First Temple of Lord Jagannath Opens in Japan’s Ibaraki Province

Puri, July 5: The first Jagannth Temple in Japan was iaugurated in Bando city of Ibaraki Province along with its first Rath Yatra on July 2. The Indian community of Ibaraki organised this beautiful event along with establishment of another temple for Lord Ram.

 In the land of Buddha the establishment of Jagannath Temple is definitely an interesting development. As per the Hindu belief Lord Ram incarnated in the Tretaya Yug, Lord Krishna in the Dwapar Yug and Lord Jagannth in Kali Yug.

Covener of the Shri Jagannath Society Japan Gyaneendra Mishra said ``as this temple is the first abode of Lord Jagannath in Japan, apart from the holy Rath Yatra more and more activities will also be organised in future.

India’s Envoy in Japan CB George termed the occasion as ``the most cherished moment in his life. He quoted two important developments, i.e. establishmet of Ram Temple and taking the Jagannath Cult and Rath Yathra beyond the geographic limits and making it a pan-world event and culture. He has also congratulated Shri Jagannath Society and Sriram Temple Trust.

 He also lauded the role of Indo-Japan Friendship Centre, Tokyo Kannada Balaga and Bihar-Jharkhand Sangathan and Indian Cultural Society on the occasion while reiterating the press conference of Prime Minister Modi at White House.

 Among other dignitaries, President Indian Commerce and Indistry Organisation in Japan Jagmohan Chandrani and senior attorney in Immigration Matters Onda Kaoru joined. This beautiful programme has attracted people from Ibaraki, Tokyo and nearby areas and more than 800 people were present.

 It can be mentioned here that Shri Jagannath Society Japan has started a movement to bind the Indian community members with the age-old Indo-Japanese cultural links. Kuna Dash from Puri, who is staying in Japan for over 33 years, said ``The world famous Rath Yatra of Puri has now become a worldwide celebration with love and devotion.’’