Bhubaneswar: The State Government has directed the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, to conduct an internal inquiry into the controversy surrounding the Digha Jagannath temple in West Bengal.
The idols of the trinity using surplus neem wood from the Nabakalebar ritual and its naming as “Jagannath Dham Digha” have sparked widespread debate and opposition.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has instructed SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee to investigate the matter and bring the truth to light. The Minister stated that the controversy has hurt the sentiments of the Jagannath-loving devotees and the people of Odisha.
The inquiry aims to identify those responsible for the incident and take necessary action, including punishment, with the permission of the state government. The government’s decision comes amid growing concerns over the temple’s construction and the involvement of servitors from Puri in the consecration ceremony.
“If anyone is found guilty in this incident or has knowingly caused such an incident, provisions can be made for punishment with the permission of the state government,” the letter read.
The internal investigation will seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the temple’s construction and naming, and determine whether any wrongdoing has occurred.
