Bhubaneswar, May 26: Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb of Puri has urged the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Odisha government to intervene following the naming of a newly inaugurated temple in Digha, West Bengal, as 'Jagannath Dham'.
The Gajapati expressed deep concern over the use of the title, asserting that 'Jagannath Dham' holds exclusive spiritual and traditional significance for Puri. The controversy emerged after the name was officially used during the consecration ceremony of the Digha temple on April 30.
After consultations with scholars at the Mukti Mandap in Puri and with the backing of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, a formal objection was lodged. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reportedly taken up the matter with his West Bengal counterpart, seeking the withdrawal of the name.
The Gajapati also criticized the involvement of ISKCON in the issue, stating that such organizations should honor the sanctity attached to the term 'Jagannath Dham'. He emphasized the importance of preserving the sacred traditions of Lord Jagannath while promoting the culture on a global stage.
