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| Jagannath temple, Digha, WB indiatoday.in |
The CM of West Bengal had not only generated an unwanted controversy but also named the new temple as Jangannath Dham at Digha in Purba Midnipur District, thus earning the ire of Puri Jangannath temples' officials and the people there. It is true the new temple is a lasting religious landmark in Digha. But critics view this an attempt by Mamta to boost her image among the Hindus as the BJP's popularity is on the increase in the state. To the common people the unfolding controversy underscores the emerging complexity due to the influence of faith, governance and politics in contemporary Bengal
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| Digha Jagannath temple,WB ommcomnews.com |
Built at the cost of over Rs.250 crore on a plot of 24 acres of land, the New Jagannath Dham was built, taking inspiration from the historical iconic 12th century Jagannath Temple in Puri. She got the inspiration on avisit to the old Jagannath temple in Digha in December, 2018. No doubt the Digha temple may be an important addition to the religious and cultural landscape of West Bengal and to fulfill the aspiration of the devotees of Lord Jagannath (Vishnu). But the question is why did the WB government evince keen interest in this project which is just a replica of Puri Jagannath temple in the neighboring Odisha state. Like Puri temple the primary deities are gods Jagannath, Balabhadra and goddess Subhadra along with Mahalakshmi showcasing both devotion and architectural splendor. The idols enshrined in the sanctum, unlike Puri temple where the wooden lords are known as‘Darubrahma', are made of sculpted stone.
Based on the model of Puri temple, the temple complex has four key components: the Vimana (Garbhagriha or sanctum), the Jagamohan (assembly hall), the Natya Mandir (dancing hall) and the Bhog Mandap (offering hall), highlighting all the classic elements of temple architecture as prescribed by the Vedic Scriptures. The ancient Kalinga architecture style is quite conspicuous, the structure adopts the traditional proportions, with the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra enshrined atop the sacred Ratnabedi, reminiscent of the arrangements at Puri.
As a matter of fact controversy is rooted in naming the temple as Jagannath Dham. The unethical use of the name Dham is strongly objected to by the official of the Puri temple including the servitor Digbysingha Deb and his Royal family and Sri Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati of Puri. It is viewed as an infringement on the time-honored religious, cultural and spiritual legacy of centuries old Jagannath temple, one of the four dhams in Hinduism established by the Adi Shankaracharya of Kalady (Kerala). The agony and resentment over the wanton use of Dham by CM Mamta Banerjee at Digha temple may be seen across Puri town and its neighboring places.
Constructed over a period of three long years using more than 300,000 cubic feet of Bansi Paharpur pink sandstone, the temple highlights the workmanship of the talented craftsmen numbering over 3000. The sprawling campus includes well designed lawns and over 500 newly planted trees, enhancing its ambiance.
As for the annual Rath Yatra wooden idols are used and the old Jagannath temple, Digha is developed into the ‘Maasir Bari’ (aunt’s house of the Lord), where the rathas will conclude their journey during yatra festival.
Ever since Mamta inaugurated the temple at Digha on April 30, 2025 the footfall had increased to more than 80000 a day and on the holidays the temple witnessed more visitors. One could see big boost in tourism and the hotel owners had hiked the rent charges per day. Whereas in Puri the average footfall per day is between 30000 to 40000 and far more during major festival events
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