Lord Jagannath’s idol at Oxford museum has gained attention after an Indian residence posted a video on the internet showing how these sacred images are displayed in a museum. The Pitt Rivers Museum is part of the University of Oxford, and followers of Lord Jagannath as well as historians have responded positively to this newly discovered information.
Mita Mohapatra, a resident of the UK originally from Odisha posted a video on Instagram. The videos portray wooden idols that she captured at the Pitt Rivers Museum located in Oxford. Museum. Records and reports indicate that these wooden idols were acquired by the museum in 1894 from a local business near the Jagannath Puri Temple.
According to the display information, the figures displayed are models representing the large temple deities. According to the Museum's website, a total of over 200 hours was spent on treating these three idols through conservation. Although the statues were relatively well preserved, some of the clothing had sustained damage and required the attention of the conservation team in order to restore them.
As per the museum website, the idols were purchased near the Jagannath Puri temple in Odisha in the late 1800s. “The figures on display are models of large temple deities,” the playcard on the museum showcase reads.
Internet reacted quite strongly to the video with many pointing out that the idols were most likely robbed or taken without permission. Many social media users also pointed out the misrepresentation.
"Not collected. Robbed By William Crooke in puri," a comment read. "Sad to see our deity behind the glass with torn clothes, no bhog prasad no flower garland😞.. Britishers at least provide a proper place on show some Respect," another comment read.
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