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The inauguration of a new Jagannath temple in Digha has ignited the dispute between Odisha and West Bengal on its designation as Jagannath Dham.
New Delhi:
The inauguration of a new Jagannath temple in Digha has become the center of dispute between eastern neighbors Odisha and West Bengal. The root of the controversy references to the West Bengal government as “Jagannath Dham” in the context of the temple, historically and a word which is reserved for the 12th -century Puri temple, which is considered one of the four primary pilgrimage sites of Hinduism.
Naming is found with strong objections to religious scholars, priests and servants in Odisha, who argue that the title “Dham” means a position and purity, which can neither be repeated nor claim without distorting centuries of tradition.
In an area of 22 acres and at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore, the Digha temple is being introduced as both religious and tourism destination. There are also slogans like “there is no need to go to Puri to see Jagannath Dham and The Sea”.
Historical title sparks modern controversy
The word “Dham” is not merely honored in Hindu theology. Traditionally, it refers to holy sites associated with Hinduism. Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th -century philosopher and the pioneer nominated Puri as one of the four “dhams” of India, with others Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameswaram. These are not interchangeable labels.
In a letter addressed to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha’s internationally acclaimed sand artist and a Padma Shri Awardee Sudarshan Pattanik expressed concern that the devotees would be misled by calling the Digha temple “Jagannath Dham” and insulting the unique identity of Puree Srin.
“This statement has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees worldwide,” Sri Pattanik wrote. “According to our sacred scriptures, only one Jagannath Dham is present, which is located in Puri. Long connecting any other temple with the title can lead to confusion and contradiction of spiritual and Hindu cultural traditions for a long time.”
The artist has urged the Odisha government to clarify the matter to join his West Bengal counterpart and, if necessary, seek improvement. Copies of the letter have also been sent to Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.
The official promotional material issued by the West Bengal government led by Mamta Banerjee has further stopped the flames. Such an advertisement consisted of an image of ‘Bana’ with ‘Bana’, a symbol that has been particularly associated with the long -term temple.
Critics argue that the step indicates the appropriation by the Government of Bengal, which blurred the difference between the two sites.
Political undercurrents
In West Bengal, Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvandu Adhikari has issued an open letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi, demanding clarity whether the new structure is a temple or a cultural center. Mr. Adhikari cited tender documents from West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), describing the site as “Jagannath Dham Sanskrit Center,” not a temple.
“If it is a cultural center, why is the public being invited to the temple opening?” He asked. “The invitation card should clearly explain that being inaugurated, a temple or a center.”
In the previous statement in the end of 2023, Mr. Adhikari also questioned the validity of using public funds for religious infrastructure citing the constitutional separation of religion and the state. He pointed to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, fully constructed through public donation under an independent trust.
Political commentators have also stated that in a few hours from Kolkata, the decision to inaugurate such a major temple in a place like Digha is not only religiously inspired, but has a political implication. With the assembly elections in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is eager to broaden its appeal among Hindu voters, with the BJP’s frequent allegations that Ms. Banerjee’s party is engaged in devastated politics.
