The Chhatisa Nijog, a key decision-making body of the Shree Jagannath Temple administration in Puri, Odisha, has strongly condemned the naming of the newly constructed temple at Digha in West Bengal as “Jagannath Dham”.
In a sharp and structured response, they have demanded immediate withdrawal of the controversial nomenclature and have urged the Odisha government to officially communicate this demand to the West Bengal government. They further advised the Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator to take legal counsel and explore judicial options if necessary.
During a recent meeting held on Saturday, the Nijog expressed deep concern over the usage of the term “Jagannath Dham” which they claim is entirely condemnable and misleading. It violates the sanctity of the original Dham at Puri, which holds unique historical and religious significance,” said senior Nijog members.
Adding to the controversy, the Nijog also raised questions over the unauthorized handling of sacred “Daru” — the divine Neem wood used during the Nabakalebara ritual to carve new idols of the Lord at Puri Jagannath temple.
Allegations surfaced that during the last Nabakalebara, some remaining portion of the sacred wood was held solely under the control of one Nijog, which led to gross irregularity. This alleged breach of protocol, they claimed, has led to confusion and disorder.
Moreover, reports indicate that another idol of Lord Jagannath has been carved from that same piece of sacred Daru — an act the Nijog described as “highly inappropriate and sacrilegious.”
They have demanded that the temple administration immediately investigate the matter and ensure strict punishment for those responsible for the mishandling of the sacred wood.
“The sacred (remaining) Daru is not ordinary timber. It is spiritually significant and meant to be protected with the utmost reverence. Using it for other purposes or outside prescribed rituals is unacceptable. We urge the temple administration to take this matter seriously and penalize the guilty,” stated a senior Nijog functionary.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to initiate a formal investigation and p
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