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Key Points

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the controversial naming of a new temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. The letter highlights potential religious confusion and challenges to the traditional sanctity of Puri's Jagannath Temple. Pattnaik argues that according to sacred scriptures, only Puri can be called 'Jagannath Dham'. The Odisha government is now considering legal options to protect the temple's historic significance.

Key Points: Sudarsan Pattnaik Urges Modi on Jagannath Dham Temple Dispute

  • Pattnaik requests PM Modi to resolve temple naming dispute
  • Puri Gajapati Maharaja supports preserving traditional temple nomenclature
  • Odisha government considers legal action against West Bengal
2 min read

Sudarsan Pattnaik writes to PM Modi seeking his intervention in Digha temple row

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik writes to PM Modi seeking intervention in Digha temple naming controversy that challenges Puri's sacred heritage

"As per our sacred scriptures, there is only one recognised Jagannath Dham - Sudarsan Pattnaik"

Bhubaneswar, May 6

Sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik on Tuesday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Digha temple row, saying that the West Bengal government's move to refer to the newly consecrated temple as 'Jagannath Dham' has caused widespread confusion and deeply hurt the sentiments of countless devotees of Lord Jagannath.

In his letter to PM Modi, Pattnaik said, "While the construction of a new temple dedicated to Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath is truly commendable and appreciated, naming it 'Jagannath Dham' has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Lord Jagannath's devotees."

"As per our sacred scriptures (Shastras), there is only one recognised Jagannath Dham, which is in Puri, Odisha. Using this revered title for any other location may cause religious confusion and run contrary to the longstanding spiritual traditions and cultural heritage of Hinduism," wrote Pattnaik.

Asserting that PM Modi's "unwavering" devotion to Mahaprabhu Jagannath and his sincere efforts in preserving the rich Jagannath culture are widely acknowledged, the sand artist requested him to intervene and take appropriate action.

Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb, the "Adya-sevak" or First Servitor of Lord Jagannatha, on Monday asserted that as per sacred scriptures like 'Skanda Purana', 'Brahma Purana', 'Padma Purana', etc, only Puri which can be called 'Shree Jagannatha Dham' and not any other place or Temple because it is the eternal Holy Abode of the Supreme Lord -- Shree Purushottama-Jagannatha.

Deb urged the Digha Jagannath Temple authorities to desist from referring to the Digha Temple as 'Jagannath Dham' and honour the age-old traditions and heritage of Moola-peetha Shreemandira at Puri.

Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has also informed media persons that the state government will soon write to West Bengal to stop referring to Jagannath Temple at Digha as 'Jagannath Dham' and the Digha beach as 'Mahadodhi'.

Minister Harichandan also added that the Odisha government will explore legal options if West Bengal doesn't pay heed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
This is a sensitive matter for Odias. Puri is the original Jagannath Dham and that's how it's been for centuries. West Bengal govt should respect religious sentiments instead of creating unnecessary confusion. 🙏
P
Priyanka M.
While I appreciate more temples being built, the naming convention matters. It's like calling some other city 'Varanasi' - it dilutes the original's significance. Hope PM Modi can mediate this amicably.
A
Amit S.
As someone from Bengal, I think this is being blown out of proportion. The temple is beautiful and brings people closer to God - does the name really matter so much? Let's focus on devotion rather than semantics.
S
Sunita P.
The Puri temple has unique rituals and traditions that can't be replicated elsewhere. Calling another temple 'Dham' shows disrespect to centuries of history. Sudarsan Pattnaik is right to raise this issue.
V
Vikram J.
Instead of fighting over names, both states should work together to promote Jagannath culture. More temples mean more devotees can experience the divine. This controversy helps no one.
M
Meena R.
The scriptures are clear about Puri being the original Dham. While I welcome the new temple in Digha, they should find another beautiful name that doesn't hurt Odia sentiments. Jai Jagannath! 🚩

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