If you’ve been to Puri, we’re sure you must’ve visited the Puri Jagannath Temple – one of the most famous and ancient temples in India. However, the temple is so beloved that the Bengalis couldn’t help but build a replica in their state. The replica – the Digha Jagannath Temple in West Bengal has generated mixed response across the country and especially in the two states of Odisha and West Bengal. While some are praising this effort, others are criticizing this move for disturbing the sanctity of the original temple. Let us understand the entire Digha Jagannath Temple vs Puri Jagannath Temple conflict and other details you need to know!
Digha Jagannath Temple vs Puri Jagannath Temple: Information, Controversies, And More
Everything To Know About The Puri Jagannath Temple
Puri Jagannath Temple is one of India’s most revered temples, with the Puri temple history dating back to the 12th century. The temple is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimages, making it even more sacred and religiously significant.
It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, one of the several reincarnations of Lord Vishnu and his two siblings, Balaram and Subhadra.
It is said that King Indradyumna of Avanti built the main temple and it has received a few more renovations over the years.
The idols of the deities here are built of wood instead of stone or metal like most other Hindu temples. These idols are replaced every 12 or 19 years with the exact replicas.
The temple is known for its annual Rath Yatra where the three deities are pulled on elaborately decorated rathas or chariot cars.
Puri Rath Yatra is a memorable spectacle that is attended by thousands of pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. This temple alone has made spiritual tourism in Odisha much more popular, attracting millions of tourists each year.
Digha Jagannath Temple Opening Date
The Digha Jagannath Temple opened its doors to all on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on April 30, 2025.
Many political and religious dignitaries, including West Bengal’s Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee attended the Prana Pratistha Ceremony.
It was then followed by an auspicious and much awaited opening of the temple for the general public.
The opening of the Digha Jagannath Temple marked a significant milestone for West Bengal as it built a spiritual destination similar to Odisha’s Jagannath Temple.
Digha Jagannath Temple Timings And Location
As of now, the Digha Jagannath Temple timings will follow a traditional schedule mentioned below:
Morning Darshan: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening Darshan: 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM
The Digha Jagannath Temple location has been mapped out strategically for the convenience of tourists and devotees. It is located in New Digha and the New Digha to Digha Jagannath Temple distance is approximately 2 kilometers.
The temple’s proximity to the sea and a sprawling neighborhood makes it a convenient tourist destination as well as a pilgrimage site ideal for worship and recreation.
Digha Jagannath Temple Vs Puri Jagannath Temple Controversy
Soon after the announcement of the Digha Jagannath Temple, many political and religious leaders protested against this move for several reasons.
The temple directly borrows its name from the Puri Jagannath Temple and it sparked controversy among servitor groups from the original Puri temple.
Many raised questions to CM Mamata Banerjee about her decision to make an exact replica of the Puri temple instead of building something original.
These servitor groups issued formal warnings to their members and prohibited participation in any of the rituals of the new Digha Jagannath Temple.
The members were warned that violating these restrictions could result in a boycott or even expulsion from their respective associations.
Digha Jagannath Temple vs Puri Jagannath Temple controversy took a sharp turn when when reports of senior servitor Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra participating in the new Digha temple’s ritual rose to the surface.
Servitors believe that such participation could threaten the spiritual integrity of the Puri Jagannath Temple and raised severe objections.
Matters were only made worse when the West Bengal Government did not stop promotional material urging people that they “need not go to Puri to see Jagannath Dham”.
This move was met with immense criticism in Odisha as the locals thought that the message was undermining the spiritual and cultural significance of the Puri temple.
Moreover, many criticized the West Bengal government for promoting the use of the word ‘Dham’ as it only refers to the Char Dham pilgrimage of India.
Differences Between Digha And Puri Temple
While the temple worships Lord Jagannath and the Digha temple is literally the replica of the Puri Jagannath temple, there are certain differences they hold.
| Key Differences | Puri Jagannath Temple | Digha Jagannath Temple |
| Time Built In | 12th Century | 2025 |
| Managed By | Gajapati Maharaja | Government of West Bengal |
| Architecture | Kalinga Style (original) | Inspired by the Puri Temple |
| Location | Puri, Odisha | Digha, West Bengal |
Digha Jagannath Temple vs Puri Jagannath Temple: Which One To Visit?
The decision of visiting either of the temples completely lies with you!
After all, both the temples are unique spiritual destinations in their respective states. If you haven’t visited the original Puri temple in Odisha, you must definitely visit it first.
However, if you are from West Bengal and cannot travel to Odisha, you must visit the Digha Jagannath Temple. The newly inaugurated temple is one of the newest temples in West Bengal and will surely attract millions of visitors in the coming years.
In the end, we guarantee you that your experience will be truly rewarding!
Summing Up
Digha Jagannath Temple vs Puri Jagannath Temple – there is certainly no ‘better’ temple between the two. It all depends on your preference, so choose what you want!
Spirituality does not demand that you only visit a certain place – it all boils down to your beliefs.
So, when are you visiting these spiritually enlightening places in India?
FAQs
What Happens Every 12 Years In Jagannath Temple?
Every 12 years, the ritualistic recreation of the wooden icons of the deities in the Puri temple takes place. This is known as the Nabakalebara/Navakalevara. It is performed during the 8th, 12th, or 19th year after the previous Nabakalebara.
What Is The Entry Fee For Jagannath Temple?
Like most temples and religious sites, there is no entry fee for Jagannath Temple. Devotees can enter the temple without paying any fee.
Are Jeans Allowed In Jagannath Temple?
The Jagannath Temple has reinforced a strict dress code that prohibits devotees from entering the temple premises in shorts, skirts, ripped jeans, and other temple-inappropriate clothing.
