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Key Points

The erstwhile King of Puri has called out ISKCON temples for conducting Rath Yatra festivals at inappropriate times. He stated this violates centuries-old sacred traditions that have been followed both in India and abroad. After discussions, ISKCON's governing body has agreed to follow proper timing for Indian temples. The Puri King has sent a comprehensive 100-page report and threatened legal action if ISKCON doesn't comply with scriptural guidelines.

Key Points: Puri King Gajapati Maharaja Slams ISKCON Rath Yatra Timing Violation

  • Puri King condemns ISKCON for random Rath Yatra timing
  • ISKCON governing body agrees to follow Indian traditions
  • 100-page report sent demolishing ISKCON justifications
  • Legal action threatened if no compliance with scriptures
2 min read

ISKCON celebrating Rath Yatra at random time...violation of sacred traditions: Puri Gajapati Maharaja

Puri's Gajapati Maharaja accuses ISKCON of violating sacred traditions by celebrating Rath Yatra at random times. ISKCON agrees to follow scriptures in India after 100-page report.

"Rath Yatra at most ISKCON temples was celebrated at any random time... violation of sacred traditions - Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb"

Bhubaneswar, September 7

Erstwhile King of Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb targeted the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temples for conducting Rath Yatra at a random time of the year, calling it a violation of sacred traditions.

Speaking to the reporters on Saturday, Gajapati Maharaja said, "The very well-established tradition regarding the festivals of Lord Jagannatha is that the Lord celebrates his birthday with Snan Yatra on Jyestha Purnima...These traditions have been followed since ancient times in India as well as outside India, but Rath Yatra at most of the ISKCON temples was being celebrated at any random time of the year, which is completely in violation of sacred traditions."

To take action against this, Gajapati Maharaja started a dialogue regarding this with ISKCON and ultimately, the ISKCON governing body agreed with them and said, "Lord Jaganath Rath Yatra will be performed by ISKCON temples in India according to the scriptures and traditions. However, they stated that the governing body commission will make the decision on the Yatras outside India... We discussed with them as well..."

Moreover, the erstwhile King of Puri further stated that the views presented by ISKCON were thoroughly examined by their scholars as well, but found that they were totally "baseless". "Many Yatras of different deities in different states are done according to their traditions... Similar should be done with Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra," he further added.

Gajapati Maharaja added that a 100-page report has been sent to the ISKCON authorities, demolishing all the grounds that they have been trying to justify.

"We hope that they will take cognisance of the scriptures, and a quick decision will be taken. Otherwise, legal course will be the last resort...This is the ultimate, and we are not having any more dialogues with ISKCON," he added.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in the city of Puri, Odisha, in which the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are taken from their temple in grand, decorated chariots to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt's house. This spiritual journey, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and commemorates Lord Jagannath's legendary visit to his birthplace.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
While I respect traditions, ISKCON has done amazing work spreading Bhakti worldwide. Maybe there should be some flexibility for international temples where climate and local conditions differ? The essence matters more than strict timing.
Vikram M
As someone from Odisha, this is very important to us. Rath Yatra isn't just a festival - it's our identity. ISKCON should respect the traditions that have been followed for centuries in Puri. The dates are calculated based on ancient astrological principles.
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Sarah B
I attended an ISKCON Rath Yatra in London last year and it was beautiful. But I understand the concern about timing. Maybe there can be a compromise - main celebration as per tradition and smaller local events for devotees abroad?
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Aditya G
The 100-page report shows how seriously Puri temple authorities are taking this. ISKCON should respect the original traditions while adapting for global audiences. Jai Jagannath! 🚩
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Nidhi U
I appreciate that ISKCON has agreed to follow traditions in India. That's a good start. Hope they find a respectful solution for international temples too without diluting our rich cultural heritage.

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