Puri Police Remove 97 AI-Generated Images of Jagannath Deities After Devotee Outrage Ahead of Rath Yatra

Puri, July 4: Puri Police have facilitated the removal of 97 AI-generated images and videos from social media after they sparked widespread outrage for allegedly misrepresenting Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.

The digitally created visuals portrayed the sibling deities as physically ill, showing them with thermometers in their mouths and wet cloths placed on their foreheads. The images drew sharp criticism from devotees, who termed them disrespectful to the centuries-old Jagannath tradition.

Police Warn of Legal Action

Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh said authorities have acted promptly to protect religious sentiments.

“Such distortion of the deities will not be tolerated. We have facilitated the removal of a large number of objectionable AI-generated photos and videos from social media platforms. Strict legal action will be taken if such content continues to be circulated,” he said.

AI Images Triggered Controversy During Anasara Ritual

The controversy surfaced after Debasnana Purnima on June 29, when the deities underwent the traditional Snana Yatra ritual, during which they are ceremonially bathed with 108 pots of sacred water.

Following the ritual, the deities are moved to the Anasara Ghara, where they remain away from public view for about a fortnight before reappearing during Nabajouban Darshan, ahead of Rath Yatra.

According to Jagannath tradition, the Anasara period symbolises rest and spiritual renewal following the ceremonial bath.

Temple Officials Appeal to Devotees

Temple servitors and officials clarified that the Anasara ritual is symbolic and should not be interpreted literally.

They expressed concern that AI-generated visuals portraying the deities as physically sick distort sacred traditions and hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees.

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has appealed to devotees not to create, share or circulate misleading AI-generated content related to temple rituals.

Growing Concern Over AI Misuse

This is not the first instance of AI-generated content linked to the Jagannath tradition drawing official attention.

Earlier this year, the SJTA had lodged police complaints against several social media accounts for allegedly circulating objectionable AI-generated images and videos of the deities.

Authorities have urged users to exercise restraint on digital platforms and respect the sanctity of one of India’s oldest and most revered religious traditions, especially during the Rath Yatra festivities that attract millions of devotees from across the world.