Odisha government articulates the wood of the Puri Jagannath shrine used in the Dig temple

Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal | Photo source: Debasish Bhaduri

The Odisha government said on Monday (5 May 2025) that the surplus sacred wood used to carve the idols of Lord Jaganat, Lord Balabadra and Devi Subadra was not from Puri Jaganat Temple.

The allegations of remaining timber accusing Puri Jagannath Temple of remainder have been controversial over the past few days. This issue has aroused strong opposition from intellectuals, religious leaders and devotees.

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan clarified that the remaining wood from Puri Temple was not used elsewhere. He cites findings from an investigation conducted by the Shree Jagannath Temple government, which found no evidence to support the allegation.

The controversy began with Ramakrishna dasmohapatra, which is a prominent Sevayat (Traditional Pastor) Puri Temple claimed in an interview with Bangladesh TV channel that the wood is Nabakalebara The ceremony has been sent to Digha.

Read also | Servants supply notice on sacred wood of Puri Jaganat temple

However, Mr Harikandan said Maharana Sevaks – responsible for the Nabakalebara – From the classification denial, any remaining wood has been shipped elsewhere. Sudarshan Maharana, who carved the idol of the Daeger Temple, also confirmed that the wood used was not from Puri.

The minister added: “Mr. Dasmapatra later told the investigative team that his remarks were speeches of the tongue.”

The minister said the state government will formally ask the West Bengal government to abandon the name “Jagannath Dham” for the newly built temple in Diga. Devotes object to the use of the term 'dham'noting that in Indian tradition, there are only four major religious centers called DamsPrie is one of them.

Also Read | Devote, Pastor from Odisha demands removal of Digha Temple's “Jagannath Dham” tag

Reports suggest that the West Bengal government has deleted the term Dam From the official mention of the Temple of Daege.

It should be noted that more than 50 Sevayats Puri participated in the dedication ceremony at the Digha Jagannath Temple, which costs an estimated cost of Rs 25 billion.