Digha Jagannath Temple: Timings, Location, Entry Fee, Photos

Jagannath Dham Digha, also known as Digha Jagannath Temple, located in New Digha, Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, India, is a serene and newly built temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna. Inspired by the world-famous Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha, this sacred destination has quickly become a prominent spiritual and tourist attraction on the Bay of Bengal's scenic shoreline.

Digha Jagannath Temple

This holy site not only caters to devotees seeking divine blessings but also offers a peaceful retreat for beach lovers and cultural explorers. The picturesque fusion of the temple’s spiritual aura with the coastal beauty of Digha makes it a must-visit destination.

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Digha Jagannath Temple Location, Digha Timings, Entry Fee 

Location: Approximately 2 km from Digha railway station, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal

Timings

Morning Darshan: 6 AM – 1 PM

Evening Darshan: 3 PM – 9:00 PM

Entry Fee

At present, there is no entry fee to visit the Jagannath Dham Digha, allowing everyone to experience its spiritual ambiance freely.

Architectural And Design Features

1) Kalinga-Style Architecture: The temple is built in the Kalinga architectural style, which is renowned for its towering spires (vimana), intricate carvings, and traditional proportions. This style originated in ancient Odisha and is closely associated with the original Jagannath Temple in Puri. It also incorporates elements of the Nagara Sthaptya tradition.

2) Main Structures: The temple complex consists of four principal structures:

• Vimana (Garbhagriha/Sanctum Sanctorum): The sanctum sanctorum housing the main deities.

• Jagamohan (Assembly Hall): A hall for devotees to gather.

• Nat Mandir (Dance Hall) : A hall for performances.

• Bhog Mandap: The offering hall. These elements are standard in classical Vedic temple architecture, especially in Odisha.

3) Construction Materials: The temple is constructed using more than 300,000 cubic feet of Bansi Paharpur pink sandstone, from Rajasthan, known for its durability and traditional appeal. The flooring is crafted from premium marble imported from Vietnam, adding elegance and durability.

4) Gateways: The temple has four designated entry points (east, west, north, and south), with the main eastern entrance facing the sea. The grand gateways inspired by Puri, including the Singhadwar (lion gate), Byaghradwar (tiger gate), Hastidwar (elephant gate), and Ashwadwar (horse gate). Each door is adorned with motifs of 'shankha' (conch), 'chakra' (disc), 'gada' (mace), and 'padma' (lotus). A 45-foot structure, featuring a main gateway and two side gates, offers a grand and ceremonial welcome to the sacred complex. The temple’s eastern entrance, known as the ‘Singhdwara,’ is the principal gate, adorned with two crouching lions. It opens into the Sahasra Padma Kund, a stepped water tank surrounded by seating that spans roughly 21,000 square feet. Beyond the Kund, a second gate leads visitors into the Bhog Mandappa plaza.

5) Height and Scale: The main temple rises over 213 feet (65 meters) above ground level, making it a dominant feature in the Digha skyline. It is crowned with the Neela Chakra, the eight-spoke wheel associated with Lord Vishnu, symbolizing divine presence and protection. Like the Puri temple, the flag atop the Digha temple is hoisted daily and flies against the wind, a symbolic feature of Jagannath temples.

Other Features:

a) Aruna Sthambha: A black stone Aruna Stambha ( Sun Pillar) approximately 35 feet high, crowned with an Aruna idol, marks the east end of the temple, similar to Puri.

b) An 840-foot-long marble-paved pathway leading to the main temple, bordered by 12 elaborately carved Diya Sthambhas each bearing 52 Diya Brackets.

c) A broad flight of 108 steps ascending to the sanctum.

d) A Pradakshina Path (circumambulatory walkway) spanning 90,000 square feet, clad in white Banswara marble.

e) The complex includes a deity kitchen, storage facilities, wings for priests and administrative staff, a prasad distribution zone, and a Dala Complex for ritual preparations.

f) Landscaping: The sprawling 24-acre complex is adorned with extensive theme lawns and over 500 newly planted trees, and LED screens broadcast rituals for devotees.

Deities And Worship

1) Main Idols: The temple enshrines the deities Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), Lord Balabhadra (Elder Brother of Lord Krishna), and Goddess Subhadra (Little Sister of Lord Krishna) on the Ratnabedi (jeweled platform), mirroring the arrangement at Puri. Unlike the wooden idols of Puri (known as Darubrahma and replaced every 12–19 years in the Nabakalebara ritual), the Digha temple houses stone idols.

2) Additional Deity: While the primary focus of the Digha Jagannath Temple is on the triad of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, it also houses other significant deities within its complex. This is typical of large temple complexes, which often have subsidiary shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.

