The coastal town of Digha in West Bengal has added a new spiritual landmark to its landscape — the magnificent Digha Jagannath Temple. Inaugurated in 2025, this temple mirrors the grandeur of Odisha’s iconic Jagannath Puri Temple and aims to boost religious tourism along Bengal’s coastline. From its official opening date to location details, architecture, and current controversies, here’s everything you need to know about this newly built sacred site.
Digha Jagannath Temple Opening Date
The New Digha Jagannath Temple was officially inaugurated on April 30, 2025, coinciding with the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The temple was opened to the public following a grand prana pratishtha ceremony, attended by religious leaders and presided over by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The event marked a major milestone in the state’s efforts to create a spiritual destination similar in stature to Odisha’s Jagannath Dham.
Location of Digha Jagannath Temple
The Digha Jagannath Temple location is strategically placed in New Digha, around 2 km from the Digha railway station, making it easily accessible for tourists and pilgrims. The temple is part of a sprawling 24-acre complex, which also houses other amenities for devotees. Its proximity to the sea and other local attractions makes it an ideal spiritual and recreational stop.
Architecture and Construction Details
Designed in the Kalinga style of architecture, the Jagannath Temple in Digha draws inspiration from the revered Puri Jagannath Temple. It has been constructed using Bansi Paharpur pink sandstone, known for its durability and traditional appeal. The temple’s main sanctum enshrines the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Goddess Mahalaxmi.
The cost of Digha Jagannath Temple is estimated to be around ₹250 crore, and the project was executed by West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO). It took nearly three years to complete, starting from mid-2022.
Temple Timings and Entry Fees
As of now, the Digha Jagannath Temple timings are expected to follow a traditional schedule:
- Morning Darshan: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening Darshan: 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
There is currently no entry fee for visiting the Digha mandir, making it an open spiritual space for all.
Jagannath and Ganga Temple Digha: Twin Attractions
Besides the Jagannath shrine, the complex is also expected to feature a Ganga Temple, making the site a dual pilgrimage attraction. The Jagannath and Ganga Temple Digha combination aims to celebrate both Vaishnav and Ganga worship traditions, making it unique in the region.
Who Made the Digha Jagannath Temple?
The temple was conceptualized and built by the West Bengal government, under the guidance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The construction was overseen by WBHIDCO, and the design was executed by architects specialized in traditional temple structures. The initiative aimed at promoting spiritual tourism and reducing dependency on the Puri Jagannath Temple, especially during peak seasons.
Why is Digha Jagannath Temple Made?
The primary objective behind building the Digha Jagannath Temple was to boost tourism and spiritual engagement in South Bengal. By replicating the sanctity and architecture of Jagannath Puri, the state hopes to provide a similar experience to devotees without requiring travel to Odisha. It also positions Digha Temple as a year-round attraction beyond just being a seaside holiday destination.
Puri Jagannath Temple vs Digha Jagannath Temple
While both temples honor Lord Jagannath, there are notable differences:
|
Aspect |
Puri Jagannath Temple | Digha Jagannath Temple |
|
Location |
Puri, Odisha | Digha, West Bengal |
|
Heritage |
Ancient (12th century) |
Modern (2025) |
| Rituals & Management | Managed by Gajapati Maharaja |
Managed by West Bengal Govt |
| Architecture | Kalinga style (original) |
Inspired by Puri temple |
Though modeled on the Puri temple, the new Jagannath temple in Digha serves more as a replica and tourist alternative, rather than a religious replacement.
Digha Jagannath Temple Controversy
The temple’s naming and timing have led to some controversies. Priests from Puri Jagannath Temple raised concerns over the use of the term “Jagannath Dham”, which they believe should be exclusive to Puri. There were also objections regarding the transport and use of sacred neem wood traditionally reserved for the Puri temple’s deities.
The Odisha government has asked the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to investigate the matter. Despite this, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee clarified that the Digha shrine was never intended to replace Puri but to serve regional devotees.
Digha Jagannath Temple Live & Photos
Although a dedicated Digha Jagannath Mandir live streaming portal is not yet active, visitors can find recent the temple’s photos and visuals from the inauguration on news portals and social media. The temple’s aesthetic appeal, especially during sunset, makes it a favorite for photography enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.
Summing Up
The Digha Jagannath Temple is more than just a new place of worship — it’s a symbol of cultural identity, regional pride, and spiritual accessibility. Whether you’re a devotee, a history enthusiast, or a tourist, the temple offers a blend of devotion and architectural wonder. As Digha transforms into a major pilgrimage destination, this temple is poised to become one of India’s iconic religious landmarks in the years to come.
