WB Govt Using Lord Jagannath for Commercial Gains: Puri Sage
The revered Shankaracharya of Govardhan Peeth in Odisha’s Puri, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati, has made a scathing attack on the West Bengal government for allegedly misusing the name of Lord Jagannath for commercial purposes. According to the Puri sage, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has no religious sentiment behind naming a temple in West Bengal’s Digha ‘Jagannath Dham’, but rather did this to stop the flow of Bengali pilgrims to the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Swami Nischalananda Saraswati’s remarks come amidst the controversy surrounding the naming of the temple in Digha, which has sparked widespread debate and criticism. The Puri sage has termed the move as a clear example of the West Bengal government’s attempt to commercialize Lord Jagannath’s name and reputation for financial gains.
“The West Bengal government is trying to misuse Lord Jagannath’s name for commercial purposes,” said Swami Nischalananda Saraswati. “By naming a temple in Digha ‘Jagannath Dham’, they are trying to divert the attention of Bengali pilgrims from the original Jagannath Temple in Puri. This is a clear attempt to commercialize Lord Jagannath’s name and reputation for financial gains.”
The Puri sage’s remarks have sparked widespread debate and criticism, with many calling out the West Bengal government for its alleged attempts to desecrate the sacred name of Lord Jagannath. The move has been seen as a blatant example of the government’s lack of reverence and respect for religious sentiments and traditions.
The controversy surrounding the naming of the temple in Digha began earlier this year, when the West Bengal government announced plans to rename the temple ‘Jagannath Dham’. The move was met with widespread criticism and opposition, with many arguing that it was an attempt to create a rival to the original Jagannath Temple in Puri.
However, the West Bengal government has defended its move, claiming that it is an attempt to promote tourism and cultural exchange between West Bengal and Odisha. The government has also argued that the temple in Digha has historical significance and is an important cultural and religious landmark in its own right.
Despite the government’s claims, many have questioned the motives behind the move, arguing that it is a clear example of the government’s attempt to commercialize Lord Jagannath’s name and reputation for financial gains. The controversy has also raised questions about the government’s lack of respect and reverence for religious sentiments and traditions.
The Puri sage’s remarks have added fuel to the fire, with many calling for the West Bengal government to reconsider its decision and respect the sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s name. The controversy has also highlighted the importance of preserving and respecting religious traditions and sentiments, and the need for governments to prioritize these values above commercial or financial interests.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the naming of the temple in Digha as ‘Jagannath Dham’ has sparked widespread debate and criticism, with many calling out the West Bengal government for its alleged attempts to commercialize Lord Jagannath’s name and reputation for financial gains. The Puri sage’s remarks have added fuel to the fire, with many calling for the government to reconsider its decision and respect the sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s name.
