A major controversy has erupted over an upcoming animated film on Lord Jagannath, with Shankaracharya of Puri’s Govardhan Peeth calling for a total ban on its release and broadcast.
In a detailed letter to Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the Shankaracharya expressed grave concern that the film “destroys the tradition, culture, and philosophy (tattwa) of Shree Jagannath.” He alleged that the deity has been portrayed in a distorted and objectionable manner, terming it an unforgivable offence.
The Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha has also conveyed its strong objection to the Gajapati through a formal communication. The Shankaracharya’s letter, issued from Govardhan Peeth, emphasises that any depiction deviating from the traditional and scriptural representation of Lord Jagannath is unacceptable.
He has demanded an immediate ban on the film’s release across all media platforms and urged a review of the earlier Supreme Court decision that had declined to stay the film’s release.
Meanwhile, the Office of Shree Gajapati Maharaja at Shree Nahara, Puri, confirmed receiving the communication and noted that the film contains fictional elements related to Lord Jagannath. The development has triggered intense debate in religious and cultural circles across Odisha, with traditional institutions voicing strong opposition.
