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{{Short description|Hindu temple in West Bengal, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Jagannath Dham, Digha
| native_name = জগন্নাথ ধাম, দীঘা
| image = Jagannath Temple, Digha - জগন্নাথ মন্দির, দীঘা-৪.jpg
| caption =

| deity = [[Jagannath]], [[Balarama]], [[Subhadra]]
| tradition =
| Peetham =
| functional_status = Running by a team of Project Management unit, Consisting Vaibhab Chaudhury, IAS; Nilanjan Mandal, WBCS(Exe), Debabrata Payra, (A&AS);
D.K.Hazra, OSD, Chandan Dalui, UDA; Abhijit Dasgupta, UDA; Subhadip Samanta, LDA; & Shantanu Bhunia, LDA.
| governing_body = Project Monitoring Unit, Government of West Bengal
| temple_board = Trust set up by the [[government of West Bengal]] which includes representatives from [[ISKCON]] and other Hindu groups<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-names-iskcon-priest-as-board-member-of-digha-jagannath-temple-7227077 | title=Mamata Banerjee Names ISKCON Priest as Board Member of Digha Jagannath Temple }}</ref>
| festivals = [[Rath Yatra]]
| tower =
| temple_tank =
| temple_tree =

| location = [[Digha]]
| district = [[Purba Medinipur district|Purba Medinipur]]
| state = [[West Bengal]]
| country = India
| map_type = India West Bengal
| map_alt = Location in West Bengal
| coordinates = {{coord|21.6230076|N|87.4923572|E|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes =

| architecture_type = [[Kalinga architecture]]
| architecture_style = [[Nagara Style]]
| founded_by =
| creator = [[West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation|HIDCO]]
| established = 30 April 2025
| groundbreaking = 2022
| year_completed = April 2025

| facade_direction = North
| site_area = {{convert|24|acre|ha|2}}
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity =

| website = {{URL|jagannathdham-digha.in/}}

| footnotes =
}}

{{Vaishnavism}}
The '''Jagannath Temple''' at [[Digha]], officially named '''Digha Jagannath Dham''',<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/new-temple-impact-digha-rath-train-wl-crosses-100/articleshow/121682860.cms | title=New temple impact: Digha Rath train WL crosses 100 | work=The Times of India | date=7 June 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/digha-tourism-jagannath-dham-million-visitors-10007992/ | title=Bengal tourism gets Digha temple booster: 20 lakh people visited Jagannath Dham in 15 days | date=15 May 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://thecsrjournal.in/digha-jagannath-dham-temple-doors-remain-closed-public-ahead-rath-yatra/ | title=Digha Jagannath Dham Temple Doors to remain closed for public ahead of Rath Yatra | date=6 June 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://inshorts.com/en/news/digha-jagannath-dham-temple-in-west-bengal-celebrates-snan-yatra-1749633959274 | title=Digha Jagannath temple in West Bengal celebrates Snan Yatra }}</ref> is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to [[Jagannath]], located in the coastal town of Digha, [[Purba Medinipur district]], [[West Bengal]], India. The temple enshrines the deity Jagannath, a form of [[Vishnu]], along with his siblings [[Balarama]] and [[Subhadra]]. The temple was inaugurated on 30 April 2025 after a ''[[prana pratishtha]]'' (consecration) ceremony.

The temple is sacred to the [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava]] tradition of [[Hinduism]] and has been constructed as a replica of the famous [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannath Temple in Puri]], [[Odisha]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mamata woos Hindu voters with Puri Jagannath temple replica |url=https://sundayguardianlive.com/investigation/mamata-woos-hindu-voters-with-puri-jagannath-temple-replica |work=The Sunday Guardian}}</ref> The project was announced in 2018, construction commenced in 2022, and the temple was officially inaugurated on 30 April 2025.<ref name="telegraphindia1">{{cite web |author1=Supratik Sengupta |title=Bengal government's Rs 100-crore Jagannath Temple in Digha to be complete by December 2023 |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/bengal-governments-rs-100-crore-jagannath-temple-in-digha-to-be-complete-by-december-2023/cid/1888536 |website=www.telegraphindia.com |access-date=4 April 2023 |location=Kolkata |language=en |date=24 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/mamata-set-to-inaugurate-digha-jagannath-temple-what-it-means-politically-9410840/ | title=Mamata set to inaugurate Digha Jagannath temple: What it means politically | date=24 June 2024 }}</ref>

