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Digha Jagannath Temple: How much it cost to build, who the priests are, and how big it is
Digha Jagannath Temple: The Digha Jagannath Temple has quickly become one of the most talked-about spiritual landmarks in West Bengal. Built as a near-replica of the famous Puri Jagannath Temple, this stunning structure was inaugurated on 30 April 2025 and has since attracted lakhs of devotees.
Let's take a closer look at the cost of the temple, who the priests are, and what the size of this grand structure is.
When Was the Digha Jagannath Temple Inaugurated?
The temple was officially opened to the public on 30 April 2025, coinciding with the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. It was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had first announced this project back in December 2018.
The temple is located in Digha, a popular beach town in the Purba Medinipur district, and is expected to be a major spiritual and tourist hub in the state.
What Was the Cost of Building the Digha Jagannath Temple?
The total cost of constructing the Digha Jagannath Temple was approximately Rs 2 billion (Rs 200 crore). The land, covering 20 acres, was provided by the Digha-Shankarpur Development Authority.
The temple construction was carried out by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO). The project began in May 2022 on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya and was completed in less than three years.
Size and Architectural Style of Digha Jagannath Temple
The size of the temple is massive. Standing tall at 65 metres (213 feet), the temple features a magnificent vimana (tower), similar to the one in Puri.
It follows the Kalinga architectural style, with beautiful carvings and detailed designs. The temple is made using Banshi Hills sandstone from Rajasthan and features marble flooring imported from Vietnam, giving it both elegance and strength.
The architectural design was done by Architecture Studio – Salient, based in Kolkata, with the aim of making it a close replica of the original Jagannath Temple in Odisha.
Who Are the Priests of the Temple?
The main priests of the Digha Jagannath Temple are led by Rajesh Dayitapati, one of the key sevayats (priests) from the Puri Jagannath Temple.
The temple follows traditional rituals, including the prana pratishtha (spiritual installation) of the idols, which was done for both the neem-wood and stone idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
ISKCON devotees also participated in the rituals, and a special yajna was held to cleanse and purify the temple spiritually.
Why Is This Temple So Popular?
Since its opening, the Digha Jagannath Temple has seen a huge number of visitors—over 30 lakh devotees in just two months! The first Rath Yatra celebration at this temple will take place on 27 June 2025, and will be attended by expected over 2 lakh people, including around 50 international devotees from countries like Russia, China, and Ukraine, vice president and spokesperson of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Radharamn Das, said.
The West Bengal government also started an initiative to deliver prasad (holy offering) from the temple to over 10 million homes across the state.
Controversies Around the Temple
Despite its popularity, the temple was not free from controversy. Concerns were raised when prasad, including 300 kg of khoa, was brought in refrigerated containers from Kolkata. The ingredients were first offered to the deities before distribution, but the act raised eyebrows among critics.
Also, some questioned the decision to build a new temple when an older Jagannath Temple already existed along Digha's seashore, though environmental issues led to the shift in location.
The Digha Jagannath Temple is not just a spiritual centre but also a symbol of cultural pride and architectural beauty. From its massive size, intricate design, high construction cost, to the involvement of renowned priests, every detail makes it a must-visit site in West Bengal.
As the first Rath Yatra was celebrated with grandeur, this temple is set to become a key spiritual destination, attracting pilgrims from across India and the world.
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