be pursued.