Controversy Erupts Over Digha Temple's Jagannath Idols: Odisha's SJTA Investigates

Investigation Launched into Alleged Misuse of Sacred Wood

The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has initiated an inquiry into the actions of a senior servitor regarding the alleged use of surplus sacred wood from the historic 12th-century temple for crafting idols at a temple in Digha, West Bengal. This inquiry follows the participation of Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, the secretary of the 'Daitapati Nijog', in a consecration ceremony at the Digha temple, which was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30.

The 'Daitapati Nijog' is a group of servitors who serve as protectors of Lord Jagannath. Alongside Dasmohapatra, approximately 56 other servitors from the Puri temple were also present at the Digha event.

The controversy intensified after Odisha's Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan called for an investigation into the West Bengal government's characterization of the Digha temple as 'Jagannath Dham' and the alleged appropriation of surplus wood from the Puri shrine for idol construction.

SJTA Administrator Arabinda Padhee summoned Dasmohapatra for questioning, which lasted around 90 minutes. The administration sought to determine whether he had indeed taken sacred wood from the Puri temple for the idols at Digha.

Reports suggest that some servitors from Puri may have utilized leftover 'neem' wood from the 2015 'Nabakalebara' ritual to create the idols for the Digha temple. The 'Nabakalebara' ritual occurs every 12 or 19 years, during which the wooden forms of the deities—Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath—are replaced at the Puri temple.

Dasmohapatra, also known as Rajesh Daitapati in West Bengal, faced inquiries about the custodianship of the 'Daru Gruha', the storage area for sacred wood at the Puri temple, and whether a 'Brahma' installation had taken place at the Digha temple. The 'Brahma' is a vital component believed to embody the soul of Lord Jagannath, transferred during the 'Nabakalebara' ritual.

While Dasmohapatra and another senior member of the Daitapati Nijog refrained from addressing reporters, he stated on May 2 that he attended the Digha ceremony at the invitation of 'his disciple Mamata Banerjee', denying claims that wood from the Puri temple was used for the idols.

He clarified that he transported neem wood idols to Digha, but insisted they did not originate from the 'Daru Gruha'. During the questioning, the SJTA chief administrator pressed him on inconsistencies in his statements.

The SJTA has also reached out to various servitor unions for their perspectives on the matter. Additionally, at least two complaints have been lodged with the police in Puri regarding the alleged theft of sacred wood from the 'Daru Gruha' for the Digha idols.

Political leaders have voiced their opinions on the situation. Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari criticized the involvement of servitors and the unauthorized use of sacred wood, calling it a violation of the ethical standards surrounding Jagannath culture.

He condemned the West Bengal government's actions, accusing them of misleading devotees by labeling the Digha project as the 'Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre' while promoting it as a temple.

The BJD, Odisha's main opposition party, also condemned the portrayal of the Digha temple as a 'Jagannath Dham', asserting that it undermines the sentiments of the people. BJD deputy leader Prasanna Acharya emphasized that there should only be one Jagannath Dham, located in Puri.

Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das suggested that the matter should be referred to religious authorities for clarification, stating that politicians should not dictate spiritual matters. He also mentioned the need to verify facts regarding the alleged theft of sacred wood.