NEW DELHI: The West Bengal government’s decision to call the newly opened temple in Digha “Jagannath Dham” has sparked criticism from a section of Lord Jagannath devotees in Odisha, who say the title undermines the sanctity of the 12th-century shrine in Puri.
While the temple’s construction has been welcomed, several priests, scholars, servitors, and religious researchers have strongly objected to the use of the word “Dham” for the Digha temple. They argue that the naming has caused offence and could confuse devotees about long-standing spiritual traditions.
Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has demanded clarification from West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who described the temple as a “Dham” during its recent inauguration. He said, “This statement has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees worldwide.”
In a letter to Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Pattnaik stressed that “according to our sacred scripture, there exists only one ‘Jagannath Dham’, which is located in Puri”. He warned that linking other temples with this sacred title may create confusion and go against Hindu religious customs.
Pattnaik urged Majhi to raise the matter with the West Bengal CM and take appropriate action. He also referred to reports claiming that some servitors from Puri, who attended the Digha temple’s opening, have said that ‘Brahma’ has been placed inside the idol of Lord Jagannath.
“This claim is highly sensitive, as the concept of ‘Brahma’ in the idol of Mahaprabhu Jagannath is a sacred and unique feature of the original temple in Puri, rooted in centuries of tradition and ritual secrecy,” Pattnaik said. He has asked for a detailed inquiry into both the usage of the term ‘Brahma’ and the title ‘Jagannath Dham’.
Speaking to news agency PTI, he added, “I request the West Bengal chief minister to tender an apology to millions of Lord Jagannath devotees for projecting the temple at Digha as a ‘Dham.’”
Former Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee member Madhab Mohapatra also criticised Banerjee and urged her to stop what he called a “false claim”, suggesting it could be “part of an evil conspiracy against Jagannath Dham and Sanatan Dharma”.
Adding to the objections, senior servitor Ramachandra Dasmohapatra said, “How can Digha become a ‘Dham’? All seas are not ‘Mahodadhi’ or all places of Jagannath Temple across the world are not ‘Dham’. Please do not mislead the people.”
Shree Jagannath Sena convener Priyadarshan Pattnaik also spoke out against the West Bengal CM’s remarks. “Mamata didi should not mislead Bengalis. Bengali people know what is what and it is difficult to mislead them,” he said.
(With agency inputs)
