Highlights – A new objection has been raised by the Puri Temple Administration regarding the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha. The servitors have demanded the removal of the stone idols and the installation of traditional wooden ‘Darubrahma’ idols in their place. They assert that the worship of Lord Jagannath must be conducted in accordance with the traditions and scriptural rules of the Puri temple.
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A fresh controversy has erupted over the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in the coastal town of Digha, West Bengal. This time, the objection is not regarding the name of the temple, but rather the idols of Lord Jagannath installed therein. The Puri Jagannath Temple Administration and the associated servitors have demanded that the stone idols installed in the Digha temple be removed and replaced with wooden ‘Darubrahma’ idols. Officials and servitors associated with the Puri temple state that wherever Lord Jagannath is worshipped, it must be in accordance with the traditional systems and religious beliefs of the Puri temple. They believe that the form of Lord Jagannath’s idol holds special significance, and clear traditions have been established for this in the scriptures.
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According to the servitors, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are traditionally made of wood, known as ‘Darubrahma’. They argue that this tradition has been followed for centuries and must be maintained. They contend that the installation of stone idols is not considered to be in accordance with religious rituals and traditional standards. Therefore, wooden idols should be installed in the Digha temple as well to ensure the sanctity of the worship practices and religious purity.
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Objection to the word ‘Dham’
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This is not the first time a controversy has arisen regarding the Jagannath Temple in Digha. Previously, the Odisha government and the Puri Temple Administration had expressed objections to the use of the word ‘Dham’ with the temple’s name. They argued that the word ‘Dham’ has significant religious and historical importance and should be used with caution. It is noteworthy that during the tenure of the previous Mamata government, the word ‘Dham’ was used with the temple’s name. However, the new BJP government recently formed in West Bengal, keeping this dispute in mind, announced the removal of the word ‘Dham’ from the temple’s name. Now, this new objection regarding the nature of the idols has once again brought the Digha Jagannath Temple into the center of discussion. All eyes are on what decision will be taken next regarding this demand from the Puri administration
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