Is Bengal Government Building a Durga Temple After Lord Jagannath?
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Synopsis
In an exciting development for devotees, the Bengal government plans to construct a new Durga temple, named 'Durga Angan', after the recent establishment of the Lord Jagannath temple. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance religious tourism and community engagement in West Bengal. Stay tuned for more updates regarding this significant project!
Key Takeaways
- Bengal government to build 'Durga Angan' temple.
- Collaboration between State Tourism Department and WBHIDCO.
- Project aims to enhance religious tourism.
- Controversies surrounding Lord Jagannath temple affect public perception.
- Budget and location details are pending.
Kolkata, Aug 11 (NationPress) Following the establishment of the Lord Jagannath temple in Digha, located in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, the state government has announced plans for a new Durga temple.
This decision was made during a State Cabinet meeting held on Thursday evening, where it was confirmed that the new temple will be named "Durga Angan".
The creation of "Durga Angan" will be a collaborative effort between the State Tourism Department and the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO).
The two organizations will establish a trust responsible for overseeing the construction of "Durga Angan", as stated by Power Minister Arup Biswas in a media briefing following the Cabinet meeting.
It is noteworthy that WBHIDCO also facilitated the construction of the Lord Jagannath Temple at Digha.
However, details regarding the exact location for "Durga Angan" are yet to be disclosed, and the budget for the project remains to be determined. The venue must first be confirmed before any further steps can be taken, according to Biswas.
Previously, the Lord Jagannath Temple at Digha faced considerable scrutiny as opposition parties questioned the appropriateness of utilizing public funds from the state exchequer for a religious structure.
To mitigate this controversy, the temple has been officially recorded as the "Shree Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre" in government documents.
Nonetheless, disputes arose regarding the inclusion of the term "Dham" in the name, as scholars pointed out that, according to Hindu beliefs, only four temples—located at Badrinath, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Puri—can be designated as "Dham".
Additional controversies emerged due to allegations that the "Prasad" from the Digha temple was sourced from sweet shops owned by non-Hindus, raising concerns among the Hindu community.
From the outset, the BJP has been critical of the distribution of sweets from non-Hindu establishments as "Prasad" at the Digha Jagannath temple.
Point of View
The construction of 'Durga Angan' illustrates the West Bengal government's commitment to promoting religious tourism while navigating the controversies surrounding public funding for religious structures. It is crucial to approach this development with an understanding of its implications for community sentiment and cultural heritage.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the new temple being built in Bengal?
The new temple being constructed is named 'Durga Angan'.
Who is responsible for building the Durga temple?
The Durga temple will be built jointly by the State Tourism Department and the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO).
When was the decision to build the Durga temple made?
The decision to construct the Durga temple was made during a State Cabinet meeting on Thursday evening, August 11.
What controversies surrounded the Lord Jagannath temple?
The Lord Jagannath temple faced scrutiny over the use of public funds for its construction, leading to its official designation as 'Shree Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre' to avoid further controversy.
What cultural beliefs affect the use of the term 'Dham'?
According to Hindu beliefs, only four temples—Badrinath, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Puri—are permitted to be referred to as 'Dham'.
