Digha temple row: Sudarsan Pattnaik seeks PM Modi’s intervention

Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing serious concern over the recent move by West Bengal government to name the newly constructed temple at Digha as ‘Jagannath Dham’.

Terming the move by West Bengal CM as unacceptable, as it has hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees of Lord Jagannath, Pattnaik has sought intervention of the Prime Minister in the matter.

Puri Jagannath Temple Is The Original Dham

Pattnaik, who has represented India globally through his sand sculptures centered around Lord Jagannath, stated that calling Digha “Jagannath Dham” is misleading and deeply disrespectful to the spiritual and cultural sanctity of Puri — the original and only Jagannath Dham as per Hindu scriptures.

He emphasized that according to religious texts and long-standing tradition, Puri in Odisha is the sole and sacred seat of Lord Jagannath, forming one of the four Dhams established by Adi Shankaracharya.

Associating the title with any other location, he argued, not only misguides devotees but also dilutes the historical and spiritual significance of the Puri temple.

“It has come to public attention, through an announcement by the Chief Minister of West Bengal, that the newly inaugurated Jagannath Temple in Digha is being referred to as "Jagannath Dham." While the construction of a new temple dedicated to Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath is truly commendable and appreciated, the reference to it as "Jagannath Dham" has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of His devotees around the world,” Pattnaik wrote in his letter.

As per our sacred scriptures (Shastras), there is only one recognized Jagannath Dham, which is in Puri, Odisha.

Using this revered title for any other location may cause religious confusion and runs contrary to the longstanding spiritual traditions and cultural heritage of Hinduism.

“With deep respect and reverence, your unwavering devotion to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and your sincere efforts in preserving the rich Jagannath culture are widely acknowledged. I humbly request your kind attention to this matter and respectfully urge you to consider taking appropriate action,” Pattnaik added.