Latest news with #JoyJagannath
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Puri temple body moves to trademark sacred terms as Odisha opposes West Bengal's use of ‘Jagannath Dham'
The Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has initiated steps to obtain trademark rights over terms closely tied to the heritage and spiritual identity of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This move comes amidst a growing dispute with the West Bengal government after it named a temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. The effort is seen as a measure to protect the sanctity of the temple and ensure that specific religious terms are not used elsewhere inappropriately. Trademark to safeguard religious terms The proposal to secure trademark rights was finalised during a recent meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC), chaired by the Puri Maharaja, Dibyasingha Deb. Attendees included the temple's chief administrator, the district collector, and senior police officials. While the full list is yet to be finalised, officials have confirmed that words like Shree Jagannath Dham, Srimandir, Mahaprasad, Nilachal Dham, and Bada Danda are among the terms identified for legal protection. Arabinda Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), stated, 'This will help prevent misuse of the 12th-century temple's original spiritual identity and unauthorised use of its sacred terminology.' The dispute over 'Jagannath Dham' naming The conflict intensified after the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, chose to name a new temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. Odisha authorities maintain that this term refers exclusively to the Puri temple, one of Hinduism's four sacred dhams. The issue was also raised by the Puri Maharaja during the temple committee meeting. He expressed concern that the use of the name by West Bengal violated long-standing religious practices. 'The West Bengal government cannot use the term 'Jagannath Dham' for their temple at Digha. This is against Hindu scriptures and the age-old tradition of Lord Jagannath,' he said. Rumours had surfaced claiming that excess sacred neem wood from the Puri temple's Nabakalebara ceremony was used to create idols for the Digha temple. Both Odisha and West Bengal have denied such speculation. Digha's Jagannath Temple stands as a serene yet powerful symbol of spiritual heritage. Its towering presence invites every soul to pause, reflect, and witness beauty woven in faith! #JoyJagannath Odisha CM urges reconsideration Earlier this month, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi wrote to Mamata Banerjee requesting that the West Bengal government reconsider using the term for the Digha temple. In his letter, Majhi noted that the term holds deep religious value and using it for a different location could hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. He also highlighted that Bengal contributes significantly to tourism in Puri. In 2023 alone, out of 97.25 lakh domestic tourists, over 13.59 lakh were from West Bengal. Speaking to The Times of India, Majhi reiterated that Puri's religious position cannot be duplicated. 'It is one of the Char Dhams, established since the time of Adi Shankaracharya. No one, including any political leader, can replicate or shift that faith,' he moves to trademark Puri temple terms to preserve sanctity amid growing dispute over naming rights with West Bengal.
India Today
30-04-2025
- India Today
Mamata Banerjee inaugurates Puri-like Jagannath Temple in Bengal's Digha
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday inaugurated the magnificent Jagannath Dham temple in the tourist town of Digha, a stunning replica of the iconic Jagannath Temple in consecration ceremony was held with great grandeur, with sacred water from various pilgrimage sites brought to the temple for the rituals. Several celebrities and prominent figures from West Bengal's music and film industry, along with political leaders, were present at the as the sacred Dhwaja rose above the Jagannath Temple in Digha, I witnessed a vision conceived in 2018 come to the Maha Yajna complete, we wait with bated breath for the Lord of the Universe to grace His humble abode by the His presence usher in Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 29, 2025advertisementConstructed in the traditional Kalinga architectural style, the grand structure, developed by the state government at a cost of Rs 250 crore, is expected to emerge as a major centre for pilgrimage and tourism in the the grand Shri Jagannath Temple opens its gates to the world, a divine blend of spirituality, heritage, & Bengal's cultural soul.A sacred legacy begins today, one that will inspire generations to come!#JoyJagannath All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 30, 2025 Mirroring the design of the original Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Digha Dham incorporates key architectural elements such as the Singhadwar, Byaghradwar, Hastidwar, and Ashwadwar. The temple complex also includes a dedicated shrine for Goddess Lakshmi and a separate Bhogshala for preparing sacred offerings to Lord across 20 acres, the temple is made from exquisite pink sandstone sourced from Rajasthan, and more than 800 skilled artisans from the state contributed their craftsmanship to bring this architectural marvel to inauguration of Digha's Jagannath Temple stands as a glorious testament to Bengal's enduring devotion and rich cultural heritage. Every intricately carved stone, and every prayer that shall rise from its sanctum, will embody the deep faith, unity, and enduring spirit of our people," Banerjee said, ahead of the Tuesday, the puja and Maha Yajna were held inside a temporary hut set up in front of the main temple of Lord Jagannath. A total of 57 devotees from Puri's Jagannath Temple and 17 monks from the Iskcon participated in bringing a replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple to Digha, the West Bengal government aims to transform the seaside town into a major destination for visitors from both within Bengal and West Bengal government is planning to hold an annual 'Ratha Yatra' in the seaside tourist town of Digha following the inauguration of the newly built Jagannath Temple, an official told news agency PTI. IN THIS STORY#West Bengal
