Religion is linked with the heart, Didi says ahead of Jagannath temple inauguration
Times of India | 30 April 2025
Digha: On the eve of the inauguration of Jagannath temple in Digha on Akshay Tritiya, CM Mamata Banerjee offered homage to the holy fire of a ‘mahayajna' on a special dais, blew the conch as part of the sacred ritual and performed the ‘aarti' on Tuesday afternoon. "Religion is linked with the heart," the CM said.
Banerjee also handed over a yellow flag to the priest for hoisting it atop the temple. Three ‘dhaja dharis' scaled the spire and hoisted the flag soon afterwards. The entire way to the temple was decked up with canopies in blue and white and illuminations of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra were present all along.
Sources said while many Trinamool netas, including party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, would be present at the gala inauguration, several opposition functionaries like Dilip Ghosh, Biman Bose and Pradip Bhattacharya have been invited as well.
The CM said people can visit all places when asked if Digha's Jagannath temple would draw devotees who visit the temple in Puri. "There's universal awareness that this nation and world serve as pilgrimage sites for everyone. Religious rights aren't exclusive to any group. Access should be unrestricted for all," she said.
Banerjee said "pilgrims cannot be kept restricted; they can move freely to all religious places". "Religion cannot be taught. It is people's faith and trust along with belief and love. Religious propagation occurs not through mere words but through heartfelt connections, earning people's confidence, devotion and affection," she added.
The CM made it clear that the rush of devotees who visit Puri will soon come to Digha "as this place has evolved into an internationally renowned tourist spot, bringing honour to Bengal and India". The lookalike temple of Puri would be a major crowd-puller, and the temple located on 20 acres of land with almost an equal height would boost Digha's tourism, she hoped.
Calling it a "collective pride", Banerjee said the temple was a mark of significant architectural design. "A delegation from Puri headed by Rajesh Daitapati is here along with people from Iskcon and they were entrusted with the responsibility of the temple. Representatives from various faiths, including Sanatan Dharma, have gathered here. Delegates from Jayrambati, Kamarpukur, Belur Math and Loknathdham have also joined. We are completely dedicated to this endeavour."
The CM said while offering homage, she was asked about her ‘gotra', the ancestral line of lineage. "I explained that my practices aren't ancestry-based. I worship for the welfare of people, for Ma, Mati Manush. This has been my consistent practice throughout my life. My well-being is linked with people's welfare. This offering to the fire is for all," she said.
Banerjee said the inauguration programme will start on Wednesday at 2.30 pm, when the consecration will be held, followed by a cultural programme. "Subsequently, public access to the temple will begin. Cultural performances will feature Nachiketa, Dona Ganguly and Rupankar," she said, adding that several other artists would also be present.