The debate over the issue of construction of another Jagannath temple in Puri has gained impetus with many organisations and noted individuals airing views in support of such a proposal.
Commenting on the issue, the Rajya Nagarik Samaj on Wednesday said the devotees, who are being deprived of visiting the lords in the Shreemandir on the ground that they are
non-Hindus and outsiders, would be able to get their wishes fulfilled if a new Jagannath temple is built at Puri.
“lord Jagannath is perceived as the god of the universe (Jagatara Natha). So, lakhs of devotees come to Puri every day to have His darshan. But they are not allowed to enter the Shreemandir on the mere plea that they are outsiders and non-Hindus. When they accept Him (lord Jagannath) as their lord, why should they be deprived of His darshanIJ A second Jagannath temple, if constructed, would certainly resolve this problem to a great extent,” said Nagarik Samaj convenor Prakash Rath.
Expressing concern over the ‘ill treatment’ being meted out to devotees by Sevayats almost every day and during Rath Yatra, he said a second Jagannath temple would be an initiative to check indiscipline of the servitors.
“Why should we oppose if a temple is constructed on behalf of the Iskcon, and Devdahashn and rituals are conducted in a disciplined wayIJ Question arises as to whether we will encourage rowdiness or prove our lord as the lord of universe,” Rath wanted to know.
He hoped that common people would welcome a new temple if constructed at Puri.
Similarly, Utkal Bharat president Kharavela Swain, in a statement, said the BJP’s opposition to the Iskcon’s proposal of setting up a second Jagannath temple is nothing but a political move.
“It is not understood how a second Jagannath temple would diminish the dignity of Shree Jagannath Temple. Has the dignity of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat diminished after establishment of high-rise temples thereIJ Similarly, bigger Shrikrishna temples have been constructed at Brundaban. But those who visit Brundaban never return without visiting the original Shrikrishna Temple,” pointed out Swain.
He said if a second Jagannth temple is construed, it would attract more foreign visitors to lord Jagannath. “While thousands of Jagannath temples have been constructed worldwide, the Shreemandir remains to be the original Jagannath Temple in people’s mind. If a new Jagannath temple is erected, it would be a matter of pride of Odias,” he opined. Swain too called upon the Iskcon to build a new Jagannath shrine with help of Odia stone sculptors.