• Sudarshan Chakra: This is a crucial fourth component of the main deities in the Jagannath tradition. While often depicted as a disc, it is also considered a divine entity in itself, symbolizing the cosmic mind and the wheel of time. The Digha temple explicitly mentions the presence of Sudarshan along with the main triad.

• Goddess Mahalaxmi (Lakshmi): A dedicated shrine for Goddess Mahalaxmi has been constructed within the Digha temple complex. Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu (of whom Jagannath is a form) and the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Her presence is essential in Vaishnava temples.

• Satyabhama: Another consort of Lord Krishna (a form of Vishnu), Satyabhama's inclusion in the milk bath rituals at Digha indicates her presence as a subsidiary deity.

• Radha Krishna: During the Prana Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony, there was a specific mention of the Prana Pratishtha being completed for "stone idol of Radha Krishna" alongside the Jagannath murti. This confirms a dedicated shrine or idols for Radha and Krishna within the complex, further emphasizing the Vaishnava aspect.

• Goddess Bimala: In the Digha Jagannath Temple, Goddess Bimala is considered the Shakti (divine feminine energy) of Lord Jagannath and holds immense importance. The "milk bath" rituals at Digha mentioning Bimala suggest her presence. She is often seen as a form of Durga.

• Lord Shiva (as Lingam): A shrine is  dedicated to Lord Shiva to represent the broader pantheon and the interconnectedness of deities.

• Other Vaishnava Deities: There are smaller shrines for other forms of Vishnu or his avatars, such as Vamana, Varaha, Nrisimha.

3) Worship and Rituals: The temple is dedicated to the Vaishnava tradition, and its rituals and festivals are inspired by those of the Puri Jagannath Temple, though it does not claim to replace or replicate the unique rituals of Puri.

4) Rath Yatra: The West Bengal government plans to hold an annual Rath Yatra in Digha, similar to the grand event in Puri, with chariots already built. A wooden version of the deities will also be present for the annual Rath Yatra. Large Raths are present at Digha Jagannath Temple for Rath Yatra.

Project Development

1) Announcement and Construction: The project was announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in December 2018, with the detailed project report completed by August 2019. Construction began in May 2022 and was completed in three years, involving over 3,000 workers. 

The temple was officially inaugurated on April 30, 2025, on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya. Pre-inauguration rituals and yajnas began on April 24, 2025. The grand ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and various dignitaries and spiritual leaders.

2) Land and Cost: The temple is built on a 24-acre plot near Digha railway station, with a construction cost of nearly Rs 250 crore. The project was entirely funded by the Government of West Bengal. The construction was entrusted to the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO).

After its inauguration, the management of the temple is expected to be handed over to a trust set up by the Government of West Bengal, which will include representatives from ISKCON and Sanatan Dharma. ISKCON has also been involved in the consecration ceremonies.

Significance And Impact:

1) Pilgrimage Destination: The Jagannath Dham Digha is envisioned to become a major pilgrimage site, drawing in hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists annually.

2) Tourism Boost: It is expected to significantly boost religious tourism in Digha and West Bengal, attracting visitors from across the country and potentially internationally.

3) Cultural Harmony: The temple is designed to foster unity, culture, and spiritual harmony, welcoming devotees of all faiths. Notably, the Digha temple aims for inclusive access, welcoming people regardless of caste or religion.

4) Economic Driver: Its establishment is anticipated to stimulate local economic activity.

5) Accessibility: Located near New Digha, it is easily accessible by railway and is close to major hotels.

Controversies And Reactions

1) Naming Dispute: The use of the term "Jagannath Dham" for the Digha temple has sparked controversy. The King of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb and the Muktimandap Pandita Sabha have objected, asserting that titles such as "Jagannath Dham," "Purushottama-Kshetra," "Shreekshetra," and "Neelachala Dham" are reserved exclusively for Puri, the original seat (Moola-peetha) of Lord Jagannath. The Odisha government has requested West Bengal to refrain from referring to the Digha sea as "Mahodadhi," as these title is traditionally reserved for Puri.

2) Ritual Concerns: Servitors from the Puri Jagannath Temple have warned their community against participating in rituals at the Digha temple, emphasizing that Puri remains the irreplaceable center of Jagannath worship.

3) Political and Social Reactions: The temple has drawn both praise and criticism, with political parties and cultural commentators weighing in on its significance and the motivations behind its construction.

Final Thoughts 

Digha Jagannath Temple

The Digha Jagannath Temple has swiftly emerged as a major tourist magnet, transforming the coastal town's appeal beyond its beaches. Its impressive Kalinga architecture, replicating the revered Puri temple, draws visitors seeking both spiritual solace and architectural marvel. The temple's inclusive policy, welcoming all, further broadens its charm. With provisions for grand Rath Yatra festivities and a significant boost to local hospitality, Jagannath Dham Digha is poised to be a thriving pilgrimage and cultural hub, solidifying Digha's position on India's tourism map.