Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to respect religious sentiments and cultural traditions, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed gratitude to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for promptly accepting his request and announcing the removal of the word ‘Dham’ from the Jagannath temple project in Digha.
Speaking on the development, CM Majhi stated that Lord Jagannath is the soul of the entire world and the greatest symbol of Sanatan cultural and spiritual identity. He emphasised that, according to classical and mythological traditions, the holy shrine of Puri is the one and only ‘Jagannath Dham’.”The narrow political approach of the previous West Bengal government and its ignorance towards Sanatan traditions led to the misuse of the sacred name ‘Jagannath Dham’ for the Digha project.
This decision deeply hurt the religious faith of the people of Odisha and millions of Shri Jagannath devotees worldwide,” Majhi said. To safeguard the self-respect and sentiments of the Odia people, Majhi had written a letter to the newly elected West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, registering Odisha’s strong objection and requesting correction of the naming.
“I am very happy that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has shown sensitivity on this important issue and reversed the short-sighted policy of the previous government,” Majhi added.
He welcomed the announcement that the Digha complex will now be known as the ‘Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir Cultural Center’.On behalf of the people of Odisha, Majhi extended heartfelt thanks to the new West Bengal government for this “prompt and tradition-respecting” decision. He noted that the step will strengthen brotherhood and cultural harmony between the two neighbouring states while preserving the classical and unique status of Lord Jagannath’s abode in Puri.
“Our government remains firmly committed to protecting Odia identity and upholding the eternal glory of Mahaprabhu Jagannath,” the Odisha Chief Minister affirmed.
The development has been welcomed by many in Odisha as a positive gesture towards cultural sensitivity and inter-state harmony.
