Puri's titular king backs Jagannath Temple reforms, uncertain about opening shrine to non-Hindus

PURI'S titular king Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb on Thursday said he supports reforms in the 800-year-old Shree Jagannath Temple to preserve its heritage while adapting to changing times, but remained uncertain about allowing nonHindus into the 12th-century shrine.

- ARABINDA MISHRA

In an interview with PTI, Deb, who has served as the first servitor of Lord Jagannath for over five decades, said, "There is always scope for improvement and reforms. This is because the temple was built more than 800 years ago. The rituals, festivals, and various arrangements were developed over centuries."

Deb said the world and society has changed a lot over the last 800 years.

"But the system in Shree Jagannath Temple has largely remained unchanged. The heritage should continue, but certain adjustments may be made in view of the changed situations," he said.

Citing an example, the Gajapati pointed to the increasing number of pilgrims visiting Puri.

"The Mahaprasad Seva facility, for instance, is falling short. Ensuring a smooth ‘darshan’ experience for so many devotees is certainly a challenge. Even on normal days, the crowd now resembles that of festive days from earlier years,” he said, urging the state government and temple administration to address these issues.

Commenting on an issue raised by 'Samajika Naya Abhijan, an organisation fighting for social justice, about the tradition of people carrying the Gajapati's palanquin on their shoulders during Rath Yatra, Deb said that the mater had come to his notice.