In true sense, no punishment has been awarded to the culprits. We fear, it may encourage the servitors to follow the footsteps of Ramakrushna in future.
The inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, has sparked a heated controversy over the use of the term ‘Jagannath Dham’. The West Bengal government’s decision to label the newly built temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’ has been met with strong opposition from devotees, priests, and politicians in Odisha, who claim that it is a “self-styled” title that undermines the sanctity of the original Jagannath Dham in Puri.
For millions of Lord Jagannath devotees worldwide, Puri’s Jagannath Dham is a sacred pilgrimage site that holds immense spiritual significance. The temple in Puri is one of the four Dhams in India, and its unique traditions and rituals are deeply rooted in Hindu scriptures. The use of the term ‘Jagannath Dham’ for any other temple is seen as a deviation from this tradition and a potential threat to the cultural identity of Lord Jagannath’s devotees.
The controversy began when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee referred to the Digha temple as ‘Jagannath Dham’ during its inauguration on April 30. The move was criticized by many, who accused Banerjee of hurting the religious sentiments of millions of Lord Jagannath devotees. The reaction from Odisha has been swift and decisive. Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, the Daita servitor from Puri, who had projected himself as chief priest during the Digha temple’s inauguration, has knowingly or unknowingly has been used by Mamata Banerjee to create a parallel Jagannath Dham in Digha! The attempt for sabotaging the image of
Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has sharply reacted to the Jagannath Dham tag used for the temple in West Bengal. “Jagannath temple can be built anywhere, but the word ‘Dham’ should not be used as there is only one Dham of Lord Jagannath that is in Puri, Odisha. Puri Govardhan Muth Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati has also objected any establishment in the name of ‘Jagannatha Dham’ outside Puri.
The controversy has taken a political turn, with some accusing Banerjee of using the ‘Jagannath Dham’ label for her political gain. Banerjee and Daita servitor Ramakrushna Das Mohapatra jointly mislead the people of Bengal. While Ramakrushna has said that the Idols worshiped inside Digha Temple are made up of the same wood, which he managed. This is not just a slip pf tongue. There was a purpose. The purpose was to project the idols at Digha at par with the idols at Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri Dham. For this, Banerjee dared to declare Digha Temple as Jagannath Dhaam while Ramakrushna silently supported the claim.
Ramakrushna was questioned over the diversion of sacred Nabakalebara wood for the new temple. Banerjee dived straight into the issue and rejected the theft charges, though no one officially accused her government on the issue. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration questioned Daitapati Nijog secretary Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra over the reports of the use of the Nabakalebara wood to craft the idols of deities in the Jagannath Temple in Digha. He was said to have presided over the prana pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the idols at the Digha temple on April 30, in the presence of Mamata Banerjee.
Mamata seemed to equate the significance of both the temples – one recently constructed and another that is from 12th century. The Jagannath temple at Digha is being perceived as a religio-cultural counter-narrative to the centuries-old Jagannath temple in Puri. The allegations of the use of Nabakalebara wood to craft the idols in Digha have added to the controversy.
The Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Dr. Arabinda Padhee, on May 11, suspended Daita Sevak Ramakrushna Das Mahapatra over, finding him responsible for the controversy. The SJTA had earlier issued two separate show-cause notices to Ramakrushna, suspended him for 30 days from his service to Lord Jagannath and his siblings. He was barred from entering the 12th century shrine. Throughout his suspension period, Das Mahapatra has been asked not to create any hindrance in any service or policy of the temple by tempting or threatening any servitor or any other person. If he does so, the suspension period will be extended and stricter disciplinary action will be taken.
The Shree Mandir Commander and Senior Supervisor have been asked to regularly report to the Chief Administrator on the conduct of Das Mahapatra during the suspension period. The suspension order also stated that if his disorderly behavior is found during the suspension and thereafter, the temple administration will cancel or put his allowances/rewards/awards on hold. The Chief Administrator said that action against Daita Sevak has been taken to bring discipline in the temple. It is the duty of all of us to keep the tradition and dignity of the temple intact by rejecting proudness and arrogance, and this should be a demonstration of our devotion to Lord Shri Jagannath. In the coming days also, any kind of indiscipline will not be tolerated, clarified the Chief Administrator of the temple.
Das Mahapatra was served two show-cause notices, first one on May 4 and second one on May 9, over the controversy surrounding “Digha Jagannath Temple” and “Digha Jagannath Dham.”It was alleged that DasMahapatra provided Nabakalebar surplus wood that was used for making the idols of Digha Jagannath temple. He also took part in the consecration of the temple.
It is alleged that the government of Odisha has bowed down before the arrogance and blackmail tactics of the servitors, especially the Daitas. These class of servitors have no role to be played till the Snan Purnima, to be held on 11th June. Apprehending non-co-operation of the Daita Sevaks, the punishment was imposed horridly in the name of suspension, which has no practical relevance. No Daita has any role to perform till 10th June including Ramakrushna. Hence, in true sense, no punishment has been awarded to the culprits. We fear, it may encourage the servitors to follow the footsteps of Ramakrushna in future.
