Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has formally raised objections with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the naming of the newly inaugurated Jagannath Temple in Digha as ‘Jagannath Dham’. In a letter addressed to Banerjee on May 6, CM Majhi expressed deep concern and urged the West Bengal government to refrain from using the term, citing cultural sensitivity and religious sentiments tied to the original and sacred Shree Jagannath Dham in Puri.

In the letter, CM Majhi emphasized that Shree Jagannath Dham in Puri, Odisha, is not only one of the four sacred Char Dhams of Hinduism, but also holds unmatched spiritual and cultural importance for millions of devotees across India and abroad. "The name 'Jagannath Dham' holds a unique and sacrosanct identity linked to Puri, and its usage in reference to any other temple or location hurts the sentiment and emotion of millions of pilgrims," he wrote.

The Odisha CM expressed that using "Jagannath Dham" in official and promotional contexts for the Digha temple is likely to:

• Create confusion among devotees,

• Dilute the historic and religious identity of Puri,

• And potentially offend religious sentiments of people in Odisha and elsewhere.

While acknowledging the widespread devotion to Lord Jagannath across India, CM Majhi asserted that preserving the unique status of Puri is essential for maintaining historical and scriptural sanctity.

CM Majhi urged the West Bengal government to show respect for inter-state heritage by withdrawing the usage of “Jagannath Dham” in connection to the Digha temple. "I sincerely hope that the West Bengal government will uphold the spirit of inter-state respect and cultural sensitivity in this matter," Majhi wrote, calling for a change in official naming and promotional materials.

Adding weight to the Odisha government's position, Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, the King of Puri and Adya Sevak (first servitor) of Lord Jagannath, cited sacred Hindu texts such as the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, and Padma Purana in his assertion that only Puri can be referred to as “Shree Jagannath Dham”. According to him, Puri is the eternal Moola Peetha (original seat) of Lord Jagannath, and no other temple can be accorded the same title.

As public debate and religious sentiments intensify, all eyes are now on how the West Bengal government and Digha temple authorities respond to the Odisha CM’s appeal. The controversy underscores the importance of honoring historical religious designations and ensuring that modern developments do not blur spiritual heritage.