Use of sacred wood for Jagannath Temple in Digha unacceptable: Odisha Law Minister

Amid rising controversy over the reported use of sacred 'Daru' (divine wood) meant for Lord Jagannath in the construction of idols of the new temple in Digha in West Bengal, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has confirmed that an investigation will be initiated into the matter. The Law Minister said that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has already been issued a formal directive to conduct a preliminary inquiry.

The controversy centers around the claim that divine wood, traditionally used during the sacred Nabakalebara ritual to carve new idols of the deities in the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, was allegedly used to create idols at a newly built Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal. 

This claim has not only triggered outrage among devotees and servitors in Puri but also sparked a larger debate about the sanctity and exclusivity of the rituals associated with the historic shrine.

‘No Other Temple Can Be Compared to Jagannath Dham,’ Says Law Minister

Addressing the media, Odisha Law Minister stated unequivocally that it is inappropriate and unacceptable to compare any other temple with the original Jagannath Dham in Puri. “While temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath may exist elsewhere, none of them can be conferred the status of Dham, which is uniquely reserved for Puri,” he emphasized.

“The spiritual, historical, and ritual significance of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri is unparalleled. Misleading comparisons and symbolic replication of its divine elements, such as the sacred Daru, pose a serious threat to the sanctity of our traditions,” he added.

Investigation Will Reveal How the Daru Was Transferred

The Law Minister further clarified that the facts surrounding how the sacred Daru may have reached Digha will be known only after a thorough investigation is completed. He stated that all relevant details will be brought to the attention of the Odisha Chief Minister, and subsequent actions will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.

It may be recalled that on the previous day, Minister Harichandan wrote a formal letter to the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple, instructing him to conduct an internal investigation into the matter. This move comes in response to mounting public concern and media reports alleging the misuse or misrepresentation of sacred elements of the Puri temple’s rituals.

Growing Public and Devotional Concern

The issue has also stirred deep emotional reactions from various stakeholders, including servitor groups, cultural organizations, and religious scholars. Many view the use of Puri’s sacred traditions in another temple without proper sanction or transparency as a direct affront to the deeply spiritual practices of Odisha’s most revered religious institution.

Devotees and heritage activists have urged the Odisha government to take strict action against any individuals or groups attempting to misappropriate or commercialize the sacred customs of the Jagannath cult.

Awaiting Further Action from the Odisha Government

As the investigation begins, all eyes are now on the findings of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration and the subsequent decisions to be taken by the Chief Minister. The outcome of this inquiry could set a precedent for how such sensitive issues involving religious traditions and cultural heritage are handled in the future.