ISKCON's Rath Yatra Row Sparks Concern Over Jagannath Culture Deviation

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Bhubaneswar, India - In a sharp criticism, the titular king of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, has accused the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of spreading misinformation about Shree Jagannath culture. Deb, who heads the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, expressed concerns over ISKCON's decision to hold Rath Yatra on dates not sanctioned by scriptures, calling it a serious deviation from tradition. According to Deb, ISKCON's actions pose a threat to the sanctity of Jagannath culture, which is deeply rooted in the traditions and rituals surrounding the worship of Lord Jagannath. The king emphasized that Rath Yatra should be observed strictly in accordance with scriptural injunctions and long-established customs of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. ISKCON had cited logistical issues as the reason for not being able to hold Rath Yatra on a single date worldwide. However, the organization agreed to observe the 'Snan Purnima' ritual on a single day worldwide, in line with the tradition of the Mool Peeth at Puri. Deb's comments come at a time when ISKCON has been facing criticism from religious scholars and devotees for its alleged deviations from scriptural injunctions. The king has called upon the people of Odisha and across the country to speak out against such deviations, warning that silence could encourage further deviations and weaken the sanctity of Jagannath culture. In a letter to the SJTMC, ISKCON had expressed its inability to align international Rath Yatras with the Puri tithi, citing challenges such as obtaining permissions for processions and avoiding disruption to commercial activities. Deb has asserted that negotiations with ISKCON have not yielded results, and it is high time for religious scholars and devotees to express their views firmly against such deviations.