== History ==
=== Planning and construction ===
[[Mamata Bannerjee]], [[Chief Minister of West Bengal]], announced the construction of Jagannath Temple at [[Digha]] on 20 December 2018. The project aimed to create a grand temple complex to attract devotees and tourists, similar to the [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Jagannath Temple]] in [[Puri]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Puri-Like Jagannath Temple In Bengal's Digha Soon; BJP Says Mamata Wooing Hindus |url=https://www.news18.com/india/puri-like-jagannath-temple-in-bengals-digha-soon-bjp-says-mamata-wooing-hindus-9153050.html |work=News 18}}</ref>

The detailed project report of the temple was completed by August 2019.<ref name="anandabazar3"/> CM Mamata Banerjee announced on 20 August 2019 that the construction of the temple would be completed within two years.<ref name="anandabazar3">{{cite web |title=দু'বছরেই নয়া জগন্নাথ মন্দির |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/mamata-banerjee-to-build-jagannath-temple-in-digha-1.1034208 |website=Anandabazar |access-date=4 April 2023 |location=Digha |language=bn |date=21 August 2019}}</ref><ref name="hindustantimes1">{{cite web |author1=Tanmay Chatterjee |title=Bengal to build replica of Jagannath temple; oppn says Mamata wooing Hindus |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bengal-to-build-replica-of-jagannath-temple-oppn-says-mamata-wooing-hindus/story-iyuLlVr4p6Fi8aBoNcGYwO.html |website=www.hindustantimes.com |access-date=4 April 2023 |location=Kolkata |language=en |date=29 August 2019}}</ref><ref name="indianexpress">{{cite web |title=Mamata Banerjee: Digha will be turned into religious tourism destination |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mamata-banerjee-digha-will-be-turned-into-religious-tourism-destination-5922191/ |website=www.indianexpress.com |access-date=4 April 2023 |location=Kolkata |language=en |date=21 August 2019}}</ref>

There was talk of building a new temple on the site of the old Jagannath temple on the seashore. However, the temple could not be built there due to environmental restrictions. Later, land was selected for building the temple next to [[Digha railway station]]. Digha-Shankarpur Development Authority provided 20 acres of land for the temple. The construction of the temple was entrusted to [[West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation]] (HIDCO). State Minister [[Akhil Giri]] launched the Jagannath Temple construction work on the auspicious [[Akshaya Tritiya|Akshaya Tritiya Tithi]] in May 2022, an initiative of the [[Government of West Bengal|state government]].<ref name="anandabazar1">{{cite web |title=জগন্নাথ মন্দিরের ভিত পুজোয় মন্ত্রী |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/midnapore/the-foundational-puja-of-the-new-jagannath-temple-in-digha-held/cid/1342149 |website=Anandabazar |access-date=4 April 2023 |location=Digha |language=bn |date=4 May 2022}}</ref> 2 billion was allocated as construction cost.

