Odisha Influencer Under Police Investigation for Alleged Propaganda About Jagannath Temple

India’s revered Jagannath Temple has become the center of controversy after a social media influencer was accused of spreading false information about the ancient shrine. Authorities in Odisha have launched an investigation following a formal complaint filed by a senior temple servitor.

Gourahari Pradhan, a servitor at the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, lodged an FIR (First Information Report) on Sunday against influencer Shubhankar Mishra. The complaint alleges that Mishra has been disseminating unfounded claims about the temple, which is considered one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations.

“For the past few days, Shubhankar Mishra has been trying to mislead today’s youth by spreading propaganda in the name of Lord Jagannath’s temple, the spiritual centre of crores of Odias,” Pradhan stated in his complaint. He specifically took issue with Mishra’s references to a supposed “curse of Maa Radha Rani,” noting that the influencer failed to cite any scriptural sources such as the Puranas to support his claims.

The temple, located in the coastal city of Puri, attracts millions of devotees annually and holds profound spiritual significance for Hindus, particularly those from Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, and is renowned for its annual Rath Yatra festival that draws international attention.

At the heart of the controversy is Mishra’s recent social media post claiming that couples who visit the Jagannath Temple before marriage become “unable to enter into wedlock” due to a purported curse by Radha. According to Mishra’s unsourced narrative, Radha once attempted to visit the temple to see Lord Krishna in his Jagannath form but was denied entry by servitors, leading her to curse the temple in response.

Temple authorities have categorically rejected this narrative, stating it has no foundation in Hindu scriptures or the temple’s historical records. Pradhan described Mishra’s claims as a bid for “cheap publicity” that causes emotional harm and “plays with the sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees.”

Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh confirmed that an investigation is underway. “We will verify the statements, gather digital evidence, and proceed as per law,” Singh told reporters. The police are collecting relevant audio and video content posted by Mishra and plan to seek legal opinions while consulting with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration before determining their course of action.

The case highlights the growing tension between social media content creation and religious sensitivities in India. With the proliferation of influencers seeking to build audiences through provocative content, traditional religious institutions increasingly find themselves defending against what they consider misinformation or disrespect.

Under Indian law, hurting religious sentiments can be prosecuted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, particularly Section 295A, which addresses deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. The investigation will likely examine whether Mishra’s statements meet the threshold for such violations.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, constructed during the 12th century, is not only a religious landmark but also an architectural marvel and a symbol of Odia cultural identity. Its administration is governed by a special act of the Odisha legislature, reflecting its importance to the state and the nation.

As the investigation proceeds, devotees and religious scholars have emphasized the importance of verifying claims about sacred sites through authoritative sources rather than unsubstantiated social media posts. Temple authorities have urged followers to rely on established religious texts and recognized scholars for information about the temple’s traditions and history.