Controversy over Digha Temple: Minister urges inquiry into naming of Digha Temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’

Puri : Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has written a letter to the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple, Arabinda Kumar Padhee to conduct an internal inquiry into the naming of Digha Temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’, the participation of Puri   Temple sevayats in the consecration ceremony, and the use of “Daru Katha” for idol construction.

Harichandan emphasized that these actions have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Lord Jagannath’s devotees and the people of Odisha. The controversy comes in the wake of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent participation in the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony of the Digha temple.

Later, in a post on X, CM Banerjee shared the first glimpse of Lord Jagannath enshrined in the temple. “A moment to be cherished forever. The first glimpse of Lord Jagannath enshrined in the Garbhagriha of the Jagannath Temple in Digha will remain etched in my heart. I felt my spirit stir with the divine radiance emanating from the sacred idol. I had the privilege of performing the aarati and invoking the blessings of the Lord of the Universe upon our Ma, Mati, Manush,” Banerjee posted on X.