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Key Points

Mamata Banerjee defended West Bengal’s Digha Jagannath Temple after Puri servitors accused her of disrespecting sacred traditions by labeling it a 'dham.' She dismissed claims of using Puri’s neem wood, clarifying the idols are marble. Chief Servitor Mohapatra called the move a "political stunt," citing only four recognized dhams in Hindu texts. The Rs 250 crore temple, inaugurated last month, has sparked a heated religious and political debate.

Key Points: Mamata Banerjee Defends Digha Jagannath Temple Amid Puri Servitors' Outrage

  • Mamata Banerjee denies using Puri's sacred neem wood for Digha idols
  • Puri servitors call 'Jagannath Dham' label a political stunt
  • Daitapati Mohapatra insists only four sacred dhams exist
  • Rs 250 crore Digha temple mirrors Puri's deities
3 min read

Why is there so much anger?: Mamata Banerjee on Digha Jagannath Temple controversy

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee responds to Puri servitors' criticism over naming Digha temple as 'Jagannath Dham,' denies wood theft allegations.

"Why is there so much anger on this issue? – Mamata Banerjee"

Howrah, May 5

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday emphasiSed the importance of respecting all religious institutions, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Digha Jagannath Temple.

Speaking to the media, CM Mamata Banerjee stated, "We respect the temple in Puri and we also respect Jagannath Dham. Kaali Temples and Gurdwaras are found throughout the country. Temples exist in all areas. Why is there so much anger on this issue?"

This comes after West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referred to the Digha temple as "Jagannath Dham," a term traditionally reserved for the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.

The Chief Servitor of the Puri Jagannath Temple has strongly criticised the West Bengal government's decision to label the newly built Jagannath Temple in Digha as "Jagannath Dham, " describing it as a "political stunt."

Speaking to ANI, Chief Servitor Daitapati Bhabani Das Mohapatra asserted that, according to sacred texts, there are only four recognised dhams (pilgrimage sites): Rameswaram, Badrinath, Dwarka, and Jagannath Dham, and no other place can be designated as a 'dham.'

"We all Daitapatis and our community are hurt since this controversy has erupted. Since the time we have started our worship and everything we have heard from our ancestors or what is written in our puranas and skands (holy books), there are only four dhaams: Rameswaram, Badrinath, Dwarka, and Jagannath Dham, out of which Jagannath Dham is the most revered... this is a matter of crime. They cannot name it like this. Dham is only Jagannath Dham," Mohapatra said.

Mohapatra said any place outside of our chaardham cannot be named as a dham urged the government to withdraw the use of the term 'dham'.

"Any place outside of our chaardham cannot be named as a dham. This is a crime by Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. We will request them to retract the name' dham'... You called it dham, placed murtis in it, and didn' t consult anyone... I will say they did it out of arrogance. This is a political stunt. They know they will not win in Bengal this time..." he said.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also refuted allegations that "sacred neem wood" from Puri's Jagannath Temple was used in making the idols in Digha's Jagannath Temple, clarifying that the idols there are made of marble.

"They are bothered because of the Jagannath Temple in Digha and are accusing me of stealing neem wood...The idols (at Digha Jagannath temple) are made of marble. I got to know that they questioned the Daitapati (servitor) about where he got the wood from. They had also issued a notification asking people not to visit Digha's Jagannath temple...Why are they so affected by this?," CM Mamata Banerjee said.

The Rs 250 crore temple in Digha, constructed over 20 acres, was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30, 2025. The temple, inspired by the 12 th- century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, houses the same deities.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Why is this even a controversy? More temples mean more places for devotees to worship. As long as proper rituals are followed, what's wrong in calling it a 'dham'? Puri will always remain the original Jagannath Dham, but new temples can coexist peacefully 🙏
P
Priya M.
I understand the sentiments of Puri servitors, but Mamata Didi has a point too. In Bengal, we've always respected all religions equally. Maybe the term 'dham' could have been avoided to prevent hurt feelings, but the intention seems to be positive - to create another sacred space for devotees.
A
Amit S.
This seems like unnecessary politicization of religion. Both sides should sit together and find a solution. Maybe they can call it 'Jagannath Mandir' instead of 'Dham' to respect Puri's sentiments. After all, bhagwan ka ghar hai - it should unite, not divide us.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who has visited both Puri and Digha temples, I must say the architectural beauty of the new temple is amazing! But I agree the term 'dham' has special significance in our scriptures. Maybe a middle path can be found - like 'Jagannath Tirth' or something similar?
V
Vikram J.
While I respect CM Mamata's efforts to promote religious tourism in Bengal, she should have consulted Puri servitors before using the term 'dham'. Our ancient traditions are precious and shouldn't be altered for political gains. Hope both sides resolve this amicably soon. Jai Jagannath! 🚩

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