Deities should not be touched : Puri Gajapati

Puri: Expressing support to the Puri Shankaracharya’s statements regarding restrictions on touching the deities, the Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb  said complete ban should be exercised irrespective of the place, in or outside the temple.

In an exclusive interview to OTV, the Gajapati king said, “Be it the garbha gruha, adapa madap, snana bedi, pahandi or atop the chariots, no one should touch the deities.”

“If we are obeying the scriptures and following the Hindu religion, the statement of the seer is correct. He has presented a clear view,” the Gajapati noted.

Terming the axle breaking of Subhadra chariot a ‘serious’ issue, the Gajapati stated, “This should not happen and it is bad sign for the State and the country.”

As per the recommendations made by the managing committee, action should be taken against persons responsible for the breaking of the Darpadalana chariot axle and no dispute should be made over this.”

Regarding safety of the Sri Jagannath temple, the Gajapati said, “Full-proof arrangements should be made to ensure that the temple is safe and secure even after the Rath Yatra gets over.”