by Apurva
Digha: In a moment of spiritual grandeur and cultural pride, the coastal town of Digha came alive today with the formal inauguration of the newly built Jagannath Temple, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
The massive structure was unveiled by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee amid chants, rituals, and a dazzling display of lights.
The temple, located near the Digha railway station, rises to an impressive height of 213 feet and sprawls across 20 acres. It boasts intricate carvings in traditional Kalinga architectural style, closely resembling the iconic 12th-century Jagannath Temple of Puri. Built from pink sandstone sourced from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan, the temple stands as a testament to heritage craftsmanship and religious devotion.
On this auspicious Akshay Tritiya, the day of divine beginnings, we celebrate the inauguration of Jagannathdham, Digha, with the sacred Prana Prathistha ceremony. In the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, this momentous occasion marks the… pic.twitter.com/7gZnFDszHD
— Jagannathdham Digha (@jagannathdhamdg) April 30, 2025
Thousands of devotees, political leaders, and cultural dignitaries gathered to witness the consecration ceremony, which included a Maha Yajna and special pujas conducted at a temporary mandap near the temple’s entrance. As night fell, the seaside town was transformed by a spectacular laser and dynamic light show, reflecting the festive spirit that swept through the vibrantly decorated streets of Digha.
Funded and developed by the West Bengal government at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore, the temple is poised to become a major spiritual and tourist destination in the region. Plans are already in motion to launch an annual Rath Yatra, inspired by Puri’s famed chariot festival, with chariots being built under the supervision of artisans from Odisha.
The emotions I felt during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha are beyond words.
This sacred space belongs to our Ma, Mati, Manush, and has been brought to life through the collective efforts of the HIDCO team, local residents, artists, industrialists, and devotees… pic.twitter.com/Sz3KgSCJWa
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 30, 2025
Taking to social media platform X, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared her reflections on the experience, calling it “a memory to be cherished forever.”
A moment to be cherished forever.
The first glimpse of Lord Jagannath enshrined in the Garbhagriha of the Jagannath Temple in Digha will remain etched in my heart.
I felt my spirit stir with the divine radiance emanating from the sacred idol. I had the privilege of performing… pic.twitter.com/EYLaTycYaN
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 30, 2025
She added, “The divine radiance of Lord Jagannath filled my heart. It was an unforgettable moment as I sought blessings for Ma, Mati, Manush.”
With the temple now open to the public, Digha is set to emerge as a significant hub of pilgrimage and tourism along the Bay of Bengal, ushering in new cultural and economic opportunities for the region.
