Puri: After devotees and servitors voiced concern over an error detected in the calendar prepared by it, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Odisha’s Puri has issued a clarification on the issue.
Servitors of the 12th century shrine and others raised objection when it was found that the image of Lord Balabhadra had been placed in the position of Lord Jagannath in the calendar. The image of Lord Jagannath appeared in the position traditionally reserved for Lord Balabhadra.
Noting that SJTA had also planned sale of both wall and table calendars, they raised questions over the discrepancy in the images printed on the calendars.
Sources said the image in question is a Pattachitra-style painting that has been printed in both calendars. This apart, a Rath Yatra photograph in the calendar shows the chariot of Devi Subhadra being pulled first, followed by the chariot of Lord Jagannath and finally that of Lord Balabhadra.
Expressing concern over the error, a temple servitor sought immediate steps to correct it as the discrepancy in the calendars would hurt the religious sentiments of many devotees. The administration should stop further distribution of the calendars and ensure that they are reprinted with the Sibling Deities placed in their original positions.
It was claimed that the first page of the table calendar shows Lord Balabhadra placed in the position of Lord Jagannath, while Lord Sudarshan is completely omitted from the image.
Following the controversy, an official of the SJTA said this is a human error, and further distribution and sale of calendars should be stopped.
Temple servitors said the views of scholars and researchers associated with the temple should have been taken into consideration before finalising the calendar.
As the issue triggered a row, Chief Administrator of the SJTA Arabinda Padhee issued a clarification stating that the image used in the calendar is based on a 300–400-year-old palm-leaf painting preserved in the State Museum. “The image provided by the artist was only placed in the calendar. This image reflects the artist’s creativity,” he said.
