Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep concerns over the naming of the newly established Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, as “Jagannath Dham.”
A simmering cultural and religious controversy has erupted between the eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal following the inauguration of a new Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal. The contention centres on the West Bengal government’s decision to name the temple “Jagannath Dham,” a designation traditionally reserved for the revered 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha—one of Hinduism’s four holiest pilgrimage sites, known as the Char Dham.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep concern over the naming of the Digha temple.
Majhi highlighted that the term “Jagannath Dham” holds immense historical, spiritual, and cultural significance for the people of Odisha and devotees worldwide, as it is exclusively associated with the Puri temple. He argued that using the same name for the Digha temple risks creating confusion among devotees, diluting the unique identity of the Puri shrine, and hurting the religious sentiments of millions.
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, established in the 12th century, is a cornerstone of Hindu tradition and Odisha’s cultural heritage. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, alongside Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram, and is deeply revered by followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, including the 16th-century saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who spent significant years in Puri. The temple’s rituals, such as the annual Rath Yatra, draw millions of devotees globally, and its cultural history is intertwined with the traditions of Odisha’s indigenous tribes.
The Digha temple, a replica of the Puri shrine, was envisioned as a tourist attraction for the popular beach destination, located 190 km from Kolkata. However, the decision to label it “Jagannath Dham” has drawn sharp criticism.
Majhi’s letter emphasised the need for inter-state respect and cultural sensitivity, urging the West Bengal government to reconsider the use of “Jagannath Dham” in official naming, communication, and promotional materials. “We must honour the unique heritage of each state and avoid actions that could lead to misunderstandings among devotees,” he wrote.
The dispute has sparked a broader debate about the appropriation of religious and cultural identities in India, where sacred sites often carry deep emotional and spiritual significance.
For now, the people of Odisha await a response from West Bengal, hoping for a resolution that respects the sacred legacy of Puri’s Jagannath Dham—a symbol of faith for millions across the globe.
