Digha Jagannath Temple marks Massive Footfall
The new Jagannath Dham temple in Digha, West Bengal, has witnessed an extraordinary influx of visitors, attracting an estimated two million devotees and tourists within the first 15 days of its consecration. This surge has significantly boosted local tourism, though the temple's establishment and, particularly, its nomenclature has ignited considerable debate and objections, primarily from neighboring Odisha.
Massive Visitor Influx and Tourism Impact
According to Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON, the temple is experiencing "incredibly long queues," with approximately 60 to 70 percent of the two million visitors hailing from Odisha. He noted, "The devotion to Lord Jagannath transcends any perceived conflict; all are united in their bhakti." The temple's strategic location is also contributing to its popularity, with pilgrims reportedly extending their visits from Odisha's Chandreshwar Mahadev Jyotirlinga to include Digha. This increased footfall has led to longer hotel stays in Digha, extending from typical two-day visits to four days or more. While the West Bengal government's tourism initiatives are seen as a factor, the growing numbers have also raised concerns about crowd management.
Nomenclature and Construction Spark Debate
Despite its immediate success as a tourist draw, the temple has faced strong objections, mainly concerning its designation as a "Dham." Religious leaders, scholars, and the Odisha government contend that this title is traditionally exclusive to the Jagannath Temple in Puri and that its application to another temple could mislead devotees. Odisha's Law Minister has even indicated the possibility of legal action against West Bengal over the naming. Initial allegations regarding the illicit sourcing of sacred neem wood for the Digha idols, though later refuted, further fueled the controversy.
The new Jagannath temple in Digha has become a major attraction, significantly enhancing tourism in the coastal West Bengal town with a remarkable number of visitors, many from Odisha. However, this success is tangled with ongoing religious and political sensitivities surrounding its traditional significance and the appropriateness of its "Dham" title, a matter that continues to draw contention.
