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

A growing controversy has erupted over West Bengal’s attempt to label a local temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’, a title reserved for the 12th-century shrine in Puri. BJP National Vice-President and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda accused the state leadership (West Bengal CM) of disrespecting Hindu traditions and politicising religious sentiments, on Tuesday.

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

Taking to his personal ‘X’ handle, the Kendrapara MP said, “There can only be one Jagannath Dham, the original one in Puri, Odisha. Just like there can only be one Vatican and one Kaaba.”

India has only 4 Dhams, called 'Char Dham'

“Sure, you can have replicas, and indeed there are Jagannath temples all over the world, but none call themselves Dham, which is a sacred designation, and there are only four such holy sites in different parts of Bharat,” the senior leader asserted.

“However, West Bengal’s Chief Appeaser continues her mockery of and disregard for Hindu traditions and sentiments. Indians of all persuasions, including and especially secular ones, must shame her into backing down,” the MP Panda said.

Worth mentioning, earlier in the day, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee once again campaigned in support of the naming of Digha Jagannath temple, envisioning it as an additional ‘Dham’, leaving aside the ‘Char Dham’ such as Badrinath, Rameswaram, Puri, and Dwarka.

Must Read: Digha temple is not ‘Jagannath Dham’: Puri Gajapati Maharaja

Highlighting the skywalks previously built near other temples in the neighbouring state, such as Kalibari and Dakshineswar had faced no opposition, Mamata questioned why the naming of Jagannath temple in Digha as ‘Jagannath Dham’ now sparks controversy.