Image on entry page

[Sirona]

Dear Friends,

 

I would like to know whether the image accompaigning the article "Origin of Shri Jagannathara Puri" currently appearing on the entry page shows the famous statue that "White" people are not allowed to visit. I am not racist, I just heard about it and I keep on wondering what the statue looks like.

 

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

Yes, it is a picture of the original Jagannatha deity in Puri. Westerners are not allowed to enter the temple, but they are allowed to see and hold the deity once a year when the deity is taken out for the chariot festival (ratha yatra).

 

As for why westerners are not allowed to enter the temple, there are no legitimate reasons. Eventually this will change, and westerners will be allowed in, as they are allowed in all other temples in India.

 

[Gauracandra]

One thing I like about pictures of the original Jagannatha deity is that the eyes slope downwards. Its a very interesting detail. It gives the deity an almost sad look.

[Avinash]

Sirona ji,

 

Are you white? No problem. You can still visit the temple if you want. You can dye your face so that you look black.