Jagannath Puri Temple Resists Suggestions On Entry Of Non-Hindus
PURI: Lord Jagannath of Puri has perhaps courted more controversies than any other deity in India. The gigantic 12th century edifice has been the scene of several conflicts and debates, the latest being the right of non-Hindus to enter the temple. The fires were stoked again recently when Rajya Sabha member Pyari Mohan Mohapatra, the man who matters most in the ruling BJD, suggested that non-Hindus be allowed into the temple to boost its tourist potential.
The reaction to the statement made at a meeting convened by the state's hotel and restaurant association was swift and loud — protests, dharnas, demonstrations and effigy burning episodes greeted Mohapatra wherever he went. The leader has since refused to back off. Mohapatra, interestingly, is not the only one in favour of changing the temple's ancient traditions.
Former chief minister and now Assam governor JB Patnaik has nearly the same take, except that he is demanding that ISKCON devotees be allowed in. They, he says, have played a pivotal role in taking the Jagannath cult and the chariot festival to the world. A peep into the temple's eventful history can perhaps explain some of this prickliness.
Read more: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-22/...
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Reader Comments:
Be humble and don't demand
Be humble and don't demand access, as if you're the centre of the universe! The Lord of the Universe resides in his temple and only He decides when or if patience is to be rewarded. The Shastras are full of stories about elevated souls who spend lifetimes and Kalpas trying to achieve their goals. Personally I wouldn't dream of imposing myself in such a shameful way and try and grant myself or any other person or group exclusive entry into an ancient sanctuary. I feel so embarrassed when my fellow Westerners behave in this way...
Lord Jagannath's Kripa
Lord Jagannath's Kripa was/is/will always be there for all his devotees irrespective of their religion. That's why he has taken the form of PATITAPABAN and is grandly adoring the entrance of the Shri Mandira entrance.
Blessings cannot be associated with physical connection. It's a spiritual matter and hence needs to be attained through non-conventional methods.
We have many bright examples in the past and in the current times of people from other religions who have worshipped Lord Jagannath with their whole heart and soul and have received HIS blessings without ever demanding entry to the TEMPLE.
Only people who hardly have any faith or trust in traditions/beliefs go to the extent of making such demands to keep themselves in the limelight and create an environment of disharmony.
To be Lord's devotee and receive HIS divine blessings, viewing and worshipping of NILACHAKRA and Patitapabana Bana (flag) is more than enough and not entry to the prmises of the temple.
Moreover, Shri Jagannath Temple is not a spot for business. It is the identity of every Oriya Hindu and Non Oriya/Hindu Jagannath devotee/s. So, stern steps should be taken to utilize govt funds for the maintenance and upkeep of the temple rather than making the way for the same to politicians pockets/homes. Also, citing the development of tourism point as a reason to open gates of the sacred/divine temple and breaking the harmony and creating unrest among the masses does not sound the words of a wise and intellectual personality.
Lord Jagannath is the lord
Lord Jagannath is the lord of all human beings......why those people keep away Jagannath from his sons of other religions?.....we hope that the authority would take proper steps,so that all of my brothers of other religions can have the KRIPA of lord Jagannath...