Sālabega’s Jagannātha and the Quest for Religious Harmony

Abstract

Parama Karuna Devi challenges the dissonance between the widely espoused universality of Lord Jagannātha and the restrictive caste-based practices that often limit access to His temple and service. The article critiques theological claims that Jagannātha embodies inclusivity and non-sectarianism, pointing out their disconnect from institutionalized exclusivity—particularly the denial of temple entry to non-Hindus and the marginalized. Drawing from śāstra, local history, and personal experience, Devi argues that the deity’s tribal origins, rustic iconography, and pan-Vedic absorption reveal a divine will toward spiritual egalitarianism. The article contends that truly universal Jagannātha worship must transcend socioreligious boundaries through reformist action and greater openness. Devi invokes both scriptural evidence and ethical reasoning to suggest that denying access contradicts the Lord’s nature and the inclusive ethos of bhakti. Ultimately, she calls for a shift from symbolic proclamations to actual practices that reflect the theological core of Jagannātha’s universal appeal—a deity who welcomes all, beyond jāti, creed, or institution.