Puri: A wave of profound disappointment and anguish has swept through the hearts of Jagannath devotees worldwide following the recent misuse of the revered phrase, “Jagannath Dham.”
The phrase, intrinsically tied to the sacred city of Puri, Odisha, the undisputed abode of Lord Jagannath, was erroneously used to describe another temple in Digha.
This incident, brought to light by a now-deleted post from Smita Prakash of ANI, has been met with strong condemnation from officials and devotees alike, underscoring the deep emotional and spiritual significance of the term.
The phrase “Jagannath Dham” is more than just a name; it is a sacred title that signifies Puri’s unique status as one of the four principal pilgrimage sites of Hinduism, the Char Dhams.
For centuries, Puri has been the epicenter of Jagannath worship, a place where millions converge annually to witness the divine aura of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath, his siblings, and the timeless traditions of the temple. The very soil of Puri is considered holy, sanctified by the presence of the Lord.
In a powerful and emotional response, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), voiced the collective outrage of the community.
In a statement that resonated deeply with devotees, he described the misuse of the phrase as “very much disappointed.” Dr. Padhee’s swift action, bringing the matter to the attention of Gajapati Maharaj, the King of Puri and the first servitor of Lord Jagannath, highlights the gravity of the situation.
He has also indicated that the SJTA will formally address the issue through after the constitution of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee. Minister Law, Shri Prithiviraj Harichandan has indicated that the new Management Committee will be constituted by next week.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder that for millions, the name “Jagannath Dham” belongs exclusively to Puri. It is a testament to the immense spiritual devotion and protective sentiment that surrounds Lord Jagannath and his sacred abode.
The call for respecting the sanctity of this phrase is not merely a matter of geography but an appeal to uphold the sanctity of faith and tradition that binds the Jagannath community together.
The emotional outburst from Dr. Padhee and the subsequent support from devotees worldwide reflect a shared resolve to protect the unique and revered identity of Puri as the one and only Jagannath Dham. 🙏🏼