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India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Former Puri King objects to ISKCON performing Rath Yatra rituals
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 13 (ANI): The former King of Puri, Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, has objected to ISKCON devotees celebrating Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra 'throughout the year' outside India, calling it 'inappropriate', thus against tradition and scriptures. He said talks are ongoing with ISKCON's head office in West Bengal to stop such practices. 'There is a specified date for that in our Sanatan Vedic culture, and it is celebrated only on Jyeshtha Purnima. We are seeing that the ISKCON is celebrating the birthday on different days abroad... This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this,' he told ANI. 'Whether it is the Rath Yatra or Snan Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the dates are decided by the Lord himself in Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana and different holy scriptures. The Snan Yatra is the day of his appearance,' he added. Earlier, Dibyasingh Deb said ISKCON had agreed to follow scripture-based traditions in India, and no violations were seen in recent years. 'After criticism, the Indian ISKCON agreed to celebrate the Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra as per the scriptures, and there has been no violation for two to three years. But outside India, ISKCON is celebrating Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra throughout the year. This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this,' he said. He added that discussions are underway with ISKCON's Mayapur head office to stop these practices abroad. 'Discussions are ongoing with the ISKCON head office in Mayapur, West Bengal, as to how to stop this. We hope that they get information and scriptural evidence from the Jagannath Puri temple and they stop this violation outside India, because this hurts the religious and spiritual sentiments of all the devotees of Lord Jagannath in the world,' the erstwhile king of Puri added. Asked about the long-standing restriction on non-Hindus entering the Jagannath Puri temple, he said any change must come from the Shankaracharya. 'Currently, there is no discussion regarding it. One needs to go to the Shankaracharya regarding this. This is a religious matter, and only a Dharmaguru can make any decision on it; only then can there be any changes. I cannot say anything about it. The established tradition is that only Hindus have the right to enter,' he said. The former Puri King also spoke about the increasing footfall at the annual festival and called on the government to provide better facilities. 'The number of devotees is increasing each year. This year, the no. of devotees during the Rath Yatra was nearly 15 lakhs. The government should make the required arrangements for accommodation, security and facilities. The no. of devotees this year was much more than expected. Lakhs of people attended the rituals during the nine days of the Rath Yatra. I am sure the state government will provide good facilities,' he said. His comments come after a stampede during the Rath Yatra on June 29, which left three people dead and several injured. On the decision to pull the chariots at night, he said there is no official restriction, but safety must be considered. 'As per the government directions, if the chariots reach near the temple, then they can be pulled during the night. According to the Skanda Puran, even in the night, the chariots should be pulled using thousands of torches, if needed and make the Rath reach the temple anyhow. There is no restriction on pulling the chariots at night. But for the safety of the devotees and to avoid mishaps, it is not appropriate to pull the chariots at night,' he said. On July 7, large numbers of devotees gathered in Puri for the sacred 'Adhara Panna' ritual, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, was offered a special drink on the chariot. The ritual is one of the most significant events of the Rath Yatra celebrations.(ANI)
Economic Times
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Former Puri King objects to ISKCON performing Rath Yatra rituals "throughout the year", says it "hurts our religious sentiment"
Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, the former King of Puri, raised concerns. He disapproved of ISKCON's year-round Rath Yatra celebrations outside India. He considers it against tradition and scriptures. Discussions are underway with ISKCON's Mayapur head office to address this. He also addressed the restriction on non-Hindus entering the Jagannath Puri temple. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The former King of Puri, Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, has objected to ISKCON devotees celebrating Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra "throughout the year" outside India, calling it "inappropriate", thus against tradition and said talks are ongoing with ISKCON's head office in West Bengal to stop such practices."There is a specified date for that in our Sanatan Vedic culture, and it is celebrated only on Jyeshtha Purnima. We are seeing that the ISKCON is celebrating the birthday on different days abroad... This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this," he told ANI."Whether it is the Rath Yatra or Snan Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the dates are decided by the Lord himself in Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana and different holy scriptures. The Snan Yatra is the day of his appearance," he Dibyasingh Deb said ISKCON had agreed to follow scripture-based traditions in India, and no violations were seen in recent years."After criticism, the Indian ISKCON agreed to celebrate the Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra as per the scriptures, and there has been no violation for two to three years. But outside India, ISKCON is celebrating Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra throughout the year. This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this," he added that discussions are underway with ISKCON's Mayapur head office to stop these practices abroad. "Discussions are ongoing with the ISKCON head office in Mayapur, West Bengal, as to how to stop this. We hope that they get information and