Bhubaneswar: In a major move aimed at respecting Sanatan traditions and addressing long-standing cultural concerns, the West Bengal government on Tuesday announced it will remove the word “Dham” from the recently constructed Jagannath temple in East Midnapore Digha’s town.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the decision during a press conference at Nabanna in Kolkata, in the presence of Puri MP Sambit Patra.
The development follows a formal letter sent by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, which was hand-delivered to the West Bengal Chief Minister by Patra.
Addressing the media, the Puri MP explained that while the opening of the temple in April 2025 by the previous West Bengal government was a welcome step for promoting the glory of Lord Jagannath, naming it a “Dham” had deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. “According to eternal Sanatan traditions established by Adi Shankaracharya, there are only four sacred Dhams, and the true Jagannath Dham, where Lord Narayan resides, is exclusively located in Puri, Odisha,” he stated.
He noted that the misnomer had caused immense distress not only to the 40 million people of Odisha but also to millions of Jagannath devotees across West Bengal and globally.
Accepting the letter alongside West Bengal’s Chief Secretary, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari clarified that a review of official state records revealed the project was originally approved using state funds as the “Shri Shri Jagannath Dham Cultural Center.” He noted that the term “Dham” had been improperly inserted into the complex’s name by the previous administration.
“This is not just a request; it is an excellent and necessary suggestion that aligns with my own personal beliefs. The previous government committed an act of disrespect toward Sanatan culture, but this government will not allow it to continue,” Adhikari said.
The Bengal CM further stated that the complex will be formally recognised as the Shri Shri Jagannath Cultural Centre, as per the original cabinet approval and government tender. “Rituals, daily worship, prasad distribution, and bhajan-kirtan will be strictly performed in compliance with traditional Sanatan and scriptural guidelines, managed in coordination with ISKCON,” he added.
