Jagannath Temple in Digha

• 30 Apr 2025

Why in News? 

The Lord Jagannath temple is being inaugurated at the coastal town of Digha in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district. 

 Key Points 

• About the Digha Jagannath Temple: 
  • The Rs 250 crore Digha Jagannath Temple, built on 20 acres of land, will be inaugurated by the state Chief Minister on 30 April 2025. 
  • The temple is expected to significantly enhance Digha’s tourism appeal, potentially bringing international recognition to the town.  
  • It is also envisioned as a symbol of spirituality and unity, reflecting the principle of “Shorbo Dhormo Somonnoy” (universal religious harmony). 
    • The Jagannath Temple is a replica of the 12th-century shrine in Puri, and its inauguration has been highly anticipated. 

 Jagannath Temple 

 

• The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. 
• Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath. 
• This temple was called the “White Pagoda” and is a part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram). 
• The temple is known for its unique architecture, which includes a massive compound wall and a large temple complex with multiple towers, halls, and shrines. 
• The temple's main attraction is the Annual Rath Yatra festival, in which the three main deities of the temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession on a chariot. 
• The temple is also known for its unique food offering, the Mahaprasad, which is prepared in the temple kitchen and is distributed among the devotees.