A recent development in Odisha has stirred a long-standing debate regarding the entry of foreign nationals into the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri. Ganeshi Lal, the Governor of Odisha, has publicly supported this controversial issue, reigniting discussions around traditions that date back centuries. As it stands, the rules permit only Hindus to enter and worship within the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. A conspicuous sign at the Lion’s Gate – the primary entrance – emphasizes this rule, stating unequivocally: “Only Hindus are allowed.”
Root Cause of the Restriction
The tradition that prohibits non-Hindus from entering the temple spans back centuries, though its genesis lacks absolute clarity. Some historians posit that a series of attacks on the temple by Muslim rulers possibly prompted the temple servitors to restrict non-Hindu entries. Others assert that this policy might have been established since the temple’s inception.
Regardless, Lord Jagannath, or the ‘saviour of the downtrodden’, is believed to grant those denied entry due to religious differences a chance to witness his form as Patitapaban at the Lion’s Gate. Notable instances include the denial of entry to Indira Gandhi in 1984 due to her marriage to a non-Hindu and the refusal experienced by a Thai princess in 2005 and a Swiss citizen in 2006 for similar reasons.
Jagannath Temple: An Overview
Believed to have been built by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 12th century, the Jagannath Puri temple, also known as ‘Yamanika Tirtha’, holds a special place in Hindu faith. Here, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death, is negated due to Lord Jagannath’s presence. Part of the Char Dham pilgrimages, which includes Badrinath, Dwaraka, and Rameswaram, the temple was once referred to as the “White Pagoda”.
Distinctive features of the temple include its vast compound wall, multi-tiered tower structure, numerous halls, and shrines. The Annual Rath Yatra festival, where the three primary deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra – are paraded in a grand procession on a chariot, is a major attraction. Devotees also flock to partake in the unique temple-offered food called Mahaprasad.
Other Prominent Monuments in Odisha
Odisha is also home to other noteworthy structures such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraja Temple, and Tara Tarini Temple.
Related UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
A question appeared in a previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Examination regarding the Somnath Temple. The question tested knowledge about the temple’s significance in being one of the Jyotirlinga shrines, historical references provided by Al-Biruni, and the temple’s consecration ceremony performed by President S. Radhakrishnan. The answer clarified that the Somnath Temple, located in Gujarat state, is indeed one of the first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlingas of India. The Arab traveler Al-Biruni did mention it in his travelogue, triggering an attack on the temple in 1024 by Mahmud Ghaznavi. However, the present-day temple was consecrated not by President S. Radhakrishnan but by then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on May 11, 1951.
