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United News of India
30-04-2025
- United News of India
Bengal : Mamata inaugurates Jagannath Dham temple at Digha
Kolkata, Apr 30 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday inaugurated the majestic Jagannath Dham temple in Digha, nearly 185 km from Kolkata. The temple is a striking replica of the renowned Jagannath Temple in Puri which is just little more than 345 km from this coastal town in East Midnapore district. The inauguration marked the culmination of years of planning and craftsmanship, with the temple's consecration ceremony, or 'Pran Pratistha', also taking place amidst tight security. Crafted in the traditional Kalinga architectural style, the temple has been constructed using pink sandstone from Rajasthan, with over 800 artisans contributing to its creation. Echoing the design of the 12th-century Puri temple, the Digha shrine features elements such as the Bhoga Mandap, Nata Mandap, Jagamohan, and Garbhagriha. However, unlike its Puri counterpart, the Digha temple will be open to people of all religions, including non-Hindus and foreigners. The temple complex, spread over 20 acres, includes grand entrances like the Singhadwar, Byaghradwar, Hastidwar, and Ashwadwar. It also houses a shrine dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and a separate Bhogshala for preparing sacred offerings for Lord Jagannath. Developed by the West Bengal government at a cost of ₹250 crore, the temple is expected to become a major pilgrimage and tourist hub. In a post on X, Banerjee reflected on the momentous occasion: 'Today, as the sacred Dhwaja rose above the Jagannath Temple in Digha, I witnessed a vision conceived in 2018 come to life. With the Maha Yajna complete, we wait with bated breath for the Lord of the Universe to grace His humble abode by the sea. May His presence usher in harmony, strength, and enduring peace for all.' The consecration was performed with great reverence, using sacred water from pilgrimage sites across the country. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including political leaders and prominent figures from West Bengal's music and film industries. On the eve of the inauguration, a Maha Yajna and puja were conducted in a temporary hut in front of the temple, with 57 devotees from Puri's Jagannath Temple and 17 monks from ISKCON participating. Banerjee, speaking ahead of the inauguration, described the temple as a 'glorious testament to Bengal's enduring devotion and rich cultural heritage.' She added, '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.' To further celebrate the temple's legacy, the West Bengal government plans to organize an annual 'Ratha Yatra' in Digha, adding to the spiritual and cultural vibrancy of the coastal town. UNI XC SJC
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
India Today
30-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Mamata Banerjee performs Maha Yajna day before inaugurating Bengal Jagannath temple
Ahead of the inauguration of the Jagannath Dham in West Bengal's Digha, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee participated in a Maha Yajna on Tuesday. The yajna, which commenced on April 25, was an essential part of the preparations for the temple's inauguration on Wednesday on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya the ceremony, Banerjee offered prayers, performed the Purnahuti ritual and conducted the aarti herself. The Maha Yajna featured 100 quintals of mango wood and bel wood, symbolising spiritual growth and purification. advertisementTwo quintals of ghee were offered for spiritual illumination. 60 Iskcon members and 35 priests participated in the event. Rajesh Daityapati and his team from the Puri Jagannath temple also participated in the yajna and will be present for the pran pratishtha of Lord Jagannath. The inauguration ceremony, set to take place between 3 pm and 3.10 pm on Wednesday, will be attended by Banerjee and is expected to draw large crowds. The event aims to promote cultural and spiritual harmony, with the temple serving as a symbol of Bengali heritage and spirituality. The Jagannath Dham in Digha is a replica of the iconic Puri Jagannath Temple. The temple, built in the Kalinga architectural style, is a grand structure made of pink sandstone from construction of the temple, which spans 20 acres, was undertaken by the state government at a cost of Rs 250 crore. Over 800 skilled craftsmen from Rajasthan worked on the project, bringing their expertise in temple architecture to the temple complex features a bhog mandap (a room where food for offerings is cooked), Nat mandir (dance hall) and garbhagriha (inner sanctuary), with intricate carvings and statues of deities. A 34-foot-long 18-faced Arun pillar made of black stone stands tall in front of the temple entrance, topped with an Aruna temple's design is inspired by the Puri Jagannath Temple, with similar architectural features, including the Singhadwar, Byaghradwar, Hastidwar and of the temple inauguration, Banerjee said, "We are going to inaugurate the temple on Akshaya Tritiya that is on Wednesday. The type of architecture built by the workers is wonderful. It is same as Puri Jagannath Temple. Bengal is proud. Not only Bengal, the whole world will be proud of this."Skilled artisans from Puri will perform the idol consecration ceremony and daily flag-changing rituals, following traditional practices. The temple is expected to become a major pilgrimage site and tourist attraction in the personally selected the site for the temple and announced its construction in 2019. The project was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is completed now. IN THIS STORY#West Bengal
Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Digha Jagannath temple to open today, CM Mamata Banerjee says: ‘All our guests'
ARRANGEMENTS WERE made for the 'Maha Yajna' on Tuesday evening at the newly built Jagannath temple in the seaside tourist town of Digha in Purba Medinipur, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took part in the rituals a day before its inauguration. Banerjee emphasised that 'everyone is our guest.' The Jagannath temple, a replica of the 12th-century shrine in Puri, Odisha, will be inaugurated on Wednesday on the auspicious occasion of 'Akshaya Trithiya'. Digha is around 350 km from Puri. The massive event, drawing parallels to the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya last year, has been interpreted by some as a significant effort by Chief Minister Banerjee to solidify her image as a leader who embraces all communities, addressing previous allegations of minority appeasement. Digha has got a makeover as it turned into the host of a grand religious event. Roads have been closed to vehicular traffic and replaced by meticulously laid blue carpets. Giant screens, posters and creative depictions of Lord Jagannath adorned almost every corner of the town on Tuesday. The air resonated with chants of 'Jai Jagannath' played on loudspeakers and the streets were illuminated by dazzling lights and embellished with flower decorations. Shelters and drinking water arrangements catered to the large number of people — including VIPs, dignitaries and local residents — who thronged the area. On Tuesday afternoon, Banerjee participated in a Mahayagna at the temple. She performed the aarti and the Purnahuti ceremony commenced at 4:15 pm. The CM was accompanied by Rajesh Dwaitapati, a Puri Jagannath temple serviceman, and Radharman Das, vice president of ISKCON, Bengal. Following the Purnahuti, the CM addressed the crowd, emphasizing inclusivity and spiritual connection. 'People of all religions and castes have come here. Everyone is our guest. Religion is never preached verbally. Religion is something that touches the heart…I am praying for everyone,' she said.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
Mamata to be present at ‘Maha Yajna' in Digha's Jagannath Temple, day ahead of inauguration
Digha , Arrangements are in place for the 'Maha Yajna' on Tuesday evening at the newly built Jagannath Temple in West Bengal's seaside tourist town of Digha, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will take part in the rituals, officials said. The Jagannath Temple, a replica of the 12th-century shrine in Puri, is scheduled to be inaugurated on Wednesday on the auspicious occasion of the 'Akshay Trithiya'. Digha is around 350 km from Puri. "The CM will participate in the 'Maha Yajna' at the temple. There will a number of rituals during the puja,' an official at the Chief Minister's Office told PTI. At the 'Maha Yajna', around 100 quintals of 'aam kath' and 'bael kath' , and two quintals of ghee will be used, another official said. On Wednesday, the 'Pran Pratishtha' of the idols of the deities will take place, he said. Sacred water from various pilgrimage destinations has already been brought to the temple for the rituals, the official said. Devotees visiting the temple during its inauguration on Wednesday will be given 'gamchas' to protect the body from heat, officials said. Built on around 24 acres of land using red sandstone quarried from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan, the Jagannath Temple, also known as 'Jagannath Dham', is an "architectural marvel, a mixture of intricate carvings and traditional design', they said. Banerjee had on Monday said the temple will serve as a place of confluence of people for the 'next several thousand years'. "This temple will definitely add a new feather to the state's cap. Digha will grow into an international tourist attraction. This will serve as a place of harmony," she had said. "Because of the sea, Digha has a special charm. Now, if it becomes a place of pilgrimage, more tourists will come. I think the sculptors have done a splendid job," she said. The 'Jagannath Dham' has been developed by the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation at a cost of nearly ₹250 crore. The day-to-day activities of the temple will be managed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness . The construction of the temple started in 2022, after Banerjee announced the project in 2018.
