What prompted Odisha minister to order a probe into the Jagannatha Temple controversy in Bengal's Digha?
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Synopsis
Odisha's Law Minister has called for an investigation into the controversy surrounding the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal. Allegations regarding the temple's designation and idol creation have ignited debates among devotees, raising concerns about cultural sensitivities and the integrity of Jagannath traditions.
Key Takeaways
- Investigation ordered by Odisha’s Law Minister
- Concerns over the temple's naming as 'Jagannath Dham'
- Idol creation claims from sacred materials questioned
- Devotee sentiments at the center of the controversy
- Significance of cultural heritage emphasized
Bhubaneswar, May 2 (NationPress) Odisha's Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has directed the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri to conduct an investigation into the controversy surrounding the newly established Jagannath Temple located in Digha, West Bengal.
In a correspondence addressed to Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator of SJTA, Harichandan expressed concern over the misleading reports circulating in various media regarding the Lord Jagannath temple.
He voiced his dissatisfaction with claims that the temple in Digha is referred to as 'Jagannath Dham' and that idols at this temple have been created using surplus sacred Daru (the sacred Neem trees) from the 12th-century Puri shrine, especially during the Nabakalebara rituals held in 2015.
“The construction of the Lord Jagannath temple in Digha, its designation as 'Jagannath Dham', the participation of servitors from Puri in its consecration, and the creation of idols from surplus sacred Daru are entirely unacceptable and seem to offend the sentiments of devotees and the 4.5 crore residents of Odisha,” Harichandan stated.
“The temple administration must take appropriate measures to clarify the facts to the public by initiating an internal inquiry into this matter. If any individual is found culpable or knowingly involved, the state government may impose penalties accordingly,” he added.
Notably, referring to the Digha temple as 'Jagannatha Dham' has incited outrage among devotees, Lord Jagannath servitors, and cultural experts in Odisha, who assert that this could cause confusion among followers.
They argue that traditionally, there are only four Dhams within Hinduism.
The situation intensified following comments made by a senior servitor from the Puri Jagannath Temple, who participated in the inauguration of the Digha Jagannath Temple. In a discussion with a local Bengali media outlet, he allegedly claimed that idols in the Digha temple were crafted from the sacred Daru used to create deities in Puri during the 2015 Nabakalebara.
However, the servitor later retracted these statements in a press conference, asserting that his remarks were misrepresented by the media.
It is worth noting that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Jagannath temple in the coastal town of Digha on April 30. This temple, constructed at a cost of Rs 250 crore, spans over 20 acres.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the sensitivity surrounding religious sentiments in India. The controversy over the Jagannath Temple in Digha highlights the importance of upholding cultural heritage while addressing concerns from devotees. Odisha's government must ensure transparency and accountability to maintain trust within the community.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy surrounding the Jagannath Temple in Digha?
The controversy involves the temple being referred to as 'Jagannath Dham' and allegations that idols were made from sacred materials used in Puri's Nabakalebara rituals.
Who ordered the investigation into the temple?
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan ordered the investigation.
What are the concerns raised by the devotees?
Devotees are concerned that the naming and claims about the idol's creation may confuse the cultural significance of the original Jagannath traditions.
When was the Digha Jagannath Temple inaugurated?
The temple was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30.
What is the cost and size of the Digha Jagannath Temple?
The temple was built at a cost of Rs 250 crore and spans over 20 acres.
