Did Odisha Law Minister Confirm That Sacred Daaru Wood Was Not Used in Carving Idols in Digha Temple?
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Synopsis
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan confirmed that the idols at Digha Jagannath Temple were not carved from sacred Daaru wood. This clarification followed scrutiny of claims regarding the wood’s use, highlighting the temple's commitment to transparency and accuracy in religious practices. Read on for more insights.
Key Takeaways
- Idols at Digha Temple were carved from neem wood, not Daaru.
- Investigation confirmed no surplus Daaru was used.
- Mahapatra's claims deemed a 'slip of tongue'.
- Temple administration is forming guidelines for Jagannath Temples.
- Legal action may be pursued against West Bengal's naming practices.
Bhubaneswar, May 5 (NationPress) Odisha's Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated on Monday that the deities in the Digha Jagannath Temple were not crafted from the surplus Daaru or sacred neem wood utilized for creating the idols of the Puri Jagannath Temple during the Nabakalebara.
In a press briefing after engaging with officials from the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri, the Law Minister remarked, “The allegation regarding the use of surplus Daaru or sacred neem wood for the idols at the Digha Jagannath Temple has been debunked during our investigation. The Maharana Sevaks (carpenter servitors) confirmed in our discussions that crafting a 2.5 feet idol from surplus sacred Daaru is not feasible.”
He also emphasized that Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra, the Secretary of Daitapati Nijoga, who was called to present before the SJTA, affirmed in his statement that the surplus Daaru or sacred wood from Puri was not part of the idol-making process at the Digha Temple.
“Mahapatra explained that the idols at the Digha Jagannath Temple were sculpted from a neem tree by a local artisan, Sudarshan Maharana, based in Bhubaneswar. No surplus Daaru wood was involved in the idol creation. Sudarshan Maharana acknowledged that he was the one who carved the idols of the Digha Jagannath Temple,” added Harichandan.
The senior servitor referred to earlier claims about using sacred surplus Daaru wood in the idol-making process as a mere ‘slip of the tongue’ and clarified that it was not meant to offend the sentiments of devotees.
Nonetheless, the temple administration has directed Mahapatra to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the matter within a week, as stipulated by the Temple Act.
The Law Minister indicated that the SJTA would take appropriate action against Mahapatra according to temple regulations if his explanation is deemed unsatisfactory.
“The state government will urge the West Bengal government to refrain from using the term ‘Dham’ and referring to the beach at Digha as 'Mahodadhi'. We will formally communicate this request. Should the West Bengal government fail to respond, we will consider legal avenues,” the Law Minister noted.
He attributed the current issues to an erroneous decision made by the prior state government in 1995/96, which permitted surplus Daaru to be stored within the premises of the Daitapati servitors.
“According to the temple's Records of Rights, the surplus Daru wood is housed in a designated room (Daaru Gruha) inside the temple,” he stated.
Harichandan also shared with the media that the temple administration has initiated the formation of a five-member committee tasked with compiling a detailed inventory of all sacred Daru wood stored in both the Daaru Gruha and the Daitapati servitor's room.
Subsequently, all surplus Daaru will be relocated to the Daaru Gruha, ensuring that none is stored externally.
The Odisha Law Minister also mentioned that the temple administration will soon circulate a set of guidelines to Jagannath Temples nationwide and beyond, outlining standards to be adhered to during construction and in the daily and special rituals and pujas of the deities.
The Chhatisa Nijoga (leaders of the traditional 36 categories of sevakas) and the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha will be approached to develop these guidelines.
The temple administration will also compile SOPs for servitors concerning sharing rituals and pujas related to the Jagannath temple at Puri with media representatives.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the importance of ensuring accurate information regarding religious practices. The government's prompt action in addressing misinformation reflects a commitment to transparency and respect for the beliefs of devotees. The situation underscores the necessity of clear communication and adherence to traditions in our diverse cultural landscape.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wood was used for the idols at Digha Jagannath Temple?
The idols were carved from a neem tree, not from surplus Daaru wood.
Who confirmed the absence of Daaru wood in the idol-making process?
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra confirmed the absence of Daaru wood.
What actions will be taken if the explanation provided by Mahapatra is unsatisfactory?
The SJTA will take necessary actions against Mahapatra as per temple regulations.
What guidelines will be distributed by the temple administration?
Guidelines for constructing Jagannath Temples and conducting rituals will be shared with temples across the country.
Why was a five-member committee formed?
To compile a detailed list of all sacred Daaru wood stored in the temple.
