A long-running dispute over the naming of the Jagannath temple complex in Digha appears to have been resolved after Mohan Charan Majhi urged the West Bengal government to remove the word "Dham" from the temple's name, and Suvendu Adhikari agreed to the request.
In a formal letter, Majhi expressed concern that the use of the title "Digha Jagannath Dham" was causing distress among devotees, religious scholars, and cultural organisations. He argued that the term "Jagannath Dham" carries a unique spiritual identity that is inseparably linked with the historic Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of Hinduism's four sacred Char Dham.
According to Majhi, the nomenclature has deep religious, historical, and cultural significance that extends far beyond a simple temple name. He stated that for millions of devotees, "Jagannath Dham" specifically refers to the ancient pilgrimage centre in Puri and occupies a special place in the religious consciousness of Hindus across India and abroad.
The Odisha Chief Minister suggested that the Digha complex adopt an alternative title such as "Shri Jagannath Temple, Digha" in order to preserve the distinct identity and sanctity associated with Puri's Jagannath Dham. He also noted that the issue had generated widespread discussion among devotees and religious leaders, making it important to address concerns sensitively.
The letter gained additional significance because it came after a change in political leadership in West Bengal. Majhi expressed confidence that Adhikari would appreciate the concerns raised by devotees and stakeholders and would take a decision that respected religious sentiments.
Responding to the request, Adhikari accepted the proposal and announced that the word "Dham" would be removed from the name of the Digha temple complex. He clarified that the previous West Bengal administration had referred to the facility as the "Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre," but acknowledged the concerns that had emerged regarding the use of the term.
Adhikari stated that while the complex would continue to function as a temple where worship and religious rituals are conducted, it would no longer carry the designation "Dham." He described the decision as a gesture of respect toward devotees and their religious sentiments.
The issue had also attracted attention from Sambit Patra, who supported Odisha's position. Patra said there was no objection to the construction of Jagannath temples in different parts of the country, as Lord Jagannath is worshipped by devotees worldwide. However, he maintained that the use of the word "Dham" for the Digha temple was inappropriate because the title is traditionally associated with Puri's sacred status as one of the Char Dhams.
Patra argued that religious emotions should not be disregarded and emphasised that "Jagannath Dham" has a unique place within Hindu tradition. He welcomed efforts to preserve that identity while supporting the establishment of Jagannath temples elsewhere.
The decision was also welcomed by Radharamn Das, who serves as trustee and chief priest of the temple and is also a vice-president of ISKCON Kolkata. Das praised the move and said renaming the complex as "Digha Jagannath Mandir" would honour the sentiments of devotees in Odisha while strengthening the cultural and spiritual relationship between West Bengal and Odisha.
He emphasised that Lord Jagannath belongs to all devotees irrespective of geography and expressed hope that the decision would promote unity among followers and contribute to the wider spread of Sanatan Dharma.
The controversy itself was not new. Majhi had previously raised similar concerns with former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in May of the previous year after objections were voiced by religious leaders, temple scholars, and devotees who felt that the use of the term "Dham" created confusion regarding the unique status of Puri.
With West Bengal now agreeing to remove the word from the temple's name, the issue appears to have reached a resolution acceptable to both sides. The development is being viewed as an effort to balance respect for religious traditions with the growing presence of Jagannath temples outside Odisha, while preserving the historic and spiritual significance of Puri's identity as the original Jagannath Dham.
