Jagannath Sena members in Puri burn an effigy of BJD MP Pyari Mohan Mohapatra for his comment on entry for all in Puri temple. Picture by Sarat Patra

Bhubaneswar, July 18: Senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Pyari Mohan Mohapatra’s suggestion that both Hindus and non-Hindus should be allowed entry into the 12th century Jagannath temple has triggered a storm.

Protesting against the Mohapatra’s comment, activists of the Jagannath Sena, an organisation working for protection of the Jagannath culture, today burnt the effigy of Mohapatra in front of the Jagannath Temple in Puri and lodged a complaint against him with the police in the town. “We will not tolerate such things,” Sena convener Priyadarshan Patnaik.

Speaking at a workshop organised by the Hotel and Restaurant Association on Sunday, Mohapatra had said when Hindus were allowed into mosques and churches everywhere in the country and abroad, why should there be restriction on entry of people from other religions in the Puri temple. He said that as Lord Jagannath is the lord of the universe the temple should be opened to all.

Commenting on the issue, famous cardiologist and Jaganath culture analyst, Kabi Prasad Mishra said: “It is a complex issue. No law can be enforced regarding allowing others into the temple. It is something related to religious sentiments, emotions and traditions. All should respect the tradition. Any such move would have to take all sevayats should be taken into confidence.”

However, Mishra further maintained that there were many significant places of religion where people from other faiths were not allowed. “ The motive of other people entering to the temple is also an other important factor. No one should jump to a conclusion.” Eminent sevayat, Jagananth Das Swain Mohapatra (Jaguni Bhai), said: “I wondered why people indulge in politics in Lord Jagannath’s name. All people including Muslims and Christians can see the Lord during Rath Yatra when the Lord comes out of the temple. Pyari Babu should not have made such a comment.” Rejecting the suggestion outright, senior BJD leader and former minister Damodar Rout said: “ The person concerned sees himself as a king. He thinks whatever he says cannot be challenged. However, a convention should not be destroyed.”

However, BJD MP Baishanab Charan Parida said he supported Mohapatra’s argument on the issue