scriptural evidence from the Jagannath Puri temple and they stop this violation outside India, because this hurts the religious and spiritual sentiments of all the devotees of Lord Jagannath in the world," the erstwhile king of Puri about the long-standing restriction on non-Hindus entering the Jagannath Puri temple, he said any change must come from the Shankaracharya."Currently, there is no discussion regarding it. One needs to go to the Shankaracharya regarding this. This is a religious matter, and only a Dharmaguru can make any decision on it; only then can there be any changes. I cannot say anything about it. The established tradition is that only Hindus have the right to enter," he former Puri King also spoke about the increasing footfall at the annual festival and called on the government to provide better facilities."The number of devotees is increasing each year. This year, the no. of devotees during the Rath Yatra was nearly 15 lakhs. The government should make the required arrangements for accommodation, security and facilities. The no. of devotees this year was much more than expected. Lakhs of people attended the rituals during the nine days of the Rath Yatra. I am sure the state government will provide good facilities," he comments come after a stampede during the Rath Yatra on June 29, which left three people dead and several the decision to pull the chariots at night, he said there is no official restriction, but safety must be considered."As per the government directions, if the chariots reach near the temple, then they can be pulled during the night. According to the Skanda Puran, even in the night, the chariots should be pulled using thousands of torches, if needed and make the Rath reach the temple anyhow. There is no restriction on pulling the chariots at night. But for the safety of the devotees and to avoid mishaps, it is not appropriate to pull the chariots at night," he July 7, large numbers of devotees gathered in Puri for the sacred 'Adhara Panna' ritual, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, was offered a special drink on the chariot. The ritual is one of the most significant events of the Rath Yatra celebrations.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Puri King objects to ISKCON performing Rath Yatra rituals "throughout the year", says it "hurts our religious sentiment"
The former King of Puri, Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, has objected to ISKCON devotees celebrating Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra "throughout the year" outside India, calling it "inappropriate", thus against tradition and scriptures. He said talks are ongoing with ISKCON's head office in West Bengal to stop such practices. "There is a specified date for that in our Sanatan Vedic culture, and it is celebrated only on Jyeshtha Purnima. We are seeing that the ISKCON is celebrating the birthday on different days abroad... This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this," he told ANI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 이 게임은 대부분의 TV 프로그램보다 더 재미있어요 – 게다가 무료예요. Raid: Shadow Legends 플레이하기 Undo "Whether it is the Rath Yatra or Snan Yatra of Lord Jagannath, the dates are decided by the Lord himself in Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana and different holy scriptures. The Snan Yatra is the day of his appearance," he added. Earlier, Dibyasingh Deb said ISKCON had agreed to follow scripture-based traditions in India, and no violations were seen in recent years. Live Events "After criticism, the Indian ISKCON agreed to celebrate the Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra as per the scriptures, and there has been no violation for two to three years. But outside India, ISKCON is celebrating Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra throughout the year. This is inappropriate, against the scriptures and tradition. Shri Jagannath Mandir Puri is making efforts for this," he said. He added that discussions are underway with ISKCON's Mayapur head office to stop these practices abroad. "Discussions are ongoing with the ISKCON head office in Mayapur, West Bengal, as to how to stop this. We hope that they get information and scriptural evidence from the Jagannath Puri temple and they stop this violation outside India, because this hurts the religious and spiritual sentiments of all the devotees of Lord Jagannath in the world," the erstwhile king of Puri added. Asked about the long-standing restriction on non-Hindus entering the Jagannath Puri temple, he said any change must come from the Shankaracharya. "Currently, there is no discussion regarding it. One needs to go to the Shankaracharya regarding this. This is a religious matter, and only a Dharmaguru can make any decision on it; only then can there be any changes. I cannot say anything about it. The established tradition is that only Hindus have the right to enter," he said. The former Puri King also spoke about the increasing footfall at the annual festival and called on the government to provide better facilities. "The number of devotees is increasing each year. This year, the no. of devotees during the Rath Yatra was nearly 15 lakhs. The government should make the required arrangements for accommodation, security and facilities. The no. of devotees this year was much more than expected. Lakhs of people attended the rituals during the nine days of the Rath Yatra. I am sure the state government will provide good facilities," he said. His comments come after a stampede during the Rath Yatra on June 29, which left three people dead and several injured. On the decision to pull the chariots at night, he said there is no official restriction, but safety must be considered. "As per the government directions, if the chariots reach near the temple, then they can be pulled during the night. According to the Skanda Puran, even in the night, the chariots should be pulled using thousands of torches, if needed and make the Rath reach the temple anyhow. There is no restriction on pulling the chariots at night. But for the safety of the devotees and to avoid mishaps, it is not appropriate to pull the chariots at night," he said. On July 7, large numbers of devotees gathered in Puri for the sacred 'Adhara Panna' ritual, where Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, was offered a special drink on the chariot. The ritual is one of the most significant events of the Rath Yatra celebrations.
