Bhubaneshwar (OT Webdesk): The controversy surrounding the newly built Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal, has escalated, prompting Odisha’s Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to step in.
Concerns have emerged over unauthorised idol construction and misleading associations with Puri’s revered Jagannath temple. Devotees and religious leaders worry that deviations from sacred traditions could mislead worshippers and distort centuries-old beliefs.
SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee has initiated high-level meetings with servitors and temple authorities to address these concerns. Notices have been issued to key figures, including Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra, secretary of the Daitapati Nijog, seeking clarification on their role in the Digha event.
One of the most contentious issues is the alleged use of ‘Balaka’ wood—sacred neem wood designated for Puri’s Srimandir rituals—to craft an idol in Digha. Religious experts fear this could set a dangerous precedent.
There have been growing calls for Odisha’s government to urge West Bengal authorities to halt activities at the Digha temple. With tensions rising, legal intervention is being considered to safeguard Jagannath traditions and prevent misinformation from spreading.
As the situation unfolds, devotees await further developments to ensure that sacred customs remain intact.
