Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has filed a police complaint after the circulation of AI-generated images and videos depicting Lord Jagannath on social media sparked widespread outrage among devotees.
According to SJTA officials, the fabricated visuals were shared by a social media account identified as ‘vishvrajcreation’. The content allegedly misrepresented the revered deity and violated long-established temple traditions, causing deep emotional distress to devotees across Odisha and beyond.
The complaint was formally submitted by the temple’s Special Security Officer at the Singhadwar Police Station in Puri. In the complaint, the SJTA stated that the misuse of artificial intelligence to create such content undermines the sanctity of Lord Jagannath and poses a serious threat to religious sentiments.
Jagannath culture researcher Bhaskar Mishra strongly criticized the visuals, particularly an AI-generated video that showed milk being poured over Lord Jagannath using a crane. He clarified that no such ritual exists in Jagannath temple traditions and described the depiction as misleading and culturally inappropriate.
Temple authorities have emphasized that any unauthorized portrayal of the deity, especially through advanced technologies like AI, must be treated seriously. The SJTA is now considering recommending amendments to existing legal provisions to curb the misuse of artificial intelligence in religious contexts and to introduce stricter punitive measures against those responsible.
Meanwhile, police have initiated a preliminary inquiry into the matter to identify the creators and distributors of the controversial content. Officials have urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified or offensive religious material on digital platforms.
The incident has reignited broader discussions on the ethical use of artificial intelligence and the urgent need for regulatory safeguards to protect religious and cultural heritage in the digital age.
-OdishaAge
