Bhubaneswar: The authorities of Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri on Saturday once again criticised the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for holding Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra on dates and tithis not sanctioned in sacred scriptures.
Describing the practice of organising these festivals in an arbitrary manner as a distortion of Lord Jagannath’s traditions, they asked ISKCON to stop doing so in future.
The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, the apex decision-making body of the 12th century shrine, has sent a 100-page report citing various religious texts and scriptures to the authorities of ISKCON and opposed untimely Ratha Yatra anywhere in the world.
Gajapati Maharaja of Puri Dibyasingha Deb, chairperson of the Committee, had earlier written to ISKCON on the issue, and asked it to adhere to the tradition and practices at Puri Jagannath temple while holding Rath Yatra at any place in India and outside.
However, the ISKCON authorities, in their reply, had claimed that many religious scholars were of the opinion that Ratha Yatra could be oragnised on different dates.
Addressing a press meet, the Gajapati Maharaja said a 100-page report has been sent to ISKCON’s headquarters in Mayapur, West Bengal, highlighting the irregularities. A response from ISKCON is awaited.
Noting that ISKCON initially followed Puri’s traditions when Rath Yatra began abroad 50 years ago, he said deviations have steadily crept in.
“In 2021, ISKCON resolved that Rath Yatra in India would strictly follow Puri’s calendar. Yet, this year alone, untimely Rath Yatras were organized at 68 locations abroad and several within India,” he said.
Similar violations took place for Snana Yatra, with ISKCON reportedly conducting the ritual at 40 locations in India before the prescribed date. Despite repeated objections and letters, the practice has continued.
“A proposal has been placed to ensure Lord Jagannath’s Snana Yatra is observed only on Jyestha Purnima and Rath Yatra on the second day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha. ISKCON must take corrective steps,” the Puri King said.
Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda Padhee said such untimely rituals are unacceptable.
He said ISKCON had conducted 18 Snana Yatras before Puri’s own this year. “Both in India and abroad, Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra must be observed on the same day as in Puri,” he emphasised.
