Bhubaneswar: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has triggered a fresh controversy by organising an untimely Rath Yatra in Rishikesh, deviating from Puri Jagannath temple traditions and established ritual calendars.
The fresh move by the ISKCON has evoked sharp criticism from devotees, cultural experts, and scholars for what many describe as a recurring act of disregard toward centuries-old religious practices.
As per information, the 28th Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra was held by ISKCON’s Madhuban Ashram at Rishikesh in Uttarakhand on October 7, well ahead of the prescribed ritual calendar. The chariot procession began from Madhuban Ashram at around 9.30 am and concluded at the Railway Road near the Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara via Triveni Ghat Chowk. The idols of the deities were reportedly taken on a four-wheeled vehicle during the event.
It may be noted that during a meeting chaired by Gajapati Maharaja of Puri Dibyasingha Deb and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in September had served ISKCON a 100-page note detailing how such out-of-season Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra rituals violated Jagannath traditions and temple norms. The letter also warned that legal action could be taken if the organisation continued such practices.
Ignoring all these, ISKCON has again gone ahead with the untimely chariot festival, triggering renewed outrage among Jagannath devotees across Odisha and outside.
Many religious scholars and temple servitors have urged the SJTA to take legal recourse against ISKCON for allegedly disrespecting the spiritual and ritual sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s culture.
Mukti Mandap scholars said that Rath Yatra is organised on Dwitiya Tithi, Suklapakhya of Asadha month as per age-old tradition. It has been followed for 700-800 years. “We, on behalf of Mukti Mandap pundits, condemn the move trying to tarnish the Jagannath culture by organising an untimely Rath Yatra,” said executive president of Mukti Mandap Pundit Sabha.
ISKCON is yet to issue any official response regarding the latest controversy involving it.
