A new political and cultural row has erupted between the West Bengal and Odisha state governments over the naming of a recently inaugurated temple in Digha. West Bengal’s decision to christen the temple as “Jagannath Dham” has sparked intense backlash from Odisha, home to the centuries-old Jagannath Temple in Puri—one of the four sacred Dhams in Hinduism, revered since the 12th century.
Odisha has taken offense, accusing Bengal of undermining the sanctity and unique identity of the original shrine. In response, the Odisha government is now actively working to patent and secure trademark rights over a list of phrases deeply tied to the heritage of the Puri temple. These include terms such as “Shree Jagannath Dham,” “Mahaprasad,” “Srimandir,” “Shreekshetra,” and “Purushottam Dham.” Officials believe this move is necessary to protect the temple’s religious and cultural significance from duplication or misuse.
Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan condemned the naming of the Digha temple, calling it “title theft” and accusing Bengal of trying to mimic a name deeply rooted in religious and emotional significance. He warned that legal steps might follow if the matter isn’t amicably settled. The minister claimed that millions of Lord Jagannath’s followers across the globe are condemning the move by the Bengal government.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, dismissed the backlash and expressed confusion over the hostility. Defending her administration’s actions, Banerjee emphasized her long-standing support for Odisha and questioned the rationale behind the uproar. “I have always stood by Odisha. We never complain when we visit Puri. Why the fuss over a temple name now?” she remarked, even invoking Bengal’s agricultural support to Odisha as a gesture of goodwill.
The issue has not only raised legal questions but also stirred sentiments among religious scholars, priests, and devotees. With both states holding firm on their stance, the row over sacred names tied to faith and identity has now taken center stage, with possible courtroom consequences looming.
