West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took part in a grand Maha Yajna on Tuesday evening at the newly constructed Jagannath Temple in Digha, a day before its official inauguration on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The temple, modeled after the 12th-century shrine in Puri, is set to become a significant spiritual and tourist destination in the state. 

The Maha Yajna, a central ritual in the temple's consecration ceremonies, involved the use of approximately 100 quintals of mango and bael wood, along with two quintals of ghee. Sacred water from various pilgrimage sites was brought in for the rituals, emphasizing the temple's spiritual significance. The event saw participation from ISKCON Vice-President Radharman Das and around 60 devotees from various ISKCON branches.  

Chief Minister Banerjee, accompanied by state ministers and officials, oversaw the preparations and engaged with priests during the rituals. She expressed optimism that the temple would boost tourism in Digha, stating, "This temple will definitely add a new feather to the state's cap. Digha will grow into an international tourist attraction. 

The temple, constructed on approximately 24 acres using red sandstone from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan, is considered an architectural marvel with intricate carvings and traditional design. The project, developed by the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation at a cost of nearly ₹250 crore, began in 2022 following Banerjee's announcement in 2018. 

Security has been heightened in Digha, with 800 police personnel deployed within the temple premises and additional forces from neighboring districts to manage the influx of devotees. Devotees attending the inauguration will be provided with 'gamchas' to protect themselves from the heat.  

The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, will include the 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) of the deities. The temple's day-to-day activities will be managed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). 

Banerjee's involvement in the temple's development has faced criticism from political opponents. The BJP has accused her of using government funds for religious purposes, calling her a "fake Hindu" and questioning the state's role in constructing the temple. In response, Trinamool Congress leaders defended Banerjee's actions, emphasizing her commitment to secularism and respect for all religions. 

The Jagannath Temple in Digha is expected to become a focal point for spiritual and cultural activities, with plans for annual Rath Yatra festivals similar to those in Puri. The temple's establishment marks a significant addition to West Bengal's religious and tourist landscape.