Digha temple row: Odisha Law Minister warns of legal action over ‘Dham’ use

Amidst the ongoing dispute with neighbouring West Bengal, Odisha Law Minister on Monday tried to clear the air surrounding the allegation that surplus wood (sacred Daru) from Nabakalebar rituals at Puri Jagannath temple were used for the construction of idols of newly inaugurated Jagannath temple at Digha in West Bengal.

Odisha’s Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has stated that the narrative claiming the use of balaka (surplus) daru for idol construction is “completely false and misleading.” 

Speaking to the media after consulting with traditional temple servitors and Maharana sculptors associated with the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Minister said, “There is no truth to the claims that the surplus sacred wood was used in construction of the idols for the Digha temple. Technically, spiritually, and traditionally, it is not possible to carve a 2.5-foot idol from such wood.”

He clarified that as per inputs from the Jagannath temple’s servitor community and especially from those directly involved in idol-making, no recognized daru-wood had been selected or dispatched for this purpose. 

SJTA To Bring SOP

“The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator has submitted his report after a detailed investigation regarding what happened, along with some recommendations. These will be apprised to the Odisha Chief Minister for the next course of action. Jagannath temples can be constructed anywhere, and what rituals need to be followed, SJTA will soon come up with an SOP which will be sent and circulated to all Jagannath temples so that there is uniformity in the conduct of rituals,” said Harichandan.

Condemn Terming Digha Temple as Jagannath Dham 

Odisha Law Minister informed that the use of ‘Jagannath Dham’ for the newly constructued temple at Digha in West Bengal has been condemned. Hence, the Odisha government will urge the West Bengal government to stop the use of word Dham. Similarly, naming the Digha beach as Mahodadhi will be directed to be removed. We will explore legal avenues if West Bengal fails to comply with these, he said.

Expressing strong objections, Harichandan clarified that the term Dham—a sacred identifier—is reserved for only four places in Hindu tradition: Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameswaram, and Puri. 

“No other place has the spiritual or scriptural legitimacy to be called a Dham. Associating the Digha temple with the term ‘Jagannath Dham’ is a clear misrepresentation and can mislead the faithful,” he warned.
Adding to the controversy, the Minister condemned the practice of referring to Digha’s coastline as “Mahodadhi”—a title traditionally used for the sea near Puri as described in religious texts.

No Sacred Daru Used For Digha Idols

“Senior servitor Ramakrishna Das Mahapatra, who had earlier indicated that balaka daru was used, has now himself clarified that no such sacred wood was involved,” Harichandan stated. 

“Instead, the idol in question has been carved by Sudarshan Maharana, a sculptor based in Bhubaneswar, using regular neem wood.”
The Minister went on to reveal that the said idol was then handed over to Ramakrishna Dasmahapatra, who subsequently transported it to Digha. 

The Law Minister expressed concerns that Ramakrishna Dasmahapatra’s earlier comments had caused confusion and emotional distress among countless devotees who revere the traditions associated with Lord Jagannath in Puri. “His misleading remarks are under review. This is a serious matter, and we are evaluating appropriate steps,” the Minister added.

In light of these developments, the Odisha government will be sending an official letter to the West Bengal government, seeking immediate rectification. 

“If our concerns are not addressed, the state of Odisha will not hesitate to seek legal recourse,” the Minister asserted.

“We will not allow anyone to distort or replicate the unique traditions of Jagannath culture, which are deeply rooted in the soil and soul of Odisha.”

He reiterated that Odisha’s heritage, especially of Puri and the Jagannath Temple, is not just a matter of faith but also an emotional and cultural identity that must be preserved at all costs. 

“The wrongful use of sacred terminology, false claims about idol-making, and the portrayal of alternate centers as ‘Dhams’ are not just disrespectful—they are potentially divisive and dangerous.”

This firm stance by the Odisha government is expected to further escalate the ongoing tension between Odisha and West Bengal over the cultural and religious positioning of Digha’s temple project. It also highlights the sensitive nature of religious symbols, names, and practices, and the importance of respecting the sanctity of time-honoured traditions.