Controversy Deepens Over Calling the New Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, a 'Dham'; Sudarshan Patnaik Appeals to Mamata Banerjee to Revoke the Decision.
Odisha News: A controversy has erupted over the naming of the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha, a popular seaside tourist destination in West Bengal, as "Jagannath Dham." This has led to a confrontation between the governments of Odisha and West Bengal. Prominent Indian sand artist and Padma Shri awardee, Sudarshan Patnaik, has bly reacted to the decision.
Sudarshan Patnaik Appeals to Mamata Banerjee
Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Patnaik, from Odisha, issued a statement saying that while the construction of a Jagannath Temple in Digha is a positive initiative, calling it "Jagannath Dham" is inappropriate. He appealed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to revoke the decision, as it could create confusion among millions of Jagannath devotees across India and the world.
The Religious Significance of Jagannath Dham
Patnaik stated that India has four major Dhams – Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameshwaram, and Puri's Jagannath Dham. These four Dhams hold special religious significance under the Sanātana Dharma and the religious system established by Adi Shankara. Therefore, according to him, granting the Digha temple the status of a 'Dham' is not only religiously incorrect but also goes against tradition.
Hurting Religious Sentiments and Sending the Wrong Message to the Public
Patnaik expressed concern that this decision is hurting religious sentiments and sending a wrong message to the public. He clarified that while the structure should be referred to as a temple, calling it a 'Dham' is inappropriate. He stated, "Misleading devotees of Lord Jagannath is not right."
Mamata Government Under Question
Following this controversy, the silence of the Mamata government has also come under scrutiny. The Odisha government has officially objected, and protests are also being voiced on social media. Several religious organizations and devotees have expressed their displeasure over the issue.