Chief Minister [[Mamata Banerjee]] visited the under-construction temple on 4 April 2023.<ref name="anandabazar2">{{cite web |title=ফের দিঘায় মুখ্যমন্ত্রী, পুরনো অনেক প্রকল্প অসম্পূর্ণই |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/mamata-banerjee-to-visit-digha-soon/cid/1418774 |website=Anandabazar |access-date=4 April 2023 |location=Contai |language=bn |date=1 April 2023}}</ref><ref name="bengali-indianexpress1">{{cite web |title=কাজ দেখে উচ্ছ্বসিত মুখ্যমন্ত্রী! দিঘায় জগন্নাথ মন্দিরের দরজা খোলা সময়ের অপেক্ষা |url=https://bengali.indianexpress.com/west-bengal/cm-mamata-banerjee-visits-proposed-jagannath-temple-site-at-digha-569116/ |website=bengali.indianexpress.com |access-date=4 April 2023 |location=Digha |language=bn |date=4 April 2023}}</ref><ref name="timesofindia-indiatimes1">{{cite web |title=West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visits new Jagannath Temple site in Digha |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/city/kolkata/west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-visits-new-jagannath-temple-site-in-digha/videoshow/99245936.cms?from=mdr |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=4 April 2023 |location=Kolkata |language=en |date=4 April 2023}}</ref> She said, {{blockquote|[[Bengali language|Bengali]]: ‘বিরাট একটা কর্মযজ্ঞ চলছে। হাজার হাজার বছর ধরে জগন্নাথের এই মন্দির প্রতিষ্ঠিত থাকবে।’<br/>Translated into English: A huge construction work is going on. This Jagannath's temple will be established for thousands of years.<ref name="bengali-indianexpress1"/>}}

=== ''Prana pratishtha'' and inauguration ===
The temple was inaugurated on 30 April 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-30 |title=Digha Jagannath Temple: দিঘায় রাজকীয় জগন্নাথ মন্দিরের উদ্বোধন! একসাথে মঞ্চে প্রসেনজিৎ, দেব, জিৎ ও নচিকেতা! |url=https://www.tollywoodonline.in/tollywood-celebrities-are-present-at-digha-jagannath-temple-opening/ |access-date=2025-06-20 |language=en-US}}</ref> but the [[yajna]] began on 24 April as a pre-inauguration activity. First, a yajna was performed to ''Vastu Purush'', with the aim of freeing the newly constructed structure from the clutches of evil spirits or negative forces. The "Maha Yajna" began on 29 April.

The priests, led by Rajesh Dayitapati, one of the chief devotees of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, have completed the process of ''[[prana pratishtha]]'' of the Jagannath ''[[murti]]'' made of [[Azadirachta indica|neem-]]wood. After this, [[ISKCON]] devotees performed the ritual of ''prana pratishtha'' of the stone made Jagannath ''[[murti]]''; at the same time, ''prana pratishtha'' was completed in stone idol of [[Radha Krishna]]. [[Chief Minister of West Bengal]] [[Mamata Banerjee]] inaugurated the temple on 30 April, on the auspicious occasion of [[Akshaya Tritiya]]—between 3 pm and 3:15 pm. On that day, after the inauguration, the temple was kept open to the public for five minutes to view the temple and the deities.<ref>{{cite news |title=দিঘার জগন্নাথ মন্দিরের দ্বার উন্মোচন করলেন মুখ্যমন্ত্রী, বিগ্রহের প্রাণপ্রতিষ্ঠা হয়ে গিয়েছিল সকালেই |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/live-updates-of-digha-jagannath-temple-inauguration-program-led-by-cm-mamata-banerjee-dgtld/cid/1599197 |access-date=2 May 2025 |agency=ABP |publisher=Anandabazar Patrika |date=30 April 2025 |language=bn}}</ref>

== Deities ==
[[Jagannath]], [[Balabhadra]] and [[Subhadra]], along with [[Sudarshana Chakra|Sudarshan]], will be worshipped as deities in the temple.<ref name="telegraphindia1"/>

