BHUBANESWAR: The circulation of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images and videos depicting Bhagwan Jagannath has triggered widespread outrage among devotees, prompting the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to file a police complaint against a social media account responsible for posting the content.
Temple authorities lodged the complaint at the Singhadwar Police Station in Puri against a social media handle named ‘vishvrajcreation’, alleging that it circulated fabricated and objectionable visuals of the revered deity. The content, which went viral across social media platforms, has been described as deeply offensive and misleading.
In a statement, the SJTA said it had come to the administration’s notice that “unacceptable AI-generated photos and videos of Bhagwan Jagannath” were being circulated online. The temple administration asserted that such content has no basis in temple traditions or religious practices and has hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees worldwide.
According to the complaint submitted by the temple’s Special Security Officer, the AI-generated visuals have caused widespread resentment and emotional distress among followers of Bhagwan Jagannath. One of the most controversial videos shows milk being poured over the deity in front of the Puri Srimandir using a crane—an act that is entirely fabricated and alien to established temple rituals.
Jagannath culture researcher Bhaskar Mishra strongly criticised the visuals, stating that they misrepresent centuries-old traditions associated with the 12th-century shrine. “Such depictions are completely unrealistic and have no connection with Jagannath culture or religious practices. These fake visuals have deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees,” he said.
Devotees in Puri and across Odisha have expressed anguish and anger over the spread of what they term insensitive and misleading content. “Bhagwan Jagannath is the Bhagwan of the Universe. Portraying Him in such a manner is unacceptable. Stern action must be taken against those responsible,” said a devotee outside the temple.
Another devotee echoed similar sentiments, saying the incident has left followers deeply disturbed. “We are deeply hurt. These kinds of acts should never be done involving the Bhagwan of the Universe,” the devotee said.
Temple officials noted that while there have been earlier controversies involving unauthorised photography and the circulation of visuals from inside the Srimandir, this is the first known instance where artificial intelligence has been used to create fabricated content that dishonours the deity.
In response to the incident, the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC), the shrine’s highest decision-making body, has decided to amend existing legal provisions to make such activities illegal and punishable. The move aims to prevent the misuse of emerging technologies to spread false and offensive representations of the deity in the future.
Police have initiated an inquiry into the matter, and further action is expected based on the findings.
