Puri: A major controversy has erupted over an upcoming animated film based on Lord Jagannath, with Shankaracharya of Puri’s Govardhan Peeth seeking a complete ban on its release.
The Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha has also conveyed its strong objection to the Gajapati Maharaja through a formal letter.
In a detailed letter addressed to Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, the Shankaracharya of Govardhan Peeth has expressed serious concern over the film’s content. He has stated that the animation film is destroying the tradition, culture and philosophy (tattwa) of Shree Jagannath.
The letter alleges that Lord Jagannath has been portrayed in a distorted and objectionable manner in the film, terming it an unforgivable offence that is not legally permissible.
The Shankaracharya has demanded an immediate ban on the film’s release and its broadcast across all media platforms.
The Shankaracharya’s letter, issued from the Govardhan Peeth, emphasises that any depiction that distorts the traditional and scriptural representation of the deity cannot be accepted. It reiterates the demand for a complete prohibition on the film’s release and dissemination.
He has also called for a review of the earlier Supreme Court decision that had refused to stay the film’s release.
Meanwhile, the Office of Shree Gajapati Maharaja at Shree Nahara, Puri, has issued a press note in this regard. The note states that the film contains fictional elements related to Lord Jagannath and that the matter has been brought to the notice of the Gajapati by the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha through a formal communication.
The development has sparked widespread discussion in religious and cultural circles in Odisha, with traditional institutions voicing strong opposition to the film’s content.
