Sri Sri Jagannath Sanskriti Swabhiman Manch here endorsed the view of Sankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati Maharaj of Puri Gobardhan Pith, saying that Daitas should not allow the public to move atop chariots and touch the deities during the Rath Yatra.
Citing different panktis of the Srimad Bhagwat Gita, the Sankaracharya has confirmed his view and has put certain restrictions on the practice of chariot climbing, which should be respected and followed, said Sudam Charan Beura of the manch at a Press meet here.
“According to the Sanatan Dharma, God and His devotees are one and inseparable. The devotees with utmost devotion to the lord get one with the almighty by dint of Bakti and Karma. Atma Darshan is the ultimate objective of life and hence, what is the need to get atop chariots and touch the deities,” Beura asked.
The servitors for pecuniary benefit let the general public ascend the chariots and touch the deities, which should be discouraged, Beura said, and appealed the servitors to respect Saraswati’s observation in the interest of our religion and society.