Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has written to West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, requesting the removal of the word “Dham” from the name of the Digha Jagannath Dham temple complex in Purba Medinipur.
Majhi said the naming has hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath across Odisha and beyond.
In his letter, Majhi emphasised that the term “Jagannath Dham” is historically and spiritually associated with Puri, one of India’s four sacred Dhams. He noted that the nomenclature carries immense cultural and devotional significance, representing the divine abode of Lord Jagannath.
Majhi urged Adhikari to intervene and facilitate an appropriate renaming of the temple complex as “Shri Jagannath Temple, Digha.” He said such a step would preserve the sanctity and distinct identity of Shree Jagannath Dham, Puri, while fostering mutual respect between the people of Odisha and West Bengal.
The Digha Jagannath Dham naming controversy has drawn attention from devotees, scholars, and socio-cultural organisations, who argue that the use of “Dham” outside Puri undermines its spiritual exclusivity. Majhi expressed confidence that Adhikari would appreciate the concerns and act to resolve the matter amicably.
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