'SC decision on Rath Yatra cancellation is in interest of saving lives'

Puri's Govardhan Mutt Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati today reacted over the Supreme Court verdict n Rath Yatra cancellation and said that Mahaprabhu’s devotees across the world will feel sad. But everyone has to obey the SC verdict as the system is for the sake of the health of people and saving lives.

Puri: The state government on Thursday decided to abide by the order of the Supreme Court not to organise Rath Yatra across Odisha.

Over this issue, on Friday, Puri Govardhan Mutt Shankaracharya, Nischalanada Saraswati has reacted on Supreme Court’s verdict and he also paid homage to the soldiers killed in the bloody clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley.

Paying homage to the Indian soldiers, Saraswati said that their supreme sacrifice will always be remembered and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

In his initial reaction after the Supreme Court stayed the Puri Ratha Yatra, Saraswati said, "In the wake of the Supreme Court orders on stalling Rath Yatra, a decision needs to be taken on how to carry out rituals on the temple premises."

"There are only a few days left for the scheduled date of Rath Yatra. If the Lords remain inside the temple, then which place can accommodate the Holy Trinity for the conduct of rituals? We will make an assessment of all scenarios," Saraswati said.

"A proper examination and assessment need to be done if there is enough space in the Bhoga Mandap (seat for offerings) for this. Right now I am not in a position to say anything. The alternatives will be decided after making a proper analysis of the situation and space," he said.

"If there would have been a conspiracy to suppress religious beliefs and the Yatra, it would have resulted in a stiff resistance. But the step taken by the system is for the sake of the health of people and saving lives. However, the modalities of the internal rituals of the lord will be decided later on with consultation of govt, temple administration and the Mukti Mandap," Saraswati added.

Notably, a bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and AS Bopanna Thursday issued the order saying in the interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year’s Rath Yatra at Puri in Odisha can’t be allowed.

The state cabinet also directed all district magistrates to ensure that all Jagannath temple managing committees in their respective districts will strictly abide by the order of the court.