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Key Points

The Puri King has raised significant concerns about a new temple in Digha using the sacred name 'Jagannath Dham'. Drawing from ancient scriptures and traditional religious authorities, he argues that only Puri can bear this spiritual designation. His statement emphasizes preserving the unique cultural and religious identity of the original Jagannath Temple. The intervention highlights the deep respect and meticulous preservation of Hindu religious traditions.

Key Points: Puri King Defends Jagannath Temple Sacred Name Tradition

  • Puri temple holds exclusive rights to 'Jagannath Dham' name
  • Sacred scriptures validate Puri as supreme spiritual location
  • Traditional Hindu leaders acknowledge Puri's spiritual significance
3 min read

Puri King urges authorities to desist from naming new Digha temple as 'Jagannath Dham'

Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb challenges Digha temple's use of 'Jagannath Dham', upholds Puri's exclusive spiritual heritage

"Dishonour or disrespect to time-honoured traditions will hurt religious sentiments - Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb"

Bhubaneswar, May 5

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the newly consecrated Jagannath Temple at Digha in West Bengal, King of Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, the "Adya-sevak" or First Servitor of Lord Jagannatha, on Monday urged the authorities of Digha Temple to desist from using 'Jagannath Dham' and honour the age-old traditions and heritage of Moola-peetha Shreemandira at Puri.

"I sincerely urge the authorities of Digha Jagannatha Temple to desist from naming Digha Jagannatha Temple as "Jagannath Dham" or as "Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre". Temples of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha around the world should honour and uphold the glorious heritage of Lord Jagannatha having regard to the proclamations in sacred scriptures and age-old traditions of the Moola-peetha Shreemandira in Shree Jagannatha Dham Puri," the Puri King said in a statement on Monday.

"Dishonour or disrespect to time-honoured traditions and heritage of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha will hurt the religious sentiments of countless devotees around the world," he further added.

The Gajapati after coming to know about Shree Jagannatha Temple at Digha being named as "Jagannath Dham" or "Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre" sought the opinion of the Muktimundupa Pundita Sabha in Puri Jagannatha Temple in the issue on May 3.

The Sabha conveyed to the king that the Moola-peetha of Shree Jagannatha Mahaprabhu is Purushottama-kshetra (Puri) and that the names, such as, "Jagannatha Dham", "Purushottama-kshetra", "Shreekshetra" and "Neelachala Dham" refer only to Puri and cannot be used to refer to any other place where Chaturdha Daru Vigrahas have been consecrated.

"I wish to add here that the glory of Shree Shree Jagannatha Mahaprabhu is most authentically and comprehensively expounded by Maharshi Veda Vyasa in 'Shree Purushottama-kshetra Mahatmyam' contained in the 'Vaishnava Khanda' of Skanda Purana."

Quoting various references related to Puri Jagannath Temple, Deb noted that the sacred Hindu scriptures like Skanda Purana, Brahma-Purana, Neeladri Mahodaya and other sacred scriptures conclusively established that Shree Purushottamakshetra Puri is the eternal and most Holy Abode of Shree Purushottama-Jagannatha and the sacred eternal abode or Dham of the supreme Lord.

He also stated that over the centuries, the great Founder-Acharyas of various traditional sampradayas of Sanatana Vaidika Dharma, such as, Bhagavatpada Adi Shankaracharya, Shree Ramanujacharya, Shree Nimbarkacharya, Shree Madhvacharya, Shree Ramanandacharya, Shree Chaitanya and Shree Vallabhacharya has also acknowledged Puri as the sacred Shree Jagannatha Dham.

The King indicated that on the basis of the letter of Muktimundupa Pundita Sabha and the references in sacred texts, the sacred town of Puri can only be called Jagannatha Dham.

"For the above reasons and as also stated by Muktimundupa Pundita Sabha in their letter dated May 4, 2025, it is only Puri and no other place which can be named as Jagannatha Dham or Purushottama Dham or Kshetra or as Shreekshetra or as Neelachala Dham," said Deb.

Similarly, he also claimed that the Moolapeetha of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha at Puri can only be referred to as "Shreemandira".

"The Muktimundupa Pundita Sabha have also stated that Chaturdha Vigrahas should only be worshipped in 'Daru' (wooden) form and not in images made in metal or stone and that it is only the Naivedya offered in Shreemandira which is to be called as 'Mahaprasada'," stated the Puri King.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
The Puri King has made a valid point. Jagannath Dham is not just a name but represents centuries of tradition and spiritual significance. Why can't the Digha temple have its own unique identity instead of borrowing Puri's sacred nomenclature? 🙏
P
Priya M.
While I respect the Puri King's sentiments, isn't Lord Jagannath's grace infinite? Having more temples with similar names could help spread devotion. After all, we have multiple Vishnu temples called 'Venkateswara' across India. The essence matters more than the name.
A
Arun S.
This seems like unnecessary controversy. The scriptures clearly state Puri's uniqueness as Jagannath Dham. Digha temple authorities should respect this and choose another name that honors Lord Jagannath without diluting Puri's special status. Jai Jagannath!
S
Smita R.
As someone who visits Puri every year, I understand the emotional connect. But instead of fighting over names, shouldn't we focus on preserving the ancient traditions and cleanliness of our existing temples? Puri temple's surroundings need more attention than this naming debate.
M
Manoj B.
The King's statement is backed by solid scriptural evidence. It's not about ego but about preserving authenticity. Just like we don't call every Shiva temple 'Kashi Vishwanath', Digha should find its own identity while honoring Jagannath ji.
N
Neha T.
Interesting debate! Maybe a middle path - Digha could use 'Jagannath Temple' but avoid 'Dham' which has specific scriptural significance to Puri. After all, devotion matters more than titles. Let's not make this into another unnecessary religious conflict.

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