Why Devotees Insist Puri is the Only True Jagannath Dham Amid Digha's Controversy

Puri's Unmatched Spiritual Significance

ARINDAM GANGULY, OP

Bhubaneswar: The recent designation of the newly built Jagannath Temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham' by the West Bengal government has not diminished the fervor of pilgrims from the neighboring state. They flocked in large numbers to this year's renowned Rath Yatra in Puri, which they firmly regard as the 'one and only' Jagannath Dham. Joyeeta Roy, a frequent participant in the Rath Yatra at Srikshetra, emphasized that Puri will forever be the authentic Dham. She stated, “The historical, spiritual, and cultural significance here is irreplaceable. Puri is one of the Char Dhams established by Adi Shankaracharya, making it a pivotal site for Hindu pilgrimage and faith.”

Roy elaborated that the divine essence of Lord Jagannath in Puri transcends mere symbolism; it is a living presence, nurtured by centuries of service, rituals, and spiritual energy that resonates through every stone of this sacred site. She remarked that while the Digha temple may attract visitors, “a Dham is not defined by its architecture or tourism; it embodies a divine legacy. That legacy, that vibrant spirit of devotion, resides solely in Puri.”

Ashok Agrawal from Asansol acknowledged the commendable effort behind the Digha temple for those unable to visit Puri. However, he asserted, “You cannot simply label it a ‘Dham.’ The sanctity of Puri Jagannath Dham is founded on purity and centuries of steadfast faith—it cannot be constructed overnight.” Another devotee from West Bengal, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed, “There is only one Jagannath Dham, and that is in Puri. The Digha temple appears to be a political maneuver by the Mamata Banerjee government to compete with the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Radha Raman Ganguly from Bankura echoed similar thoughts, stating, “For years, countless Bengalis have traveled to Puri for darshan of Lord Jagannath. This tradition cannot be abruptly replaced.” The West Bengal government's declaration of the Digha temple as a 'Jagannath Dham' has ignited controversy and heightened tensions among devotees from both states.

Many traditional followers reject the new temple's claim to the sacred title historically linked with Puri. Another contentious issue that has sparked discussions among traditional devotees is the differing entry regulations at the two temples. While strict entry rules govern the Puri temple, the Digha temple allows entry for foreign nationals. Additionally, the Digha Jagannath Temple hosted the Rath Yatra, inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, pilgrims faced restrictions behind barricades along the 1-kilometer route and were prohibited from pulling the ropes of the deities' chariots—a central ritual of the festival. Banerjee explained that this decision was made for security reasons, but many devotees expressed their disappointment. “Jagannath is the people's Lord. Being unable to pull the ropes is very disheartening,” lamented a devotee. As both temples continue their spiritual practices, the debate over what defines a true 'Dham' remains a deeply rooted matter of faith, tradition, and sentiment in India's religious and cultural landscape.