Puri King Assures Action on Controversy Surrounding Digha Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar: Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri and Chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, has assured that appropriate steps are being taken regarding the growing controversy surrounding the newly-constructed Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal.

The issue came to light after noted sand artist and former member of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, Sudarsan Pattnaik, wrote a letter to the Puri King, expressing concern over reports that surplus sacred neem wood (Daru) from the 2015 Nabakalebar rituals in Puri was allegedly used to carve the idols for the Digha shrine.

In response, Gajapati Deb stated, “We are taking appropriate action in connection with the controversies over the newly-built shrine at Digha.”

Following media reports and growing public concern, the Odisha government has ordered a formal probe into the matter. State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has directed the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Padhee, to investigate the allegations.

Adding to the confusion, senior Daitapati servitor Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra was initially quoted by some West Bengal media channels as confirming the use of surplus Daru wood from the Nabakalebar ceremony at the Digha temple. However, Dasmahapatra later refuted these claims, stating, “This is a false report. I never made such a statement. My comments may have been misquoted or deliberately edited. I only confirmed that neem wood idols were consecrated at the new temple in Digha.”

Reportedly, a few servitors from the Puri temple, including Dasmahapatra, had attended the inauguration of the Digha temple, further fueling the controversy.

Another point of contention has been the naming of the Digha temple as “Jagannath Dham.” Many devotees and traditionalists argue that, according to Hindu scriptures and age-old traditions, only the Puri temple holds the rightful status of being called “Jagannath Dham.”

In light of these developments, Sudarsan Pattnaik has urged the Puri King to intervene and ensure the sanctity of Puri’s spiritual heritage is upheld.

The issue continues to draw attention from religious scholars, devotees, and temple authorities, as the state awaits the outcome of the official probe.