22-04-2025
Row Over Inauguration Of Jagannath Temple In Bengal's Digha As Puri Servitors Decline Mamata's Invite
The Puri servitors raised concerns regarding the inauguration of the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha, stating that the sanctity of the Puri Jagannath temple must be preserved.
Controversy has erupted over the inauguration ceremony and rituals of the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal. Puri Jagannath temple servitors, researchers, and intellectuals have raised concerns regarding the Digha Jagannath temple.
The inaugural ceremony of the Digha Jagannath temple, modelled after the renowned Jagannath Temple in Odisha's Puri, is scheduled to take place in Digha on April 30, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has extended an invitation to Puri servitors to attend the ceremony and has also invited Chunara sevayat to tie the flag on the temple. However, the Niyog has declined the invitation and imposed restrictions on its members, warning that any member who participates in the flag-tying rituals in Digha will be banned from service.
Moreover, the Mahasuar Nijog has announced plans to protest if the prasad is sold under the name of Mahaprasad. Several questions have been raised about the newly constructed Jagannath temple in Digha.
Puri Servitors Raise Concerns
The Puri servitors raised concerns regarding the inauguration of the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha, stating that the sanctity of the Puri Jagannath temple must be preserved. The Shrimandir is irreplaceable, and no other temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath around the world can claim to be an alternative to the Shrimandir. Hence, the inaugural ceremony in Digha cannot replicate the rituals performed at the Puri Jagannath temple.
The temple in Digha should worship Lord Jagannath like other temples, where devotees receive darshan without the commercialisation of Mahaprasad, the servitors stated. Selling Prasad under the name of Mahaprasad would diminish its sanctity, they noted.
Further, they demanded that the West Bengal government should restrict the entry of Muslims into the temple, allowing access only to Hindus to preserve its sanctity. Otherwise, the temple may lose its religious significance and become akin to a museum.
First Published:
April 22, 2025, 13:49 IST
