'Jagannath Dham' row deepens, SJTA begins probe into alleged use of Puri wood in Digha temple

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 the Puri Jagannath Temple was secretly used to craft idols at the Digha shrine.

- PBD BUREAU/PTI

Odisha’s Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, who ordered the internal inquiry, said, "Our Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is currently touring Mumbai, will return to Bhubaneswar on 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 recognize Digha as ‘Jagannath Dham.’ Moreover, I personally have reservations about allowing people from all religions to enter the Jagannath temple," Harichandan said.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, without directly naming Mamata Banerjee, said, "Those who have misused Lord Jagannath's name have paid a heavy price in the past. Now, someone [referring to Banerjee] is set to suffer.”

Puri MP and BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra also voiced strong opposition to the use of the "Jagannath Dham" title for the Digha temple.