Jagannath temple pulls 2026 calendars: Image shows deities in incorrect positions; triggers backlash
The Jagannath temple administration in Puri has apologized and halted the sale of 2026 calendars after depicting the sibling deities in incorrect positions on the Ratna Singhasan. The administration attributed the error to a century-old manuscript, stating there was no intent to offend religious sentiments. Political parties criticized the inaccuracies, which also extended to the depiction of Rath Yatra chariots
Jagannath temple, Puri (File photo)
NEW DELHI: The Jagannath temple administration in Odisha’s Puri on Wednesday apologised to the public and stopped selling calendars that showed the sibling deities in incorrect positions on the Ratna Singhasan inside the 12th-century shrine.The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) said the image, printed in its 2026 calendar, was taken from a century-old palm leaf manuscript preserved at the Odisha State Museum. It said the artwork reflected the style of a painter from that period and that there was no intention to hurt religious sentiments.“This is the work of a painter of that time. It is hoped that Shree Jagannath lovers will not misunderstand it,” the SJTA said in a statement.The decision came after widespread outrage across the state over the depiction of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra in positions that go against temple tradition. The temple’s chief administrator directed officials to immediately suspend the sale of the calendars and issue a public apology for what the administration described as an unintentional mistake.The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) called the error “extremely unfortunate”.
Party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said the image showed Lord Balabhadra in Lord Jagannath’s position, with Lord Jagannath placed where Balabhadra should be. This, he said, led to Devi Subhadra being shown with Lord Jagannath on her right and Balabhadra on her left, which is contrary to tradition.Mohanty said the incorrect image appeared on table and wall calendars as well as diaries released by the temple administration.
He also alleged that the SJTA had not consulted scholars before using the old artwork.
"Such mistakes reflect a lack of sensitivity towards Shree Jagannath culture and Odia Asmita," the BJD leader alleged.According to established practice during the Rath Yatra, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot comes first, followed by Devi Subhadra and then Lord Jagannath. The Congress also criticised the temple administration and the BJP government in the state. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das said in a post on X, "It is deeply disturbing that the newly released Puri Srimandir calendar contains grave inaccuracies in the depiction of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and even the sacred order of the Rath Yatra."