== Architecture ==
This temple is conceived as a deliberate architectural homage to the iconic [[Jagannath Temple]] of [[Puri]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bengal to build replica of Jagannath temple; oppn says Mamata wooing Hindus |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bengal-to-build-replica-of-jagannath-temple-oppn-says-mamata-wooing-hindus/story-iyuLlVr4p6Fi8aBoNcGYwO.html |work=HIndustan Times}}</ref> aiming to serve as a near-replica in both scale and style by Architecture Studio - Salient, based in Kolkata. It is built in the [[Kaḷinga architectural style|Kalingan architectural style]]. The height of this temple {{convert|65|m|ft}}.<ref name="thewall1">{{cite web |title=পুরীর মন্দিরের সমান উঁচু হবে দিঘার জগন্নাথ মন্দির, পরিদর্শন করে জানালেন মমতা |url=https://www.thewall.in/news/digha-jagannath-temple-will-be-equal-height-of-puri-temple/ |website=www.thewall.in |access-date=4 April 2023 |location=Digha |language=bn |date=4 April 2023}}</ref> The temple features a grand vimana (tower). It is constructed with marble flooring imported from [[Vietnam]], adding elegance and durability.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Majestic Jagannath Temple in Digha: Unveiling Little-Known Facts |url=https://pune.news/culture/majestic-jagannath-temple-in-digha-unveiling-little-known-facts-109823/ |work=PUNE.NEWS}}</ref> Made with famous [[sandstone]] from [[Rajasthan]]'s Banshi Hills has been used to build this temple.<ref name="thewall1"/> Its intricate design elements and sculptural details reflect the craftsmanship of artisans from multiple states, while the overall layout and orientation pay homage to eastern India's spiritual and architectural traditions.

==Controversy==
===Opposition from Puri Servitor Nijogs===
The inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha sparked controversy, particularly among servitor groups from the [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Shree Jagannath Temple]] in Puri.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Puri Jagannath temple servitors warned against taking part in Digha temple inauguration |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/puri-jagannath-temple-servitors-digha-temple-inauguration-9972987/ |work=The Indian Express}}</ref> Two major nijogs—''Suar-Mahasuar'' and ''Puspalaka''—issued formal warnings to their members, prohibiting participation in any rituals at the Digha temple,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Two groups of Puri servitors ask members to stay away from Digha Jagannath temple rituals |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/04/29/cal21-od-jagannath-servitors.html |work=The Week}}</ref> including preparing bhoga ([[Mahaprasad (Jagannath Temple)|Mahaprasad]])<ref>{{Cite news |title=Puri Jagannath temple sect threatens members of consequences if they cook bhog at Digha shrine |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/puri-jagannath-temple-sect-threatens-members-of-consequences-if-they-cook-bhog-at-digha-shrine-prnt/cid/2096052 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref> or dressing the deities.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Puri Puspalaka Servitors Warned Against Participation In Digha Jagannath Temple Inauguration |url=https://ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/puri-puspalaka-servitors-warned-against-participation-in-digha-jagannath-temple-inauguration/ |work=Ommcom News}}</ref> Notices and circulars were distributed within the Puri temple premises, stating that violators could face social boycott and expulsion from their respective associations.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Two groups of Puri servitors ask members to stay away from Digha Jagannath temple rituals |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/two-groups-of-puri-servitors-ask-members-to-stay-away-from-digha-jagannath-temple-rituals-101745948956914.html |work=The Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Puri servitors preparing prasad at Digha Jagannath shrine inauguration to face boycott |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/puri-servitors-preparing-prasad-at-digha-jagannath-shrine-inauguration-to-face-boycott/articleshow/120594670.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

The servitors argued<ref>{{Cite news |title=Row Over Inauguration Of Jagannath Temple In Bengal's Digha As Puri Servitors Decline Mamata's Invite |url=https://www.news18.com/india/row-over-inauguration-of-jagannath-temple-in-bengals-digha-as-puri-servitors-decline-mamatas-invite-ws-d-9308674.html |work=News18}}</ref> that replicating the sacred rituals of Puri outside the original Jagannath temple threatens the spiritual and cultural integrity of the centuries-old tradition.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Puri Srimandira servitors welcome Digha's Jagannath temple, yet set boundaries to guard originality |url=https://kalingatv.com/odisha/puri-srimandira-servitors-welcome-dighas-jagannath-temple-yet-set-boundaries-to-guard-originality/ |work=Kalinga TV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Controversy Over Digha Jagannath Temple: 'Unique Traditions of Puri Must Be Preserved,' Says Padmanava Mahasuar |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/controversy-over-digha-jagannath-temple-unique-traditions-of-puri-must-be-preserved-says-padmanava-mahasuar |work=The Free Press Journal}}</ref>

