By Rajat Agarwal: Yesterday, during the Pahandi, when Mahaprabhu gave darshan without the sacred Tahiya, it was only natural for crores of devotees to feel a deep sense of sadness. My family and I were no different.

Yet, there is one eternal truth that we all know, though perhaps we often find it difficult to truly accept.

On one hand, He is Jagannath—the Lord of the Universe, the Supreme Master of all creation. On the other, He is our beloved Kalia Thakura—innocent, playful, affectionate, and ever so close to His devotees. Just as a little child lovingly insists on something, playfully sulks, seeks affection, or delights in His own joy, Mahaprabhu too reveals His divine Leelas in the sweetest of ways.

At times, He becomes lighter than a wisp of cotton; the very next moment, heavier than the Himalayas—as if smiling at His servitors and saying, “Come, try and move Me. I shall not move unless I wish to.” At one moment, His beautiful Chaka Akhi gaze rises towards the heavens, showering grace upon the Devas. The next, His boundless compassion embraces the endless ocean of devotees before Him. In another instant, His divine vision reaches even the netherworld, blessing every soul devoted to Him.

So, is it not possible that yesterday too was simply His divine will? If Mahabahu Himself chose not to wear the Tahiya, who in this universe possesses the power to compel Him otherwise?

Perhaps this, too, was another expression of His childlike love, His playful will, and His unfathomable divine Leela. That alone is the truth we should hold close to our hearts.

I therefore make a humble appeal to all devotees. Before holding the Sevayats responsible for every incident, let us remember who they are. They are not merely temple functionaries; they are generations of dedicated servants who have devoted their lives to serving the Moulamani of Koti Odias and countless devotees across the world—our beloved Mahaprabhu Jagannath. During the Anasara period, many of us have witnessed them serving day and night, often without proper food or rest. Their Seva is not merely a duty; it is a lifelong Tapasya.

And if a human error has indeed occurred, can anyone truly escape the gaze of His all-seeing Chaka Nayana?

Rather than allowing ourselves to be consumed by controversy or politics, let our hearts remain fixed on our Chaka Akhi, our Chaka Nayana, our Neelamadhava, our Purushottama, our Madan Mohana, our beloved Jaga, whose abode is Nilachala. Let us accept every one of His divine Leelas with faith, humility, gratitude, and complete surrender at His lotus feet.

Jai Jagannath. 🙏