The much-awaited Jagannath temple in Digha will be inaugurated on April 30, 2025, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced during her site inspection. She also confirmed her attendance at the first Rath Yatra starting from Digha in the same year.
Located on 22 acres along Samudra Sarani near the seashore, the temple mirrors the grandeur of Puri’s Jagannath temple, with a similar height, though Banerjee emphasized it isn’t a comparison. “The Puri temple is an ancient marvel built by great kings. This project, fully funded by the state, is a modern creation,” she said. So far, ₹250 crore has been spent, with additional funds to be allocated for final touches and nearby renovations.
The temple complex includes guest rooms, rest areas, an administrative block, a police outpost, and fire safety measures. It will also support local self-help groups, allowing women to sell regional products. The trust managing the temple, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will include 15-20 members, including priests from ISKCON, Sanatan Trust, and local communities.
The main idol, crafted from wood, will be enshrined in a sanctum named Chaitanyadwar Jagannath Dham. A golden broom, funded personally by Banerjee, will add a unique touch to the complex. Traditional flag-hoisting rituals, similar to Puri’s, are planned.
The project, initially announced in 2019 but delayed due to Covid-19, began in 2022 under HIDCO’s supervision. “This temple is a tribute to timeless craftsmanship and will stand as a symbol of heritage for years,” Banerjee remarked.
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