Digha Jagannath temple row: ISKCON Mayapuri responds to Gajapati Maharaja’s letter

ISKCON Mayapuri has formally addressed the concerns raised by Puri Gajapati Maharaja regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding recently consecrated Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, sources said on Tuesday.

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ISKCON not involved in decision-making process

In their response, the ISKCON Mayapuri clarified that the West Bengal government solely decided to rename the temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’, and ISKCON was not involved in this decision-making process. The religious organisation also stated that their role is limited to overseeing the performance of daily rituals and sacred services within the temple.

ISKCON emphasised that their duties are confined to religious ceremonies and they hold no jurisdiction over any other administrative decisions.

“We have received your letter concerning the naming of the newly established Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal. We would like to respectfully clarify ISKCON's limited role in this matter. ISKCON has been entrusted solely with the seva-puja at the Digha temple. Of the 27 trustees of the 'Jagannath Dham Trust', Digha, only one is from ISKCON. The Trust comprises representatives from various sampradayas as well as officials nominated by the West Bengal government,” the letter from ISKCON mentioned.

A trust, inclusive of a member from ISKCON, has been established to manage the Digha temple's day-to-day operations comprehensively. Daitapati Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra, who is also known as Rajesh Daitapati, is part of this trust.

“We would also like to bring to Your Majesty's kind attention that Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra, also known as Rajesh Daitapati-Secretary of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, and Secretary of the Daitapati Nijoga-is also a trustee of the 'Jagannath Dham Trust', Digha. He got the wooden Deities made in Puri and performed the Lordships' prana-pratistha ceremony at the Digha temple and has clearly stated on multiple occasions that the Chief Minister of West Bengal is his disciple. Given his deep connection to the Puri temple and his position within the Trust, Your Majesty may wish to consider seeking his guidance or support on this matter,” the ISKCON authorities stated.

It is important to note that the name 'Jagannath Dham' was finalised by the West Bengal government prior to the formation of the Trust. ISKCON had no involvement or advisory role in that decision. Our representative was inducted into the Trust at a later stage and was given responsibility exclusively for the seva-puja.

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In light of the above, the ISKCON humbly submitted that it would be more appropriate to approach West Bengal government directly regarding naming of the temple.