Puri Gajapati Maharaja flags concern over untimely Rath Yatras at Global Spiritual Conclave

Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Dibyasingha Deb, expressed serious concern over the conduct of untimely Rath Yatras, stating that such practices amount to a deviation from the divinely ordained traditions of Lord Jagannath. Addressing the concluding day of the three-day Global Spiritual Conclave in Puri, he appealed for an end to what he described as distortions of Jagannath culture and established religious practices.

The Gajapati Maharaja emphasised that Lord Jagannath comes out of the sanctum only under specific divine instructions, most notably during the nine-day Rath Yatra held on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya.

“There is a prescribed ritual for the nine-day Rath Yatra on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. This is Lord Jagannath’s command,” he said while questioning the legitimacy of untimely processions.

“Taking Lord Jagannath out of His abode whenever we wish and conducting Rath Yatra, do you consider this appropriate?” He further stated that it was Lord Jagannath Himself who had laid down these directions, adding that without the Lord’s will, it would not be possible to bring Him out of the sanctum.

Concerns Over Cultural Distortion

Expressing anguish over ISKCON’s untimely Rath Yatra, the Gajapati Maharaja said such actions do not conform to the instructions of Lord Jagannath.

“People believe it is beneficial that more individuals are learning about Lord Jagannath and Sanatan Dharma. What they fail to understand are the long-term repercussions of such actions,” he said.

He also objected to the naming of Digha Dham, stating that original sacred seats across religions have distinct identities that cannot be replicated or symbolically recreated elsewhere.

Global Deliberations and Resolutions

Delegates and saints from 53 countries participated in extensive discussions on the issue of untimely Rath Yatras and the naming of Digha Dham during the Shree Jagannath Chintan O Chetana programme. A 97-page document prepared by the Gajapati Maharaja on the need to stop untimely Rath Yatras was circulated among participants, who resolved to spread awareness in their respective countries.

Trustee of the Shree Jagannath Chintan O Chetana Global Organisation, Dr Bhagaban Panda, said,

“We encourage people to preach and create awareness about Lord Jagannath in whichever country they reside.”

Managing Trustee Ramesh Chandra Biswal stated that legal steps would be taken if required, while also seeking broader public opinion on the matter.

“We are sending this document to all 53 countries that are closely associated with the issue and support our stand. The Government of India, through diplomatic channels, should intervene to stop untimely Rath Yatras,” he said.

Also Read: ISKCON’s untimely Rath Yatra: Gajapati Maharaja calls to follow Puri Jagannath Temple traditions

The Gajapati Maharaja has earlier described untimely Rath Yatras as “a major misinformation campaign and a serious deviation” and has already brought the matter to the attention of the Prime Minister’s Office.