India.com
11-06-2025
- India.com
Amarnath Yatra: First Prayer Held At Holy Cave; LG Manoj Sinha In Attendance
The Pratham Puja or first prayer marking the ceremonial commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, was held on Wednesday. It is typically performed on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima to invoke Lord Shiva's blessings for a safe, smooth, and successful pilgrimage. This year Pratham Puja of Amarnath Yatra was held today on June 11, 2025, coinciding with Jyeshtha Purnima. The ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board (SASB). The Lt. Governor performed the puja, seeking blessings from Baba Amarnath ji (Lord Shiva) for the good health, progress, and well-being of all people of the globe. Puja at the Amarnath Cave Shrine ceremony involved the chanting of Vedic mantras and shlokas dedicated to Lord Shiva to invoke divine blessings for the pilgrimage's success. Additional rituals performed on the same day include Bhoomi Puja, Navagraha Puja, Chhari Puja, and Dhwajarohan, with prasad distributed among devotees afterwards. The Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board has made provisions for devotees to participate virtually through virtual puja, virtual hawan, and online prasad booking, accessible via the official SASB website Morning and evening aarti sessions are also telecast live for devotees. The Amarnath Yatra, including the Pratham Puja, is a symbol of communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, with people from various communities, including local Muslims, assisting pilgrims in reaching the shrine. The ritual underscores the ancient traditions of the region, with the SASB ensuring that the yatra is conducted smoothly. The Pratham Puja is a cherished event for millions of devotees worldwide, for whom the pilgrimage is a lifelong aspiration. This holy cave, situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, had a naturally formed ice lingam. The 2025 Amarnath Yatra will be of 38 days, starting on July 3, and will end on August 9 on the day of Raksha Bandhan. Around 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered themselves for this year's Yatra till now. The SASB has enhanced facilities, including infrastructure, security, medical aid, and RFID tracking for pilgrims. Pilgrims must register in advance, carry Aadhaar details for RFID cards, and obtain a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued on or after April 8, 2025. Given recent security concerns in the region, extensive arrangements, including the deployment of 581 additional security battalions are in place to ensure pilgrim safety.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
J&K LG Manoj Sinha performs ‘pratham puja' at Amarnath cave shrine
Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday paid obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the 'pratham puja' at the holy cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Amarnath Yatra. 'Har Har Mahadev! Paid my obeisance to Baba Barfani and performed the 'pratham puja' at the holy cave, marking the ceremonial beginning of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. May Baba Amarnathji keep showering his divine blessings on all of us,' Sinha posted on X. He urged devotees to turn out in large numbers and come to offer prayers at the holy shrine during the Amarnath Yatra that is scheduled from July 3 to August 9. 'I would request all devotees of Baba Barfani to visit in large numbers for the holy yatra and pray to Mahadev for the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the administration have improved the pilgrims' facilities. Jammu and Kashmir Police, the army, CRPF and paramilitary forces have made foolproof security arrangements,' Sinha said after his visit. Earlier in the day, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) performed the first puja for the Amarnath Yatra at the Tawi riverfront. The puja was organised in Jammu on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima, days ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. On Tuesday, a high-level security meeting chaired by Udhampur SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure was held to review preparations. The discussions centred on security arrangements, intelligence sharing, traffic management, medical aid, emergency response, and logistical support. Emphasis was laid on anti-narcotics operations. SSP Nagpure directed officers to conduct proactive drives to dismantle narcotic networks in the region. The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred cave shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, at an altitude of 3,888 metres in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. The cave houses a naturally formed ice Shivling and draws lakhs of devotees every year. The Yatra is typically held during the Shravan month (July to August) according to the Hindu calendar, under the supervision of the SASB and with coordinated support from security and civil administration.
