The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Saturday gave an ultimatum to ISKCON on conducting the Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in India and abroad “in blatant violation of scriptures and traditions”.
As a last resort, SJTA may also opt for legal action if the holy yatras of Lord Jagannath are not performed in accordance with sacred scriptures and well-established traditions, said erstwhile Puri Royal and chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, Dibyasingha Deb.
The SJTA has submitted a 100-page report prepared by scholars and experts to the ISKCON governing body commission to counter the arguments given by ISKCON scholars during a meeting with SJTA in March this year.
“After thoroughly analysing the opinions of ISKCON, scholars appointed by SJTA have arrived at the conclusion that the opinions and views of ISKCON scholars in support of performing the yatras on any random date during the year are completely baseless, incorrect and deserve to be rejected outright as being contrary to scriptures and tradition,” said Deb.
“We sincerely urge the ISKCON governing body commission to take appropriate steps as early as possible, preferably within one month, to ensure that the holy yatras… are performed in all ISKCON temples/centres around the world in accordance with sacred scriptures and well-established tradition,” said Deb.
As per traditions, the Rath Yatra takes place on the second day of the Odia month of Ashadha Shukla Tithi (bright fortnight) every year to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings from their abode, the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, to the Gundicha Temple, believed to be their aunt’s home.
SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said that in 2025, ISKCON performed the Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in as many as 40 locations within India and abroad in violation of sacred scriptures and traditions.
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“The continued disregard and breach of sacred scriptures and ancient tradition… is hurting the religious devotees of the Lord around the world,” said Padhi.
ISKCON could not be contacted for a comment on SJTA’s “ultimatum”.
