Puri: The announcement by the West Bengal government to construct a Jagannath Temple in Digha, designed as an “exact replica” of the iconic Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, has ignited a heated controversy. The Puspalaka Nijog has strongly condemned the move, labeling it as disrespectful to the unique traditions and sanctity of the of the Puri Shree Jagannath Temple.
The West Bengal government has stated that the Digha temple will not only mirror the architectural and ritualistic aspects of the Puri Jagannath Temple but also serve as a local alternative for devotees. Their promotional slogans, such as “No need to go to Puri to see Jagannath Dham and the sea” and “Jagannath Dham is now in Digha too,” have been deemed offensive by the Jagannath Temple sevitor community. These statements are seen as undermining the spiritual and cultural significance of the Puri Shree Jagannath Temple, which has followed its distinctive rituals since its consecration centuries ago.
In response, the Puspalaka Nijog has issued a stern directive to its members, their families, and associates, prohibiting any involvement in the Digha temple’s rituals, such as aarti, deity dressing, or abakasha puja, on its inauguration day or thereafter.
The Nijog has warned that participation in these activities will be considered a violation of its code, leading to expulsion from the association. “Any member found assisting in the Digha temple’s rituals will face strict action,” the Nijog stated, emphasizing that such involvement would be an act against the sacred traditions of the Puri temple.
This directive in a notice form has been issued on behalf of the Shree Jagannath Temple’s Puspalaka Nijog, under the signature of its secretary, Harekrushna Singari.
Earlier, on April 24, the Suar Mahasuar Nijog had issued a notice to all its sevaks, members, and employees, stating that involvement in the inauguration of the Digha Jagannath Temple or participation in its subsequent cooking activities would result in expulsion from the Shree Jagannath Temple’s kitchen duties, removal from the Nijog, and suspension. Now, the Puspalaka Nijog has also initiated similar measures.
