Shocking neglect of idols of 'Chaturdha Murti' in Puri sparks outrage

In a deeply distressing and unexpected scene, idols of 'Chaturdha Murti', Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan, have been found abandoned in a neglected state at the Jagannath Ballav parking area in Puri.

The sacred Chaturdha Murti idols have been left lying on the ground, bound and seemingly without any protection, stirring emotional distress among devotees and pilgrims who came across the sight. 

The images and reports of the deities' condition have evoked widespread anguish and condemnation. Devotees have expressed their deep sorrow and frustration over what they consider a severe act of disrespect to the Lord of the Universe. The incident has reignited discussions about the proper care and sanctity of divine representations, especially in the sacred city of Puri.

Senior servitors have demanded immediate action. Many have called for the idols to be relocated to a more respectful and secure location, such as a dedicated museum, where they can be preserved with the dignity they deserve.

This development is particularly jarring given its timing, just days after the conclusion of the world-famous Rath Yatra, a festival celebrating the divine journey of Lord Jagannath. Devotees are questioning how idols of such spiritual and cultural significance could be allowed to fall into such disregard, especially in a place so close to the heart of Jagannath consciousness.

Sources reveal that at the time of the inauguration of the Srimandir Parikrama Project during the tenure of the previous government, as many as 32 different attires (beshas) of Lord Jagannath were displayed in the Jagannath Ballav complex for public viewing. This arrangement offered a unique opportunity for devotees, particularly those unable to visit the Srimandir, to witness and feel spiritual enrichment by the Lord’s divine adornments in one location.

Devotees Express Resentments

What was once a joyful exhibition has now turned into a symbol of neglect. The current state of the idols has deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees, who see it as an insult to the divinity of Lord Jagannath. 

"After having darshan of Lord Jagannath when I came to the area, I saw the idols of Chaturdha Murti covered with a polythene sheet left lying on the ground amid trash. It is highly disturbing to see the Lord of the Universe in this state, just days after the completion of Rath Yatra," said Atulya Parida, a devotee.

Must Read: World-class Jagannath museum to come up in Puri: Odisha CM Mohan Majhi

"Lakhs of devotees gathered in Puri to have darshan of Lord Jagannath. It's shocking to see the idols of Lord Jagannath lying in neglect. It will definitely hurt the sentiments of the devotees. Puri administration, temple administration and Odisha government are responsible for it," said social activist Sameer Samantray.

Puri Srimandir Servitors' Demand:

The servitors of the revered Srimandir have expressed strong disapproval over the current state of affairs. They have demanded that an immediate step be taken to construct a dedicated museum to preserve the three chariots of the deities and the various ritual materials used in the daily service of Lord Jagannath. Failing that, the servitors have urged that these sacred items be entrusted to their care instead of being neglected.

"Politics is being done over Lord Jagannath and opening of Ratna Bhandar. Lord Jagannath lying in this kind of neglected state is not acceptable at all. Various ritual materials used in the daily service of Lord Jagannath should be kept in a museum. Otherwise, those servitors and the devotees should be entrusted with the care of these sacred things," said senior servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra.

Meanwhile, following the declaration of Puri as a Municipal Corporation, Odisha government has intensified its plans to build a grand museum. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi himself has announced that the largest-ever Jagannath museum will be constructed in Puri, where these ritual artifacts and deities’ representations will be displayed with honour.