Bhubaneswar, May 5: The newly inaugurated Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, has ignited a heated debate after being referred to as ‘Jagannath Dham’.

Devotees and servitors from Puri’s Shreemandir have strongly opposed the naming, arguing that Puri is the only true ‘Jagannath Dham’ and that no other temple should bear the title.

The controversy escalated after reports surfaced that sacred Neem wood (Daru) from Puri’s Nabakalebara rituals was allegedly used in constructing the temple’s idols. This has led to legal complaints and investigations by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). Prominent servitors, including Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, have publicly condemned the move, stating that no place outside Puri should be called Jagannath Dham.

Adding fuel to the fire, social media campaigns have emerged, with some groups calling for a boycott of Puri tourism in retaliation. Posters reading ‘Boycott Puri Tourism’ have been circulated online, allegedly by Bengali groups. However, many Odia users have countered these claims, emphasising that Puri is a sacred pilgrimage site, not just a tourist destination.

Political figures have also weighed in, with West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, criticising the West Bengal government’s handling of the issue. Meanwhile, Odisha’s Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, has called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

As tensions rise, devotees and religious organizations continue to demand clarity and corrective action, urging the West Bengal government to remove the ‘Dham’ label from the Digha temple.

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