Digha to unveil majestic Jagannath Temple replica on Akshay Tritiya

Digha, Apr 29: The seaside town of Digha in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district is set to unveil a magnificent new landmark — ‘Jagannathdham’ — on April 30, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya. This newly constructed temple complex is a grand replica of the iconic 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.

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According to officials, the temple of Lord Jagannath, the central element of the project, has been constructed over 20 acres using red sandstone sourced from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan. Soaring to a height of approximately 65 metres, the temple is an architectural marvel featuring intricate carvings and traditional Odia design elements.

Much like its Puri counterpart, the Digha temple is divided into four key mandaps or halls — the Vimana (sanctum sanctorum), Jagamohan, Nat Mandir (dance hall), and Bhog Mandap. These sections collectively represent the vibrant spiritual and cultural heritage of Hinduism.

The temple houses stone-carved idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, faithfully modeled after the original deities enshrined in Puri. In keeping with tradition, a ceremonial flag will be hoisted atop the temple each evening.

Visitors can enter the temple from all four cardinal directions — east, west, north, and south. Upon entering through the main gate, devotees first encounter the Arun Pillar, followed by the Singha Duar (Lion Gate). Opposite lies the Bhyaghra Duar (Tiger Gate), along with the Hasti Duar (Elephant Gate) and Ashwa Duar (Horse Gate).

Each entrance is adorned with motifs of the conch, chakra, and lotus, and complemented by stairways and canopies. A vibrant lighting system enhances the beauty of the temple, with a spectacular laser and dynamic light show planned for the inauguration.

Speaking ahead of the launch, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her pride in the project. “This temple will definitely add a new feather to the state’s cap. Digha will grow into an international tourist attraction. This will serve as a place of harmony and confluence for people for thousands of years to come,” she said.