Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has written a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Subhendu Nirmala Sitharaman to remove the word ‘Dham’ from the name of the Jagannath Temple complex built in Digha, West Bengal. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has written an official letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Subhendu Nirmala Sitharaman to remove the use of the word ‘Dham’ from the name of the temple. He has proposed to name the Digha Temple “Shri Jagannath Mandir, Digha” instead of “Digha Jagannath Dham.”
Crores of Jagannath lovers hurt: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Shri Majhi mentioned in his letter that the word “Jagannath Dham” is only indirectly associated with Puri Shrikshetra, which is one of the four holy places in India. The spiritual, cultural, and historical sentiments of crores of Jagannath devotees are associated with this name. The title of ‘Dham’ given to Digha Temple has caused deep discontent among Jagannath lovers, researchers, and socio-cultural organizations in Odisha and all over the world.
Reason for objection: To protect the unique identity and sanctity of Puri Shrikshetra
Odisha Chief Minister’s proposal: Instead of ‘Digha Jagannath Dham,’ the name should be ‘Shri Jagannath Mandir, Digha.’
Relations between the two states: It is hoped that this step will further strengthen the cultural goodwill and mutual respect between Odisha and West Bengal.
Jai Jagannath! I am confident that the West Bengal Chief Minister will personally intervene in this sensitive issue to keep the uniqueness and dignity of Puri Shri Jagannath Dham intact, the Chief Minister has written in his letter. After the chief minister’s letter, everyone is now watching whether the West Bengal government makes any changes in this naming or not.
