The significant decision of the Supreme Court pertaining to the entry of people of other faiths to the Jaganath Temple in Puri has been vehemently opposed here.
While the Sevayat communities have disowned the right to non-Hindus, other stakeholders of the temple and Puri locals, have also opposed the Apex court’s decision.
Reacting over the verdict, Mukti Mandap Pandit Sava president Aditya Hrudaya Mishra said the decisions go against very norms of the temple; hence are not acceptable. “Still, I will take up the matter to our members for a final decision,” said Mishra in his reaction.
Though Gajapati Dibya Signha Dev, who is the chairman of Temple Managing Committee, has not yet opposed the decision of SC publicly, but has said to a TV channel to take up the matter to committee for discussion.
Daitapatis have stiffly opposed, saying the decision is hasty and not at all based on age-old tradition and customs of the Jaganath Temple. Binayak Dasmahapatra, a member of Daitapati Nijog, went to the extent of alleging that there is a deliberate conspiracy by a fringe section against the Jagannath Temple.
If need be, the Nijog will be a party before SC in the next hearing, said Premananda Dasmohapatra, another member of Daitapti Nijog.
Prof Praful Rath, president of Odisha Brahman Kalyan Sangha, raised eyebrows over the true intent of other faiths that would enter a Hindu temple.
He asked as to why other faiths are so interested in lord Jagannath, whenever they do not have trust in the Hindu gods and goddessesIJ The matter should have been judged from this prospective also, said Rath.
Notably, on a plea filed by one Mrunali Padhi in SC over harassment in Jagannath Temple, the Bench on Thursday upholding its order delivered judgments on some reformative measures.
The apex court directed the Jagannath Temple management to consider entry of every visitor, irrespective of faith to offer prayers to the deities. The top court said, allowing of every visitor, irrespective of faith, will be subject to regulatory measures regarding dress code and giving an appropriate declaration.
A Bench comprising Justices Adarsh Goel and S Abdul Nazeer, referring to an earlier order, said, "Hinduism does not eliminate any other belief. It reflects eternal faith and wisdom and inspiration of centuries.”