Controversy has arisen over the statement of Odisha Governor Ganeshilal. The governor had suggested to allow the entry of foreigners in the Jagannath temple of Puri, after which there has been an uproar from saints to the corridors of power.
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Last week on Thursday i.e. January 12, Odisha Governor Ganeshilal gave a lecture at the Vision Conclave organized at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar. And in this lecture, the governor had talked about allowing foreigners to enter the Jagannath temple in Puri. He said that if a foreigner can meet Puri Gajapati, Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalanand Saraswati and his servants then why should he not get a chance to worship Lord Jagannath?
Political uproar over the statement
There has been a ruckus on the same statement of the Governor. A new debate has started regarding religion, tradition, history. However, in his address, Governor Ganeshi Lal had also said that this is his personal opinion. But BJP leader and former minister Bijay Mahapatra has condemned his statement. Mohapatra said that the age-old traditions of the temple should not be tampered with. The opinion of the Congress is also no different from the opinion of the BJP in the whole matter. Congress leaders have also said that any kind of change in religious beliefs and rituals is not appropriate.
Tradition and History of Darshan in the Temple
The Jagannath Temple located in Puri is considered one of the Char Dhams. It has its own recognition. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the 8th incarnation of Vishnu. It has its own greatness in Hinduism. It is believed that this temple was built in the 7th century. But in 1174 AD, the ruler of Odisha, Anang Bhimdev got it renovated. About 30 small and big temples have been built around the main temple. Which increase its glory and dignity.
According to the religious tradition that has been going on for hundreds of years, there is a strict ban on the entry of non-Hindus inside this temple. Instructions have been clearly given in this regard at the entrance of the temple. It is written on the board that only Hindus are allowed to enter here. This is the reason why even the sevadars of Puri temple have protested against the personal opinion of the Governor. Shri Jagannath Sena based in Puri has also opposed it. This organization had also protested against the Governor’s remarks.
BJD kept silence
The temple management committee has also termed the governor’s statement as personal. And said that there should be no change in tradition. But the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has refrained from commenting on the Governor’s suggestion, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
However, amidst these protests, some people are also of the opinion that there should not be any ban on the darshan of Gods and Goddesses. For example, in the words of former Odisha minister Damodar Raut Lal, Lord Jagannath is the master of the universe.
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