The issue was further exacerbated by reports of senior Daitapati servitor Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra participating in the Digha temple’s consecration, despite a directive from key servitor associations prohibiting their members from engaging in rituals outside [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Puri]]. They viewed the association with the Digha temple as a violation of tradition. Dasmahapatra, who serves as the secretary of a ''Nijog'', faced criticism from both former and current leaders in the servitor community, who questioned the legitimacy of his involvement and his claims surrounding the sourcing of the idols.

===Naming Dispute Over ''"Jagannath Dham"''===
Tensions escalated following promotional material for the Digha temple suggesting that devotees ''"need not go to Puri to see Jagannath Dham,"'' a claim that was widely criticised in [[Odisha]] as undermining the religious and historical uniqueness of the Puri temple. Furthermore, narratives implying that ''"Jagannath left Puri for Digha"'' were strongly opposed by many in [[Odisha]], who viewed them as distortions of deeply held religious beliefs and an affront to the cultural identity associated with the original shrine.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Jagannath Dham controversy: Devotees in Odisha demand removal of tag from Bengal's Digha Temple |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/jagannath-dham-label-controversy-odisha-devotees-sudarsan-pattnaik-demand-tag-removal-from-west-bengal-digha-temple-cm-mamata-banerjee-details-2025-05-02-988382 |work=India TV}}</ref>

The naming of the newly inaugurated Jagannath temple in Digha as ''"Jagannath Dham"'' has drawn widespread criticism from servitors, scholars, and devotees in [[Odisha]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Devotees unhappy with Digha temple being labelled as 'Jagannath Dham' |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/culture/devotees-unhappy-with-digha-temple-being-labelled-as-jagannath-dham-19598016.htm |work=CNBC TV18}}</ref> Many have objected to the West Bengal government's promotion of the temple using the term ''Dham'', which they argue traditionally refers to one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites ([[Char Dham]]) in Hinduism, of which [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Puri, the original Jagannath temple]], is one. Critics claim the use of this term for the Digha temple undermines the spiritual and cultural uniqueness of the 12th-century shrine in Puri.<ref>{{Cite news |title=12th Century Shrine, An Ancient Label: Row Erupts Over 'Jagannath Dham' Tag |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jagannath-dham-row-pits-west-bengal-against-odisha-over-temple-legacy-8311237 |work=ND TV}}</ref> Devotees and servitors have strongly demanded the ''removal of this tag'', citing cultural and religious misrepresentation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Uproar in Odisha as West Bengal govt calls Digha temple 'Jagannath Dham' |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/jagannath-dham-dispute-west-bengal-odisha-puri-temple-row-125050201078_1.html |work=The Business Standard}}</ref>

===Allegations of Using Surplus [[Nabakalebara]] Daru===
Following the inauguration of the temple, a controversy emerged over claims that sacred ''Daru'' (neem wood) left over from the [[Nabakalebara 2015|2015]] [[Nabakalebara|Nabakalebara ceremony]] at the [[Jagannath Temple, Puri|Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri]] had been used to carve the idols installed at the Digha temple.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Govt orders probe into naming Digha shrine as Jagannath Dham, use of Puri logs for creating idols |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/govt-orders-probe-into-naming-digha-shrine-as-jagannath-dham-use-of-puri-logs-for-creating-idols/articleshow/120830886.cms |work=Times of India}}</ref>

