Digha, West Bengal: As Digha’s towering 213-foot Jagannath Temple readies for its grand inauguration on April 30, 2025, elaborate rituals have begun ahead of the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya. The temple, constructed in the traditional Kalingan architectural style with sandstone, is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and Goddesses Mahalaxmi and Subhadra. The “Pran Pratistha” ceremonies are in full swing, with devotees recently participating in a vibrant “Kalash Yatra”.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who will preside over the inauguration, described the temple as a “moment of great spiritual significance,” expressing hope that it will become a beacon of peace and prosperity for Bengal and the nation. “The Jagannath Temple in Digha will soon open its doors, welcoming not only the people of Bengal but pilgrims from across India. May this temple serve as a sanctuary of hope, peace, and unity for generations to come,” Banerjee stated on social media.
A Landmark Project for Digha
Spanning over 22 acres near the Digha railway station, the temple is modeled after the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, and has been developed at a cost of approximately Rs 250 crore, fully funded by the state government. The complex includes guest accommodations, administrative facilities, and spaces to support local self-help groups, aiming to boost both religious tourism and the local economy.
A trustee board, comprising senior government officials and representatives from ISKCON, Sanatan Dharma, and the local priest community, will oversee temple management. The temple is expected to draw thousands of devotees and tourists, significantly enhancing Digha’s profile as a spiritual and tourist destination.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Construction and Management
The temple’s inauguration, however, has sparked political controversy. Opposition BJP leaders have questioned the quality of construction and the management structure. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has raised queries about the official status of the temple site as ‘Jagannath Dham Sanskriti Kendra’ and the future handling of donations, asking whether contributions will be treated as temple property or as revenue for the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO).
BJP’s Amit Malviya went further, alleging corruption and political motives behind the project. He cited recent storm damage to the temple’s infrastructure as a sign of “divine intervention,” and accused the government of misleading the Hindu community for political gain.
Government Response and Inclusive Invitations
Despite the controversy, the state government has extended invitations to opposition leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and former BJP MP Dilip Ghosh, to attend the inauguration ceremony. The administration has also implemented extensive preparations, including infrastructure upgrades, security arrangements, and guest accommodations, to ensure the event’s smooth execution.
Looking Ahead
The Digha Jagannath Temple stands as a new symbol of Bengal’s spiritual and cultural aspirations. As the inauguration approaches, the temple is poised to become a focal point for devotion, tourism, and debate-a testament to both the region’s heritage and its evolving political landscape
