Veteran Leaders Present Diverse Views On Guv’s Suggestion On Foreigners’ Entry Into Puri Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar: As Governor Ganeshi Lal’s suggestion to consider allowing foreigners into Puri Jagannath Temple triggered a row, veteran political leaders expressed diverse views, but said non-Hindus get to catch a glimpse of the sibling deities during Ratha Yatra.

Veteran leader and former Minister Damodar Rout said that Jagannath is considered as lord of the universe whom all can pay obeisance, while seasoned politician Bijay Mohapatra was of the view that the question of allowing non-Hindus into the 12^th century shrine is a sensitive issue.

Stating that the Governor’s suggestion is interpreted in different ways by different people, Rout said Lord Jagannath is regarded as the origin of all religion and Lord of the universe. The veteran leader wondered as to why there should be a problem if non-Hindus have a darshan if Jagannath is lord of the whole universe.

It is believed that Jesus had visited Puri and had darshan of Lord Jagannath when he was 11-year-old. He stayed in Puri for six years and on return, he propagated Christianity, said Rout.

Similarly Guru Nanak came and had darshan of Jagannath and then spread Sikhism after he went back, he said, adding that Sri Chaitanya visited Puri in 1508 and propagated Vaishnism when he returned. “All these amply show that Lord Jagannath is the origin of all religions .. what is the problem is non-Hindus have darshan,” Rout said.

Mohapatra, on the other hand, said traditions of Jagannath are age-old and servitors of the temple and others have their views which should be respected.

He also pointed out that the law pertaining to Jagannath Temple lays down that non-Hindus cannot be the chief administrator of the shrine.

Terming the plea for allowing foreigners into the temple as a matter of debate, Mohapatra said foreigners, including non-Hindus, can have a darshan of the sibling deities during the annual Rath Yatra which is held every year to enable people from all faiths and religions to catch a glimpse of the lords.