Bhubaneswar: The decision to remove the word “Dham” from the Jagannath project in Digha and rename it as the Digha Jagannath Cultural Centre has been welcomed by many devotees and stakeholders who had expressed concerns over preserving the unique spiritual identity of Puri.
For centuries, Jagannath Temple in Puri has been revered as Jagannath Dham, one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations and one of the four cardinal dhams in India. For millions of devotees across the world, the term “Jagannath Dham” is intrinsically linked to Puri and carries profound religious, historical, and cultural significance.
The renaming of the Digha project follows discussions between stakeholders in Odisha and West Bengal regarding the use of the term “Dham.” Supporters of the move say it helps preserve the distinct identity and sanctity associated with Puri while allowing the Digha facility to function as a centre for cultural and devotional activities.
Many devotees and religious leaders have viewed the development as a recognition of Puri’s unique status in the Jagannath tradition. They maintain that while Lord Jagannath is worshipped in numerous temples across India and abroad, the designation of “Jagannath Dham” remains uniquely associated with Puri.
The decision has also been seen as an example of cooperation between the governments of Odisha and West Bengal in addressing sentiments linked to faith, heritage, and cultural identity. Supporters have expressed appreciation to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for their roles in resolving the issue.
For devotees, the outcome reinforces a long-held belief: while centres dedicated to Lord Jagannath may exist in many places, there remains only one Jagannath Dham—Puri.
-OdishaAge
