Inaugurated on 30 April 2024, the Jagannath Dham Temple in Digha, West Bengal stands as a remarkable spiritual and architectural landmark. Modeled after the revered 12th-century Jagannath Temple of Puri, this new temple embraces the Kalinga style of architecture and reinforces the deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions of Eastern India.
Key Features of the Digha Temple:
Architectural Style: Kalinga-style, showcasing four principal components —Vimana (sanctum), Jagamohan (assembly hall), Nat Mandir (dance hall), and Bhog Mandap (offering hall).
Construction Material: Built from Bansi Paharpur sandstone, giving it a rich, enduring aesthetic.
Deities: Houses stone idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, placed on the Ratnabedi platform.
Unlike the original Puri temple, which features wooden (neem) idols, these are crafted from stone.
The Original Jagannath Temple, Puri – A Brief Context:
- Constructed in the 12th century CE by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
- The idols, known as Darubrahma, are carved from sacred neem wood and ritually replaced every 12–19 years during the Nabakalebara ceremony.
- An iconic example of Kalinga temple architecture, it forms one of the four revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites, alongside Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram.
- Known for its optical marvels — the temple flag mysteriously flies against the wind, and the Sudarsana Chakra atop the temple appears identical from all viewing angles.
The Jagannath Dham in Digha thus represents both a spiritual centre and a symbolic architectural homage to one of India’s most sacred traditions.
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