Kolkata: Though steeped in controversy since its inauguration — ranging from allegations of using surplus neem wood from the Puri temple for idol carving to claims of dedicating it as Jagannath Dham — the Jagannath temple in Digha has drawn unprecedented crowds, becoming the primary attraction for visitors to the coastal town.
With more than one lakh visitors on Sunday (May 3) — the highest since its inauguration on April 30 — the temple has seen a cumulative footfall of around five lakh over the past week, making it obvious that the controversy hardly has any impact on the steady stream of visitors coming to see this architectural marvel.
“We cannot say the actual number of visitors to the temple, but it is huge. According to the police, it is not less than five lakhs. The visitors are coming all through the day,” a senior official of the temple administration told UNI.
“There is a huge influx of visitors in the temple and we are taking all steps to ensure that the visitors are safe and secure. The number is really huge on Sundays and holidays. We are also keeping a close watch so that there is no chaos inside the temple premise. Huge number of police and civic volunteers are deployed to maintain law and order,” District magistrate of East Midnapore Purnendu Majhi said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee officially inaugurated the grand Jagannath Dham temple in Digha, located around 185 km from Kolkata, on April 30.
This newly constructed temple is a magnificent architectural replica of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, which lies just over 345 km from Digha.
The inauguration marked the completion of several years of meticulous planning and skilled craftsmanship. The event was also highlighted by the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony, a sacred consecration ritual held with high security and reverence.
The Jagannath Dham temple in Digha has been built in the traditional Kalinga architectural style, known for its intricate carvings and towering spires. The structure is made from pink sandstone sourced from Rajasthan, and more than 800 artisans contributed their expertise to bring the temple to life.
The design of the temple closely mirrors that of the 12th century Jagannath temple in Puri, incorporating iconic features such as the Bhoga Mandap (hall for offering food), Nata Mandap (dancing hall), Jagamohan (assembly hall), and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).
However, in a significant departure from its inspiration, the Digha temple welcomes people of all religions, including non-Hindus and foreigners, thereby promoting inclusivity and cultural harmony.
Spanning a vast 20-acre area, the temple complex is not only a religious site but also an architectural marvel. It features imposing gateways such as the Singhadwar (lion gate), Byaghradwar (tiger gate), Hastidwar (elephant gate), and Ashwadwar (horse gate).
Within the complex, there is also a shrine dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and a separate Bhogshala, a kitchen facility for preparing offerings for Lord Jagannath. Developed at a cost of Rs 250 crore by the West Bengal government, this temple is poised to become a significant spiritual destination and a major attraction for tourists and pilgrims alike.
