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Key Points

The Odisha government is preparing to challenge the naming of a temple in Digha, West Bengal, as 'Jagannath Dham'. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has indicated that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will be briefed about the issue upon his return. The temple administration has been given permission to take appropriate action to protect the cultural sanctity of the original Puri Jagannath Temple. The controversy involves claims about the temple's idols and their potential connection to the sacred Neem trees used in the Puri temple's deity construction.

Key Points: Odisha Law Minister Harichandan Challenges Digha Temple Naming

  • Odisha will write to Bengal regarding Digha temple controversy
  • Temple administration authorized to take appropriate action
  • Minister targets previous BJD government's temple management
2 min read

Digha temple row: Odisha govt will write to Bengal, says Minister Harichandran

Odisha government prepares to challenge West Bengal's Jagannath Temple naming, seeks preservation of Puri temple's cultural sanctity

"The Jagannath Temple of Puri, its culture and system should remain untouched - Prithiviraj Harichandan"

Bhubaneswar, May 4

Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday said the Odisha government will write to Bengal over naming the Digha temple as 'Jagannath Dham'.

Speaking to media persons here, Minister Harichandan said, "I will apprise Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, after his return to Odisha, about the issue and a letter will be written to the West Bengal government informing that there is no justification or reason for naming the Jagannath temple at Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'.

"The Jagannath Temple of Puri, its culture and system should remain untouched, and the state government will do whatever is required for this," he said.

The Law Minister said the Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri, has already held meetings with representatives of the Chhatisha Nijoga (Chief of the traditional 36 categories of servitors or Sevayats) and other servitors concerned with rituals of the deities.

On Saturday night, the temple administration made some decisions regarding this issue.

Minister Harichandan said that the government is handling the issue with a firm approach to stop the recurrence of any indiscipline related to the services offered by servitors, temple rituals and culture.

The temple administration has been permitted to take appropriate action on the issue.

The Law Minister also targeted the opposition Biju Janata Dal, referring to incidents of "mismanagement" in the Jagannath temple at Puri during the 24-year rule of the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government.

He also blamed the previous BJD government for the increase in incidents of "indiscipline and mismanagement" in temple affairs.

Earlier, BJD launched a scathing attack on the West Bengal government over naming Digha Jagannath Temple as 'Jagannath Dham'.

The party also asked the Odisha government and temple administration to "come clean" on the issue regarding the claims by one senior Daitapati servitor about making the idols in Digha temple from the remainders of the sacred Neem trees (Daaru) used in the construction of deities in Puri temple during the Nabakalebara in 2015.

On Friday, Minister Harichandan had ordered an investigation into the controversy surrounding the Digha Temple in Bengal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on the Digha temple naming controversy:
P
Prakash M.
This is a sensitive matter that needs careful handling. While West Bengal has every right to build temples, using the sacred 'Jagannath Dham' title creates confusion. Puri's Jagannath temple has unique rituals and traditions that shouldn't be diluted. Hope both states resolve this amicably. 🙏
S
Sunita R.
As someone who visits Puri every year, I understand the emotional connect Odias have with Jagannath temple. But instead of making this political, why can't we see this as spreading Lord Jagannath's blessings to more devotees? The more temples the better, naam mein kya rakha hai?
A
Amit K.
The claim about using leftover sacred wood from Nabakalebara is serious if true. The Odisha government is right to investigate this properly. Our temple traditions shouldn't be commercialized or politicized by any state. Bengal should respect Odisha's sentiments on this matter.
M
Manoj P.
While I support protecting Puri temple's sanctity, this seems like unnecessary politics. Many temples across India share names - there are multiple 'Kashi Vishwanath' temples. The focus should be on proper rituals, not naming rights. Both CMs should meet and sort this out.
R
Rajesh B.
The minister is right to be concerned. Puri's Jagannath temple isn't just a place of worship but the soul of Odisha's culture. If Bengal wants to build a temple, they should create their own identity instead of borrowing ours. This isn't about politics but preserving heritage.
P
Priya N.
Instead of fighting over names, both governments should ensure proper facilities for devotees in both temples. I've been to Digha temple - it's beautiful but lacks basic amenities. Focus on serving devotees better rather than political one-upmanship. 🤲

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