Puri Temple Administration Rejects ISKCON's Claim on Overseas Rath Yatra Dates, Calls It Misleading

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has strongly rejected ISKCON's claim that organising Rath Yatra outside India on dates different from those observed in Puri is supported by Hindu scriptures.

The temple administration accused the organisation of misleading devotees across the world, intensifying the ongoing dispute over the timing of Lord Jagannath festivals celebrated abroad.

SJTA rejects ISKCON's scriptural justification

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the SJTA said a press release circulated by ISKCON's National Communications Office on July 12 contained "false statements" that could create confusion among devotees regarding the correct timing of the Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra.

The administration dismissed ISKCON's claim that conducting Rath Yatra outside India on different dates is fully supported by Hindu scriptures, calling the assertion "absolutely false."

Temple body cites March 2025 meeting

According to the SJTA, representatives from both sides had discussed the issue during a meeting held in Bhubaneswar on March 20, 2025.

The temple administration said ISKCON scholars had attempted to justify the practice by citing scriptural references.

However, SJTA maintained that its scholars had refuted those arguments using authentic scriptures and Puranic texts, reaffirming that Rath Yatra should follow the traditional calendar observed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Objection over Gajapati Maharaja reference

The SJTA also objected to ISKCON's suggestion that Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri, had directly or indirectly endorsed the organisation's overseas Rath Yatra celebrations.

Calling the claim "deliberate and mischievous," the temple administration said it unfairly questioned the integrity and conduct of the Gajapati Maharaja.

The clarification came after references were made to the Maharaja's participation in an ISKCON Rath Yatra event in Berlin, Germany.

ISKCON yet to respond

Responding to the latest development, Yudhistir Govinda Das, ISKCON's Country Director of Communications and National Spokesperson, said he had not yet reviewed the SJTA's statement and therefore declined to comment.

The organisation has not issued an official response to the latest allegations.

Long-running disagreement

The disagreement over conducting Rath Yatra outside India on dates different from the Puri festival has remained a longstanding issue between the Puri temple administration and ISKCON.

While ISKCON has defended its overseas celebrations as being in accordance with its religious practices, the SJTA continues to maintain that such observances deviate from established Jagannath traditions and may create confusion among devotees.

Key Highlights

• SJTA rejected ISKCON's claim that off-season overseas Rath Yatra is scripturally valid.
• The temple administration accused ISKCON of misleading devotees worldwide.
• SJTA said authentic scriptures do not support celebrating Rath Yatra on different dates.
• The temple body also objected to references involving Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.
• ISKCON spokesperson Yudhistir Govinda Das declined to comment on the latest statement.
• The dispute over overseas Rath Yatra celebrations has continued for several years.

FAQs

Why has the SJTA objected to ISKCON's Rath Yatra celebrations?

The SJTA says ISKCON's practice of holding Rath Yatra abroad on dates different from those observed in Puri is not supported by authentic Hindu scriptures.

What did the SJTA accuse ISKCON of?

The temple administration accused ISKCON of making false claims and misleading devotees regarding the timing of the Rath Yatra festival.

What happened during the March 2025 meeting?

According to the SJTA, scholars from both sides discussed the issue, and the temple administration claims its experts refuted ISKCON's scriptural arguments using authentic religious texts.

What is the controversy involving the Gajapati Maharaja?

The SJTA objected to ISKCON's suggestion that Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had endorsed its overseas Rath Yatra celebrations, calling the claim misleading.

Has ISKCON responded?

ISKCON spokesperson Yudhistir Govinda Das said he had not yet seen the SJTA statement and therefore declined to comment.