Puri News Update / Jagannath Devotees Upset After Wooden Idols Found Abandoned On Puri Beach

Puri, Aug 6: Three wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were found abandoned on Puri beach, triggering resentment among devotees and raising questions over the improper immersion of wooden idols.

The idols were found lying in the open near the beach opposite Victoria Hotel after being recovered from the sea.

Fishermen Recover Idols From Sea
According to eyewitnesses, an unidentified person allegedly immersed the idols in the sea on Wednesday night before leaving the spot.

Local fishermen later recovered the idols from the waters and placed them respectfully on a makeshift platform made of bricks and a stone slab. The wooden idols, about 2 to 2.5 feet tall, were found dressed in new clothes and adorned with tulsi garlands.

The sight of the idols lying in the open under the scorching sun and rain drew criticism from locals and devotees, who demanded that the deities be accorded due respect.

Scholar Says Immersion Of Wooden Idols Is Against Tradition
Jagannath culture researcher Pandit Suryanarayan Rathasharma said there is no religious provision for immersing wooden idols of Lord Jagannath.

According to Rathasharma, under Jagannath traditions, wooden idols can only be buried (Patali) in accordance with prescribed rituals, such as during Nabakalebara or under specific religious circumstances. Immersion in water, he said, is contrary to established rituals and scriptural practices.

He further said that if wooden idols receiving regular worship and bhog offerings can no longer be kept at home, they may be donated to a temple or 'math' instead of being immersed.

If the idols are kept only as objects of devotion without formal rituals, they may continue to be preserved respectfully at home, he added.

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Demand For Action
Devotees expressed anguish over what they described as disrespect towards Lord Jagannath and called for an inquiry to identify the person responsible for immersing the idols.

They also urged the authorities to prevent similar incidents, noting that such cases of idol immersion along the Puri beach appear to be increasing.

Religious scholars emphasised that different materials -- such as clay, wood and brass -- have separate ritual procedures for worship and disposal, and any practice contrary to those traditions is considered against Jagannath customs and scriptural norms.