The West Bengal government has decided to remove the word “Dham” from the name of the Digha Jagannath Temple following an official request from Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikariwho said the term would no longer be used in connection with the temple project.
Decision follows Odisha’s request
According to the Chief Minister, the decision was taken after receiving a formal request from the Odisha government regarding the naming of the temple. The issue had attracted attention in recent weeks, with discussions emerging over the use of the term “Dham,” a word traditionally associated with major Hindu pilgrimage centres. Officials indicated that the state government reviewed the matter before arriving at the decision.
Chief minister cites Sanatan traditions
Announcing the move, Suvendu Official said the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration had originally approved the project as a cultural centre. He stated that describing the facility as a “Dham” had distorted established Sanatan cultural and religious traditions. “The previous Trinamool Congress administration had approved the project as a cultural centre, and labelling it a ‘Dham’ distorted Sanatan culture and traditions. We will remove ‘Dham’ from the temple’s name as used by the previous government since it is against Sanatan culture,” the Chief Minister said.
Political and cultural debate
The naming of the Digha Jagannath Temple had become a subject of political discussion between leaders in West Bengal and Odisha. The latest decision is expected to address concerns raised by religious groups and stakeholders regarding the use of terminology associated with traditional pilgrimage sites. The temple remains one of the significant religious and cultural projects developed in the coastal town of Digha.
Focus remains on temple development
While the name will be modified, the government indicated that religious activities and visitor facilities associated with the temple will continue as planned. Officials have not yet announced the timeline for implementing the name change across official records, signage and related government communications.
Further details regarding the revised nomenclature are expected in the coming days.
What happens next?
With the state government formally agreeing to remove the word “Dham,” attention will now shift to the implementation of the decision and reactions from religious organisations and political parties. The development marks a significant step in resolving a controversy that had generated debate across West Bengal and Odisha.
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