Suvendu Adhikari Backs Odisha CM’s Appeal; ‘Dham’ Word To Be Dropped From Digha Jagannath Complex Name

The temple complex, presently known as “Digha Jagannath Dham,” will be renamed as the “Digha Jagannath Cultural Centre,” Adhikari said on Tuesday, indicating that steps would be taken to address concerns raised by devotees and religious organisations.

The issue gained momentum after Chief Minister Mohan Majhi wrote to his West Bengal counterpart, urging reconsideration of the use of the term “Dham” for the Digha temple complex. In his letter that was sent to the West Bengal CM in the hands of Puri Lok Sabha member Dr Sambit Patra, Majhi emphasised that the Jagannath Temple in Puri occupies a unique and revered position as one of Hinduism’s four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites, and that the use of the term elsewhere could hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees.

Responding to the concerns, Adhikari stated that the earlier Trinamool Congress-led government had incorporated the word “Dham” in the name, a move he described as inconsistent with traditional Sanatan practices. He said the request from the Odisha Chief Minister had been received positively and that a proposal to formally revise the nomenclature would be placed before the West Bengal Cabinet.

Adhikari also acknowledged the role of Puri MP Sambit Patra in discussions related to the matter.

In his communication, Majhi noted that the term “Jagannath Dham” is intrinsically linked with the sacred abode of Mahaprabhu Jagannath at Puri and carries immense spiritual, historical and cultural significance. He said the nomenclature occupies a unique place in the faith and consciousness of countless devotees across the country.

Recalling West Bengal’s long-standing cultural ties with Odisha and the shared reverence for Lord Jagannath, Majhi expressed confidence that the concerns of devotees would be appreciated. He urged the West Bengal government to preserve the sanctity and distinct identity of Shree Jagannath Dham, Puri, by dropping the word “Dham” from the Digha complex and adopting an alternative name such as “Shri Jagannath Temple, Digha.”