The controversy originated from a report in the Bengali media, which quoted Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra, a senior ''Daitapati'' servitor from Puri who officiated at the Digha temple's consecration. He was reported to have stated that he transported surplus ''Daru'' from the [[Nabakalebara 2015|2015 Nabakalebara]] ritual to craft the idols and further claimed that the idea of installing wooden idols came at the suggestion of [[West Bengal Chief Minister]] [[Mamata Banerjee]], whom he referred to as a disciple.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Odisha govt. orders probe into Puri Jagannath priests' role in West Bengal temple ceremony |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/odisha-govt-orders-probe-into-puri-jagannath-priests-role-in-west-bengal-temple-ceremony/article69531023.ece |work=The Hindu}}</ref>

The claim led to significant public and religious outcry in Odisha, with concerns raised over the sanctity and protocol of the Nabakalebara ritual. In response, [[Government of Odisha|Odisha's Law Minister]] [[Prithviraj Harichandan|Prithiviraj Harichandan]] ordered an official inquiry through the ''Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA)'', stating that any misuse of sacred ''Daru'' would be taken seriously, and appropriate legal action would be initiated against those found responsible.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Odisha to probe use of leftover wood from Puri at Digha's Jagannath temple |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/odisha-to-probe-use-of-leftover-wood-from-puri-at-digha-s-jagannath-temple-101746202256225.html |work=The Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title='Totally unacceptable': Odisha govt asks Puri Jagannath authorities to probe Digha temple row |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/totally-unacceptable-odisha-govt-asks-puri-jagannath-authorities-to-probe-digha-temple-row-9979754/ |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

Amid widespread backlash in [[Odisha]], Dasmahapatra later denied the allegations at a press conference in Puri, stating that his earlier comments had been misquoted or manipulated. He clarified that, when he first visited the site four months earlier, the idols were initially made of stone. As Lord Jagannath is traditionally worshipped only in neem wood form, he advised [[List of chief ministers of West Bengal|West Bengal Chief Minister]] [[Mamata Banerjee]] to commission wooden idols. Consequently, wooden idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, each measuring approximately 2.5 to 3 feet, were crafted in [[Puri]] from regular neem wood and brought to Digha for consecration. He denied using any sacred Daru from the [[Nabakalebara 2015|2015 Nabakalebara]] ceremony for the Digha temple idols.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Digha Jagannath Temple row: Puri servitor clears air over 'stone' idol, 'Jagannath Dham' |url=https://sambadenglish.com/latest-news/digha-jagannath-temple-row-puri-servitor-clears-air-over-stone-idol-jagannath-dham-ad-9025559 |work=Sambad English}}</ref> He later retracted the statement, calling it a slip of the tongue.

Subsequently, the SJTA submitted its inquiry report confirming that no ''Daru'' from the [[Nabakalebara 2015|2015 Nabakalebara]] ritual was used in the making of the Digha temple idols.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Wood for Digha idols not from Puri shrine: Odisha government probe |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/wood-for-digha-idols-not-from-puri-shrine-odisha-government-probe/articleshow/120910606.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Odisha Law Minister [[Prithviraj Harichandan|Harichandan]], addressing the media, reaffirmed this conclusion. He stated that the idols were carved by Bhubaneswar-based sculptor Sudarshan Maharana using ordinary neem wood and that the previously reported claim regarding the use of sacred ''Daru'' was unfounded.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Odisha govt clarifies no timber from Puri's Jagannath shrine used in Digha temple. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/odisha/odisha-govt-clarifies-no-timber-from-puris-jagannath-shrine-used-in-digha-temple/article69541388.ece |work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=No Srimandir Daru used in carving idols of deities: Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2025/May/06/no-srimandir-daru-used-in-carving-idols-of-deities-law-minister-prithviraj-harichandan |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Wood for Digha idols not taken from Puri shrine, confirms Odisha govt |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/wood-for-digha-idols-not-taken-from-puri-shrine-confirms-govt/articleshow/120907389.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

=== Suspension of Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra ===
In May 2025, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) suspended Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, a senior Daitapati servitor and secretary of the Daitapati Nijog, for one month following his involvement in the consecration ceremony of the Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal.<ref>{{Cite news |title=SJTA suspends Dasmohapatra for one month over Digha temple row |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2025/May/12/sjta-suspends-dasmohapatra-for-one-month-over-digha-temple-row |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

