New Jagannath temple in West Bengal: Key meeting in Puri today, Sudarsan Pattnaik opposes use of ‘Jagannath Dham’

In light of the growing controversy surrounding the Jagannath temple in Digha (West Bengal), a high-level meeting is scheduled to be held today in Puri under the chairmanship of the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). The meeting, considered to be of great importance, will take place this afternoon and is expected to address multiple contentious issues related to the Digha temple.

Officials and servitors directly associated with temple rituals—including Chhatisha Nijog, Badagrahis, Deulakarans, and others—have been formally invited to participate in the meeting. 

The central focus of the discussion will be the controversy over the portrayal of the Digha temple as a  'Jagannath Dham’, and the manner in which certain religious rites and traditions associated with the original Puri temple are being imitated or claimed by the Digha temple.

Controversial Claims to Be Reviewed

The issue has gained traction after the secretary of the Daitapati Nijog allegedly stated that the sacred ‘Balaka Daru’ (remainder of the sacred wood used during the 'Nabakalebara' ritual to carve Lord Jagannath’s idol in Puri) was taken to Digha and used there—an assertion that has sparked widespread concern among the servitor community and religious authorities. 

These claims are expected to be scrutinized in detail during today’s meeting, with servitors likely to present their perspectives on whether these practices mislead devotees and violate the sanctity of the Puri temple’s unique traditions.

Legal Instructions and Administrative Action

The matter has also drawn the attention of the Odisha government. Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, responding to the growing uproar, has instructed the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple to conduct an internal inquiry into the issue. A formal letter was sent yesterday directing the temple administration to look into all aspects of the controversy and take appropriate steps.

This directive from the Law Minister is expected to be a key agenda point in today’s deliberations. Administrative measures and possible legal action against those involved in misrepresentation may be considered, depending on the findings and opinions presented during the meeting.

Sudarsan Pattnaik Appeals to Gajapati Maharaja

Meanwhile, internationally acclaimed sand artist and ex-member managing committee,  Sudarsan Pattnaik, has also voiced concern over the portrayal of the Digha temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’. 

In a letter addressed to Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb spiritual guardian of the rituals, Pattnaik has appealed for appropriate action to protect the sanctity and heritage of the original Shree Jagannath Dham in Puri.

He has requested the Gajapati Maharaja to take an active role in ensuring that such misrepresentations are addressed at the earliest and that necessary steps are taken to prevent any dilution or distortion of centuries-old rituals and religious identity.

In his letter, Pattanaik wrote, “The construction of a new temple dedicated to Shree Jagannath is truly commendable and appreciated. However, the reference to it as ‘Jagannath Dham’ has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees around the world. As per our sacred scriptures, 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 run contrary to the long spiritual traditions and cultural heritage of Hinduism.”

Background and Significance

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is not just a religious center but also a cultural symbol with deep historical roots. Attempts to project another temple as an equivalent ‘Jagannath Dham’ have raised serious concerns among historians, servitors, and devotees alike.
Today’s meeting in Puri is expected to be a turning point in determining how such matters are handled in the future.