Controversy Surrounds 'Jagannath Dham' Naming in West Bengal

Puri's titular king, Divyasingha Deb, has called upon ISKCON to persuade the Digha temple trust board to remove the name 'Jagannath Dham' from the newly consecrated temple in West Bengal. In correspondence with Shree Goverdhan Das Prabhu, chairman of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission in Mayapur, Deb emphasized that the title 'Jagannath Dham' is solely designated for Puri.

Authorities like Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati Maharaj of Goverdhan Peeth (Puri) have reiterated that 'Jagannath Dham' applies uniquely to 'Purushottama-kshetra' Puri. Deb highlighted ISKCON's critical role in Digha's temple rituals and requested their influence in resolving this nomenclature issue.

This demand, backed by the Muktimundupa Pundita Sabha's scriptural references, asserts that designations such as 'Shree Jagannath Dham' refer strictly to Puri, the original abode of Lord Jagannath. Meanwhile, the Puri seer highlighted the economic motivations behind the temple naming in West Bengal, pointing out the financial implications linked to Bengali pilgrims.

(With inputs from agencies.)