Mamata Banerjee Inaugurates Grand Jagannath Dham in Digha, a Rs 250-Crore Cultural Landmark
In a vibrant and spiritually rich ceremony, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday inaugurated the grand Jagannath Dham temple in Digha — a magnificent Rs 250-crore replica of the famed Jagannath Temple in Puri. The temple, constructed in traditional Kalinga architectural style, stands as a monumental tribute to Bengal’s cultural and religious heritage.
The consecration ceremony, held with much fanfare and devotion, was attended by prominent personalities from Bengal’s music and film industries, political leaders, and devotees from across the state. Sacred water from various pilgrimage sites across India was brought in for the rituals, adding sanctity and symbolic unity to the occasion.
“The inauguration of Digha’s Jagannath Temple stands as a glorious testament to Bengal’s enduring devotion and rich cultural heritage. Every intricately carved stone, and every prayer that shall rise from its sanctum, will embody the deep faith, unity, and enduring spirit of our people,” Mamata Banerjee said in a statement ahead of the inauguration.
Spread across 20 acres, the temple is crafted from exquisite pink sandstone sourced from Rajasthan. Over 800 skilled artisans from West Bengal were involved in the construction, bringing intricate detailing and reverence to every element of the design. The temple mirrors the grandeur of the original Jagannath Temple in Puri and incorporates signature architectural features such as the Singhadwar (Lion Gate), Byaghradwar (Tiger Gate), Hastidwar (Elephant Gate), and Ashwadwar (Horse Gate).
In addition to the main sanctum dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the complex also houses a shrine for Goddess Lakshmi and a specially designed Bhogshala, where sacred offerings will be prepared. These features are designed to align closely with the rituals and practices of the original Puri temple, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees.
On Tuesday, ahead of the formal inauguration, puja and a Maha Yajna were performed in a temporary hut erected in front of the temple. The rituals were conducted by 57 devotees from Puri’s Jagannath Temple and 17 monks from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), further strengthening the religious ties between the two temple towns.
The state government envisions the temple as a catalyst for tourism and spiritual engagement in Digha, one of Bengal’s most popular coastal destinations. Officials confirmed plans to host an annual Ratha Yatra — the traditional chariot festival associated with Lord Jagannath — in Digha, drawing inspiration from the world-renowned Puri Ratha Yatra.
By replicating the spiritual and architectural grandeur of Puri’s iconic shrine, the Bengal government aims to transform Digha into a hub of religious tourism. With this temple, it is not just faith but also culture, tradition, and regional pride that are being celebrated.
The temple’s opening marks a new chapter for Digha, offering both spiritual solace and a cultural landmark that is expected to attract pilgrims and tourists from across the country in the years to come.
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