Amid row over Italian woman’s tattoo of Lord Jagannath, how ethical is religious body art?

Significant outrage kept social media abuzz on Monday after reports of an Italian woman in Bhubaneswar etching a tattoo of Lord Jagannath on her thigh surfaced. As the controversy deepened, police took the owners of the tattoo shop into custody. Later, all of them, including the woman, tendered an unconditional apology.

The issue, however, sparked a major debate with many questioning the rationale behind etching tattoos of deities.

Reason for the Uproar:

Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath is deeply revered across the globe and holds incalculable importance to Odia culture and heritage. As such, the tattoo of the revered deity on a body part such as the thigh, was considered highly offensive and inappropriate.

Experts’ Opinion on Religious Tattoos:

Amid this wide uproar, astrologers and religious experts online weighed in on the matter. The general consensus remained that religious tattoos, specifically of gods and deities, should be avoided. The reason behind this is that deities are prayed, their idols are venerated, and even posters or images depicting them evoke religious sentiments and hold special importance for a devotee.

Experts on religious matters are also of the view that although the purpose of religious tattoos may be pure, the body it is carved on is not. As part of our daily lives, we practice routines and may visit places that are not religious or deemed inappropriate for the placement of a religious idol.

Similarly, the Lord Jagannath tattoo signifies his idol and his image to his devotees, who hold immense respect and devotion. As such, the placement of such a venerated figure on the thigh, or any body part for that matter, makes it appear an unideal placement for religious followers, hurting their sentiments.

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What Astrologers Say:

Despite one’s intentions, astrologers are of the view that religious deities should be housed in temples and puja rooms and treated with utmost respect. As for tattoos, one must bear in mind their placement, as traditions allot different significance to different body parts. 

Additionally, instead of idols, one may etch artwork that promotes local culture, again at the proper locations of the body.