Digha temple reflects temptation for wealth, but uses the name of Lord Jagannath: Puri Shankaracharya

The recently consecrated Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal, is not ‘Jagannath Dham’. It is more a complex having commercial implications. The temple is a symbol of ‘temptation for wealth’. Lord Jagannath’s name has merely been used to earn money, Puri Govardhan Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati said on Thursday.

Also Read: Jagannath temples are all over the world, but lone Jagannath Dham is in Puri: BJP National VP Baijayant Panda

Prominent religious figure Shankaracharya publicly denounced the decision, suggesting it exploits Lord Jagannath's name for commercial gain. He compared the decision to previous attempts to misuse the sacred identity of Lord Jagannath and called the act improper, pointing to financial motivations that could commercialise revered cultural practices.

“Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had connected the two states (Odisha and West Bengal). However, there is temptation for wealth behind construction of the new temple; but, the name of Lord Jagannath has been used to fulfill this objective,” the Shankaracharya said.

The decision by West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, to name the new temple in Digha as ‘Jagannath Dham’ has sparked controversy. The term ‘Jagannath Dham’ is traditionally associated with the world famous 12th Century Vaishnavite shrine in Puri town, Odisha, recognised as one of India’s four key pilgrimage sites.

Sanctity and uniqueness of Puri Jagannath temple at stake

Religious and political figures, including the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, have already raised their concerns regarding the appropriateness of using the revered name for another location. Despite calls from various stakeholders for a reassessment of the naming, Banerjee has remained firm in her resolve.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which has board members on the temple’s Trust, is also aware of these objections, highlighted by the devotees. However, the West Bengal Chief Minister is yet to address these points of contention.

Followers of Lord Jagannath and cultural experts have expressed unease, fearing that the sanctity and uniqueness of Puri’s Jagannath temple may be compromised. They argue that the traditional rituals and cultural significance associated with the Puri temple are potentially being endangered.

Efforts to bring this issue to the government's attention are underway, with a proposed meeting among temple heads, administrators and servitors to deliberate on the matter. The possibility of pursuing redress at the national level, including legal intervention, is also being considered.

Devotees have questioned why the singular importance of Puri's ‘Jagannath Dham’ is not being respected. Reports suggest that traditional practices, such as the ‘Chhappan Bhog’ offering, may have been altered as part of the new temple project. Legal analysts caution that such developments may foster regional tensions and impact religious sentiments.

Must Read: Digha Jagannath temple row: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee marginalising Puri Srimandir!

Calls for Mamata Banerjee to rethink her decision are mounting, as devotees hope for divine guidance in influencing her ‘judgement’.