Bhubaneswar: Following days of intense media scrutiny surrounding the establishment of a Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, and related cultural sensitivities, the Chief Administrator of the Shrimandir, Dr. Arabinda Padhee, today submitted the report of the Internal Investigation Committee to the State Government. The comprehensive report addresses concerns regarding the Digha temple’s location, its naming as “Jagannath Dham,” the alleged involvement of Puri servitors in its construction, and claims about the making of idols from surplus wood from the Shrimandir.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan received the report at Lok Seva Bhavan. Speaking to the media afterwards, Minister Shri Harichandan stated that the state government had requested the Shrimandir administration to conduct an internal investigation into the Digha Jagannath Temple issue, and the submitted report is a result of that inquiry. He informed that the Shrimandir administration held extensive discussions over three days with key stakeholders, including the Maharana Sevak, the temple security officer, the Daitapati officer, and individuals who had visited the Digha temple.
Minister Shri Harichandan further revealed that the Temple Administration has presented various proposals and a detailed report to the state government after a thorough examination of all aspects of the matter. He assured that the Chief Minister has been apprised of the situation and that the report will be meticulously reviewed to determine the future course of action and subsequent steps.
Addressing the nomenclature of the Digha temple, Minister Shri Harichandan clarified that while establishing a Jagannath temple anywhere is permissible, inconsistencies in policies exist across different locations. To address this, the Shrimandir will soon issue guidelines for all Jagannath temples within Odisha concerning the daily rituals and practices of Mahaprabhu. He emphasized the unique significance of the four Dhams in India, stating that the term “Dham” should not be used for any other place. Consequently, the usage of “Jagannath Dham” in Digha is deemed incorrect, and the Odisha Government will initiate efforts to have it removed. Furthermore, a letter will be sent to the West Bengal government requesting the removal of the name “Mahodadhi” associated with the Digha temple.
Regarding the conduct of servitors, Minister Shri Harichandan stated that there are no existing rules permitting them to travel to other places for worship in an official capacity. He added that guidelines will be formulated to specify what information regarding the internal customs and practices of the Jagannath Temple can and cannot be disclosed outside of Puri.
On the contentious issue of surplus wood, the Niyogs (temple associations) clarified that the report unequivocally states that it is not permissible to take surplus wood outside the Shrimandir to construct deities, refuting any such claims as completely false. They affirmed that the wood is securely stored within the wood house. It was also mentioned that some wood was present in the houses of certain Daitapati Niyog Members following a Government decision in 1995-96. To address this, a five-member committee has been formed to collect all such wood and bring it to the designated wood house for proper accounting.
Finally, Minister Shri Harichandan touched upon the notice issued by the Shrimandir Administration to the Dayatapati Niyog Sampadak regarding a complaint. While the individual has submitted their explanation, the Temple Administration has directed them to provide a further response within the next seven days, explaining why disciplinary action should not be taken against them in connection with the matter.
Principal Secretary, Law, Manas Ranjan Barik, along with Additional Secretary Bibhu Prasad Panda and Shiv Prasad Mohapatra, represented the Temple Administration during the submission of the report. The State Government’s next steps will be closely watched as the controversy surrounding the Digha Jagannath Temple continues to garner attention.