Bhubaneswar, 31 December (H.S.): An apparent error in the calendar released by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for the English New Year has sparked objections from temple servitors and scholars, prompting the administration to issue a clarification.

The controversy surfaced on Wednesday after it was noticed that the image of Lord Balabhadra had been placed in the position traditionally reserved for Lord Jagannath, while Lord Jagannath’s image appeared in Lord Balabhadra’s place. The calendars—table calendars, wall calendars and diaries—were prepared by the SJTA at a cost reportedly running into lakhs of rupees, and steps had already been initiated for their sale.

According to sources, the disputed image is a Pattachitra-style painting printed in both the table and photo calendars. In addition, a Rath Yatra photograph included in the calendar reportedly depicts the chariot of Devi Subhadra being pulled first, followed by the chariots of Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra, contrary to established tradition.

Ganesh Mahasuar, a servitor of the Srimandir, expressed concern over the issue and urged immediate corrective measures. “This has hurt the religious sentiments of many devotees. The administration should stop further distribution of the calendars and ensure reprinting with the Sibling Deities placed in their correct positions,” he said, adding that the error appeared to be an oversight that should be rectified at the earliest.

It was also alleged that the first page of the table calendar shows Lord Balabhadra in Lord Jagannath’s position, while Lord Sudarshan has been omitted entirely from the image.

Amid the controversy, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee issued a clarification, stating that the image used in the calendar was based on a 300–400-year-old palm-leaf painting preserved in the State Museum. “The image provided by the artist was placed in the calendar as received. It reflects the artist’s creativity,” he said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda