Foreign Devotees Flock to West Bengal’s Digha as Replica Jagannath Temple Gains Popularity
Kolkata, May 18 – The newly-inaugurated Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal, is witnessing growing international interest, particularly from devotees associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), following its grand opening on April 30.Located in the coastal town of Digha, the temple is a replica of the 12th-century Jagannath shrine in Puri, Odisha, where entry for foreigners is restricted. Managed by ISKCON, the Digha temple is quickly becoming a major attraction for international devotees seeking a spiritual experience akin to the revered Puri temple.
Inauguration Draws Global Audience
"During the inauguration, people from nearly 150 nationalities attended," said Radharamn Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata and the organisation’s spokesperson. He noted that the event's global exposure on social media has resulted in a surge of queries from across the world, primarily about visiting the temple and accommodations in Digha.Das highlighted the convenience for international visitors, stating, “Foreigners consider this temple a blessing. They can now have darshan of Lord Jagannath in an architectural structure similar to the Puri temple.”
Tourism Boom and Infrastructure Growth Expected
The rise in interest is expected to significantly boost tourism in Digha, a popular seaside destination. “There are good hotels in Digha for every budget, but with the influx of devotees, there is scope for more hotels and facilities,” said Das.Echoing the optimism, Susanta Patra, President of Digha Sankarpur Hoteliers' Association, said, “We anticipate a notable rise in tourist footfall, including international visitors.”
The temple has already seen massive attendance, with around 20 lakh people visiting within just over two weeks since the inauguration by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
High-Profile Visits and Future Potential
Alfred Ford, great-grandson of Henry Ford and a noted ISKCON devotee, is expected to visit the Digha temple soon. “I have invited him and am confident he will come with his family,” Das said.Das also underlined that many ISKCON followers from the West include Digha in their India itinerary along with Mayapur and Kolkata. Mayapur, located in Nadia district, is ISKCON’s global headquarters and home to the under-construction Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. He emphasized that once the Mayapur temple is inaugurated, it will further elevate West Bengal’s stature as a hub for spiritual tourism.
Devotees Arrive in Large Numbers
With Digha's proximity to Odisha, approximately 60 percent of visitors hail from the neighbouring state. Devotees from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Tripura are also thronging the shrine."Every morning and evening, devotees queue up well in advance to get darshan of Lord Jagannath along with Balabhadra and Subhadra," said Das, highlighting the hassle-free experience for visitors.
The new Jagannath temple in Digha stands not only as a spiritual landmark but also as a promising catalyst for tourism and cultural exchange, attracting thousands of devotees from India and beyond.