Why Devotees Are Yearning for Change at Keredagarh's Jagannath Temple

Devotees Long for Access to Jagannath Temple

In Rajnagar, preparations are underway for the annual Rath Yatra at the historic Jagannath temple located in Keredagarh, Kendrapara district. However, a lingering sense of sadness and deprivation has overshadowed the festivities for nearly two decades due to an iron barrier that restricts access at the Singha Dwar, the temple's main entrance. Many devotees are advocating for the removal of this barrier to facilitate easier access and enhance their experience of darshan.

The situation remains challenging as the Singha Dwar, which once welcomed worshippers, is now closed. Devotees are unable to enter the temple or make direct offerings to the deities, instead limited to bowing at the iron railing. This issue traces back to 2006 when a conflict erupted involving Dalit devotees who sought entry into the shrine.

The dispute escalated into a confrontation between Dalit worshippers and individuals from upper castes, leading to the temple's closure for nine days and the suspension of rituals. A meeting involving local authorities, including the Kanika royal family and police officials, resulted in a decision to restrict entry, allowing devotees only to view the deities from outside and offer unpeeled coconuts as prasad. This practice has persisted, with worshippers only able to pray during the Rath Yatra when the deities are paraded on chariots.

Currently, the Kanika royal family is managing the arrangements for the upcoming Rath Yatra, with artisans known as Viswakarma finalizing the construction of the Nandighosha chariot. This temple is among the most esteemed in the area, and devotees are eagerly anticipating the ‘Nabajoubana Besha’ (rejuvenated youthfulness) of the deities following the Anasara period. Shibendu Narayan Bhanjadeo, a member of the Kanika royal family, has stated that after the Rath Yatra, all devotees will be welcomed, and measures will be taken to address the access issue. The temple's chief priest, Madan Mohan Rath, emphasized the importance of devotees, assuring that discussions will be held to eliminate restrictions for future generations.