As Mamata's Digha Jagannath Temple blooms, why questions are being asked
The coastal town of Digha in West Bengal is poised to witness a momentous occasion with the inauguration of the grand Jagannath Dham temple complex on April 29-30.Built over 24 acres and inspired by the iconic 12th century Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Digha temple is a significant addition to the religious and cultural landscape of Bengal, symbolising both devotion and architectural splendour.advertisementThe temple complex comprises four key components: the Vimana (Garbha Griha or sanctum sanctorum), the Jagamohan (assembly hall), the Nat Mandir (dancing hall) and the Bhog Mandap (offering hall), all echoing the classic elements of Vedic temple architecture.Drawing heavily from the ancient Kalinga architecture style, the structure stays true to traditional proportions, with the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra enshrined atop the sacred Ratnabedi, mirroring the arrangements at Puri.
Constructed using more than 300,000 cubic feet of Bansi Paharpur pink sandstone, the temple stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Over 3,000 workers toiled for 36 months to complete the construction. The sprawling campus is further adorned with extensive theme lawns and over 500 newly planted trees, enhancing its serenity.The idols at Digha differ slightly from those at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. While the Lords in Puri are fashioned from neem wood and have come to be known as 'Darubrahma', or the wooden Lords, those in Digha have been sculpted from stone.advertisementA wooden version of the deities, however, will also exist and be ceremonially paraded during the annual Rath Yatra. Notably, an older Jagannath Temple in Digha is being developed into the 'Maasir Bari' (aunt's house of the Lord), where the raths will conclude their journey during yatra festival.The consecration ceremonies at Digha commence on April 29 with ritualistic yajnas, culminating in the prana pratistha of the deities on April 30. Servitors from the Puri Jagannath Temple as well as priests from ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) will participate in the sacred rites.The journey towards this grand temple began rather serendipitously. On December 6, 2018, while taking a stroll from Old Digha to New Digha, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee noticed the modest local Jagannath Temple. Struck by inspiration, she immediately announced the construction of a new temple in Digha, modelled after the famous edifice in Puri. Nearly six years and an investment of approximately Rs 250 crore later, her vision has come to life.To political watchers, the Digha temple could be a great electoral pitch for the ruling Trinamool Congress as it is up against a massive BJP attempt at Hindu consolidation in the run-up to assembly polls next year. Amidst the festivities, questions from the BJP have emerged, particularly from Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. Raising concerns over the management and characterisation of the project, he has posed several pointed queries on social media.advertisement'I will gladly attend the ceremony,' Adhikari stated, 'if the following concerns are addressed by you.' His post was directed to retired bureaucrat H.K. Dwivedi, who now serves as vice-chairman of the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO), the state agency that developed the Digha temple.Adhikari sought clarification on whether the structure being inaugurated is a temple or a cultural centre, as the official tender documents describe the project as Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra. 'You must reprint the invitation card with proper clarity,' Adhikari insisted, questioning the nature of the establishment.Adhikari also raised governance concerns, pointing out inconsistencies regarding WBHIDCO. He noted that the invitation was extended to him by the vice-chairman of WBHIDCO but highlighted that its website still lists Firhad Hakim as the chairman. 'Why isn't his name printed on the invitation card?' Adhikari asked, demanding transparency about the current administrative head and their role in the project.Adhikari also questioned the handling of donations to the temple. 'Will it be considered temple property or WBHIDCO's source of income from the cultural centre?' he queried, highlighting concerns about the sanctity and financial autonomy of the religious site.advertisementAdhikari also brought up sensitive issues regarding recruitment and access. He questioned whether non-Hindus would be appointed to work at the temple complex given that WBHIDCO, a government-run public sector undertaking, cannot discriminate based on religion. Moreover, he sought clarity on whether the temple would emulate Puri's traditional restriction on the entry of non-Hindus.Summarising his apprehensions, Adhikari warned: 'Otherwise it will be proved that you and your state government are just playing with the faith of crores of Hindus by using deception, duplicity and treachery as public policy.'While the state government's initiative has undeniably added a magnificent religious landmark to Digha, the unfolding controversy underscores the complex interplay between faith, governance and politics in contemporary Bengal. As devotees prepare to celebrate the dawn of a new sacred space, the demands for clarity and accountability will continue to shape the broader narrative around the Jagannath Dham temple.Subscribe to India Today Magazine
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