New Delhi: Digha’s Jagannath Temple is India’s pride, said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ahead of the shrine’s inauguration and consecration on Wednesday. Developed by Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), the ‘Jagannathdham’ is coming up at a cost of Rs 250 crore spent by the state government. The entire management of the temple will be entrusted to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Taking stock of the preparations on Tuesday, Banerjee said: “This temple will definitely add a new feather to the state’s cap. Digha will grow into an international tourist attraction. This will serve as a place of harmony.” “Because of the sea, Digha has a special charm. Now, if it becomes a place of pilgrimage, more tourists will come. I think the sculptors have done a splendid job,” she added.
Built on 24 acre using red sandstone
Set to be inaugurated today on the auspicious occasion of ‘Akshay Trithiya’, Digha’s Jagannath Temple is a replica of the 12th-century shrine in Puri. The temple has been built on 24 acres of land using red sandstone quarried from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan. It soars to a height of around 65 metres. The temple has intricate carvings and traditional design.
Just like the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Digha shrine is divided into four mandaps (halls): the Vimana, or Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), the Jagamohan, the Nat Mandir (dance hall), and the Bhog Mandap. These showcase the rich history and vibrant traditions of the Hindu faith. As it’s the ritual in the Puri temple, a flag will be hoisted atop the Digha Jagannath Temple every evening.
‘Stay away from Digha Jagannath temple rituals’
Amid the fanfare, two groups of Puri servitors asked members to stay away from Digha Jagannath temple inauguration and its rituals. The Suar Mahasuar Nijog and Puspalaka Nijog have urged their members to stay away from the consecration ceremony or face a boycott at the Puri temple.
At the Puri temple, members of the Suar Mahasuar Nijog are responsible for preparing food, while members of the Puspalaka Nijog deck up Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath.
