Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has initiated an investigation following rising tensions regarding the West Bengal government's designation of a newly built temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. Allegations have surfaced that sacred wood from the Puri Jagannath Temple was illicitly used to create idols for the Digha shrine.

Prithiviraj Harichandan, the State Law Minister, who has called for the inquiry, stated, "Our Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, currently in Mumbai, will return to Bhubaneswar on Sunday to discuss this matter with West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. The people of Odisha will not tolerate the misuse of the title 'Jagannath Dham'. This term carries profound spiritual importance and should not be used lightly."

He further clarified that while the Odisha government supports the establishment of Jagannath temples nationwide, it is unacceptable for devotees to recognize Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. Harichandan also expressed personal reservations about allowing individuals from all faiths to enter the Jagannath temple.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida hinted at consequences for those misusing Lord Jagannath's name, suggesting that someone, presumably Banerjee, would face repercussions.

Sambit Patra, Puri MP and BJP spokesperson, strongly opposed the Digha temple's use of the 'Jagannath Dham' title, asserting, "There is only one Jagannath Dham in the world, located in Puri. It is essential to recognize that Puri is one of the four Dhams in India, and no other location can claim this title. Shreekhetra or Purusottama Kshetra is exclusively in Puri, where the Lord resides."

In response to the allegations, SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee has commenced an investigation into the supposed use of sacred wood from the Puri temple for the idols at Digha.

This inquiry follows a statement made by senior Puri servitor Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra on a Bengali news channel, where he claimed to have brought idols of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath made from sacred wood from Puri.

However, Dasmohapatra has refuted these claims, stating that he crafted the idols from neem wood in Puri before transporting them to Digha.

As the situation escalates, SJTA has organized meetings with various servitor associations from the Puri temple. In the initial phase, Padhee met with key figures including Deulakaran, Tadhukaran, and Pattajoshi Mohapatra. Future discussions will involve the four Badagrahis and three chief carpenters responsible for constructing the chariots.

On Saturday, SJTA issued notices to the presidents and secretaries of all Sevayat Nijogs, requesting their opinions on the Digha temple issue by 5 PM on Sunday.

Ramkrushna Dasmohapatra, who has been at the center of the controversy for attending the Digha temple's inauguration, has also been summoned to appear before the SJTA on Sunday morning.

Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb of Puri stated on Saturday that appropriate measures would be taken regarding the West Bengal government's use of the term 'Dham' for the newly inaugurated temple.

The Gajapati Maharaja, who chairs the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee in Puri, made this remark in response to a request from renowned sand sculptor Sudarsan Pattnaik, who urged him to protect the dignity of Jagannath Dham.

"The actions of the West Bengal Chief Minister have deeply offended the religious sentiments of millions of Lord Jagannath's followers worldwide. Our sacred scriptures affirm that there is only one organized Jagannath Dham, which is in Puri. Misusing this revered title for any other location could lead to religious confusion and contradicts the long-standing spiritual traditions and cultural heritage of Hinduism," he remarked.

In addition to Dasmohapatra, approximately 56 other servitors from the Puri temple reportedly participated in the consecration ceremony at the Digha temple.