'Jagannath Dham' row deepens

SJTA begins probe into 'use' of sacred wood from Puri Srimandir to craft Digha idols

- PNN & AGENCIES

As tensions rise over the West Bengal government's portrayal of a newly-constructed temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham', the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has launched an official probe into allegations that sacred wood from Puri Srimandir was secretly used to craft idols at the Digha shrine.

State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, who ordered the internal inquiry, said, "Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is currently touring Mumbai, will return to Bhubaneswar Sunday and raise the issue with his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee. The people of Odisha do not accept the misuse of the title 'Jagannath Dham' by anyone. The term 'Dham' holds deep spiritual significance and cannot be used arbitrarily."

He added that the Odisha government has no objection to the construction of Jagannath temples across the country.

"But it is unacceptable for the Lord's devotees to recognise Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. Moreover, I personally have reservations about allowing people from all religions to enter the Jagannath temple," Harichandan said.