The controversy surrounding the new Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, has prompted a high-level meeting in Puri today.
Chaired by the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), the meeting aims to resolve concerns about the temple’s portrayal as ‘Jagannath Dham.’
The controversy intensified after claims surfaced that sacred wood from Puri’s Nabakalebara ritual was taken to Digha and used in temple construction.
This assertion has raised concerns among servitors and religious authorities, prompting Odisha’s Law Minister to order an internal inquiry.
Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has also voiced opposition, appealing to Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb to take measures to protect the sanctity of Puri’s Jagannath Temple.
Legal and administrative actions against misrepresentation are likely to be considered during the meeting.
