The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has 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 body accused the organisation of spreading misinformation and creating confusion among devotees worldwide over the timing of one of Hinduism’s most significant festivals.

The latest development deepens the long-running disagreement between the Puri temple administration and ISKCON over the celebration of Lord Jagannath festivals outside India.

SJTA Says Scriptural Claims Are Incorrect

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the SJTA described recent claims made by ISKCON as misleading and factually incorrect.

The temple administration said a press release issued by ISKCON’s National Communications Office on July 12 wrongly suggested that celebrating Rath Yatra abroad on alternate dates was fully supported by Hindu scriptures.

According to the SJTA, this interpretation does not align with authentic religious texts and traditional practices followed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Temple Scholars Reject ISKCON’s Interpretation

The administration said the issue had already been discussed during a meeting held in Bhubaneswar on March 20, 2025.

During that meeting, ISKCON scholars reportedly cited scriptural references to justify conducting Rath Yatra outside India on different dates.

However, the SJTA stated that its scholars countered those arguments using authoritative scriptures and Puranic texts, maintaining that the traditional calendar followed in Puri remains the accepted religious standard.

Objection Over Gajapati Maharaja Reference

The temple administration also objected to ISKCON’s suggestion that Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had directly or indirectly supported the overseas celebrations.

SJTA described the claim as misleading and said it unfairly questioned the integrity of the titular king of Puri.

The clarification came after references were made to the Gajapati Maharaja’s attendance at an ISKCON-organised Rath Yatra event in Berlin, Germany. The temple body maintained that his presence at the event should not be interpreted as an endorsement of celebrating the festival on dates different from those observed in Puri.

ISKCON Yet to Issue Detailed Response

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

A detailed response from the organisation is still awaited.

Longstanding Dispute Over Festival Dates

The disagreement between the Puri temple administration and ISKCON over the timing of Rath Yatra celebrations abroad has continued for several years.

While ISKCON has maintained that overseas circumstances allow flexibility in scheduling the festival, the SJTA has consistently argued that Lord Jagannath’s rituals and major festivals should follow the traditional calendar observed at the Puri temple.

The latest exchange indicates that differences over scriptural interpretation and festival traditions remain unresolved.

What Happens Next?

With both sides maintaining their respective positions, the debate over the timing of overseas Rath Yatra celebrations is likely to continue. Devotees and religious scholars will be watching closely for any further dialogue or clarification between the temple administration and ISKCON.

FAQs

1. Why has the SJTA rejected ISKCON’s claims?

The SJTA says ISKCON’s claim that off-season Rath Yatra celebrations are sanctioned by Hindu scriptures is incorrect and could mislead devotees.

2. What is the main issue between SJTA and ISKCON?

The dispute centres on ISKCON holding Rath Yatra celebrations outside India on dates different from the official festival observed at Puri’s Jagannath Temple.

3. What did the SJTA say about Hindu scriptures?

The temple administration stated that its scholars examined ISKCON’s arguments and concluded that authentic scriptures and Puranic texts do not support the interpretation presented.

4. Why was the Gajapati Maharaja mentioned?

SJTA objected to suggestions that Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had endorsed ISKCON’s celebrations, calling such claims misleading.

5. Has ISKCON responded to the latest statement?

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

6. When was the issue discussed by both sides?

Representatives from SJTA and ISKCON reportedly discussed the matter during a meeting in Bhubaneswar on March 20, 2025.

7. Does this affect Rath Yatra celebrations in Puri?

No. The dispute relates to overseas celebrations and does not affect the official Rath Yatra conducted at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

8. Is the disagreement resolved?

No. Both organisations continue to hold different views on the scriptural basis and timing of Rath Yatra celebrations outside India.