‘Dham’ to be removed from Digha Jagannath Temple, orders CM Suvendu

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday announced that the word “Dham” would be removed from the name of the Jagannath complex in Digha following a request from Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Accepting the request, Adhikari said the site would continue to function as a cultural centre and that the name would be revised in accordance with the original government approval.

Speaking on the matter, Adhikari said he had previously discussed the issue during a visit to the ISKCON headquarters in Mayapur. According to him, representatives present at the meeting had expressed the view that the use of the term “Dham” in the context of the Digha facility was not consistent with the traditions of Sanatan Dharma and Indian cultural practices. He stated that these discussions influenced the decision to review the naming of the complex.

The Chief Minister said he had examined official records related to the project and found that the approval granted by the previous West Bengal government described it as the “Shri Shri Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre.” According to Adhikari, the facility was constructed with government funds as a cultural centre and the word “Dham” was subsequently incorporated into the name. He said the administration would now immediately remove the term from the official designation of the complex.

Adhikari clarified that the deity installed at the site would continue to be worshipped according to established religious customs and temple traditions. He stated that all rituals, offerings, and religious observances associated with Lord Jagannath would be conducted in accordance with Sanatan religious practices and prescribed temple regulations.

The Chief Minister further stated that devotional activities, including bhajans, kirtans, and other forms of worship, would continue at the complex. He said the premises would maintain a religious and devotional atmosphere while continuing to operate as a cultural centre in line with the provisions outlined in the government resolution.