The suspension was based on two show-cause notices. The first, issued on 4 May, asked him to explain why he allegedly violated temple tradition by claiming on a Bengali news channel that the idols at the Digha temple were carved from surplus ''Daru'' (sacred neem wood) from the [[Nabakalebara 2015|2015 Nabakalebara]] of the Puri temple—an assertion that sparked widespread outrage among devotees. Although he later retracted the statement, calling it a slip of the tongue, the SJTA considered the remarks serious enough to merit disciplinary action.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Puri Jagannath temple suspends senior servitor, denies him entry to shrine for 30 days |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/puri-jagannath-temple-suspends-senior-servitor-denies-him-entry-to-shrine-for-30-days-101746979497007.html |work=The Hindustan Times}}</ref>

The second notice, dated 9 May, questioned his participation in the Digha temple consecration in his capacity as a Puri servitor and whether he objected to the temple being referred to as a “Jagannath Dham,” a title traditionally reserved for the original temple in Puri.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Senior servitor suspended for misleading statements on Digha Jagannath Temple idols |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/senior-servitor-suspended-for-misleading-statements-on-digha-jagannath-temple-idols-prnt/cid/2098727 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref>

SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee stated that the suspension aimed to preserve the dignity and discipline of Srimandir. He noted that Dasmohapatra’s actions had harmed the temple’s image and hurt the religious sentiments of devotees. As part of the disciplinary measure, Dasmohapatra was barred from performing any temple rituals during the suspension period.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Senior Puri Jagannath temple servitor who took part in Digha shrine consecration suspended for 30 days |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/senior-puri-jagannath-temple-servitor-who-took-part-in-digha-shrine-consecration-suspended-for-30-days-9997002/ |work=The Indian Express}}</ref>

===Political Reactions and Allegations of Politicisation===
Many view these developments as an attempt to politicize religious sentiments, labelling the project as political maneuvering rather than an act of genuine religious reverence.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Temple politics heats up in Bengal as Mamata inaugurates Jagannath Dham amid BJP fire |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/temple-politics-heats-up-in-bengal-as-mamata-inaugurates-jagannath-dham-amid-bjp-fire/articleshow/120766888.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

The inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha by CM Banerjee in April 2025 led to significant political controversy.<ref>{{Cite news |title=As Mamata Banerjee opens Jagannath temple in Digha, political row erupts |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/kolkata-news/as-mamata-banerjee-opens-jagannath-temple-in-digha-political-row-erupts-101746096819911.html |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Opposition parties, especially the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]], accused the state government of misusing public funds for religious purposes,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Can Digha temple cancel out Murshidabad violence? Mamata Banerjee will be praying for that today |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/digha-jagannath-temple-murshidabad-violence-mamata-banerjee-9973722/ |work=The Indian Express}}</ref> which they argued violates the constitutional principle of [[secularism]] and alleged the move was politically motivated to gain Hindu votes ahead of elections.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Opposition questions use of taxpayer money on building of Jagannath Dham in Digha |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/opposition-questions-use-of-taxpayer-money-on-building-of-jagannath-dham-in-digha-prnt/cid/2096569 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref> The BJP also criticized Banerjee’s perceived inconsistency in religious outreach, calling the temple a "cultural center" rather than a genuine shrine. In response to that, the [[Government of West Bengal]] defended it as a tourism initiative.

==See also==
*[[Bengali Hindus]]
*[[Hinduism in West Bengal]]
* [[List of Jagannath Temples outside Puri]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Jagannath Temple, Digha}}
{{Jagannath}}

[[Category:Jagannath temples]]
[[Category:Vaishnavism]]
[[Category:Digha]]
[[Category:21st-century Hindu temples]]

Jagannath Temple, Digha - Revision history

Harish varma: put up new place...