Digha Jagannath Temple: A New Beacon of Devotion in Coastal Bengal

Among the many emerging spiritual landmarks of India, the Digha Jagannath Temple stands out as a modern marvel that combines architectural brilliance with deep religious significance. Located in the vibrant seaside town of Digha in West Bengal, this temple has quickly become a focal point of spiritual tourism and cultural pride. Built to mirror the grandeur of the original Jagannath Temple in Puri, this new shrine extends the reach of the Lord's worship to the eastern shore of Bengal.
This blog explores the history, design, significance, and practical visitor information about the Digha Jagannath Temple, providing a comprehensive guide for devotees and travellers alike.

In this Blog You will learn about Digha Jagannath Temple

Best Time to Visit Digha Jagannath Temple

The Vision Behind the Temple

Architectural Brilliance

The Deities and Daily Worship

Cultural Significance

Visitor Information

Nearby Attractions

• Digha Beach
• Amarabati Park
• Marine Aquarium and Research Centre (MARC)
• Shankarpur and Udaipur Beaches

How to Reach Digha Jagannath Temple

Spiritual Discovery & Scenic Relaxation: 2-Day Itinerary

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Digha Jagannath Temple

The best time to visit Digha and the Jagannath Temple is from October to February. During these winter months, the weather is cool, dry, and ideal for sightseeing, temple visits, and beach activities. Temperatures range between 15°C to 25°C, making it perfect for both spiritual and leisure travel.
Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans. Summers (March to May) can get hot and humid, though early mornings and evenings remain manageable for visits.

The Vision Behind the Digha Jagannath Temple:

The idea of constructing a Jagannath temple in Digha was proposed in 2018 by West Bengal’s Chief Minister. Inspired by Digha’s potential as a cultural and tourist hub, the goal was to create a sacred space that also draws visitors throughout the year. By doing so, the temple would not only enrich the spiritual landscape but also stimulate local economic development through tourism.

Construction of the temple began in May 2022 under the supervision of the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO). After almost three years of dedicated work, the temple was inaugurated on April 30, 2025, aligning with Akshaya Tritiya, a highly auspicious date in the Hindu calendar.

Architectural Brilliance:

The Digha Jagannath Temple is a striking replica of the Puri temple and embodies the traditional Kalinga architectural style. The structure reflects both ancient artistic values and modern construction standards, ensuring that it remains resilient and beautiful for generations.

Key Highlights:

• Height and Scale: The temple stands at 65 meters (about 213 feet), making it one of the tallest temples in the region.
• Material: Constructed using over 300,000 cubic feet of Bansi Paharpur pink sandstone, known for its strength and elegance.
• Workforce: More than 3,000 artisans, architects, and engineers collaborated to complete the structure over 36 months.
• Complex Layout: The temple includes four main chambers, Vimana (Sanctum), Jagamohan (Assembly Hall), Nat Mandir (Dance Hall), and Bhog Mandap (Offering Hall).

Every inch of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings that depict mythological stories and divine motifs, offering visitors not only spiritual fulfilment but also an artistic feast for the eyes.

The Deities and Daily Worship:

The temple is dedicated to the revered triad of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The idols are carefully sculpted from stone and placed within the sanctum where daily rituals are performed with devotion.

Daily Worship Includes:

• Mangala Aarti in the early morning
• Bhog offering with traditional prasad
• Sandhya Aarti during sunset
• Cultural and devotional music at intervals
• The temple follows a strict ritual calendar, observing key festivals such as Rath Yatra, Snana Purnima, and Makar Sankranti, drawing thousands of devotees during each event.

Cultural Significance:

Digha has long been known as a beach destination, but the addition of the Jagannath Temple has turned it into a well-rounded travel locale where spiritual and recreational tourism coexist. The temple contributes to preserving and celebrating Hindu traditions, bringing a slice of Odisha’s Puri heritage to West Bengal.

The temple also serves as an educational and cultural hub, often hosting spiritual discourses, devotional music performances, and workshops on Vedic teachings and Indian art.

Visitor Information:

If you’re planning to visit the Digha Jagannath Temple, here are some useful details:

• Location: New Digha, easily accessible from the Digha railway station and bus terminus.
• Timing: Open from early morning (5:00 AM) to late evening (9:00 PM).
• Entry: Free entry for all devotees.
• Dress Code: Modest traditional attire is preferred to maintain sanctity.
• The temple is also surrounded by landscaped gardens and sitting areas, offering peaceful moments for reflection or family gatherings.

Nearby Attractions to Digha Jagannath Temple:

While in Digha, don’t miss out on the following places that complement your temple visit:

• Digha Beach: One of the most popular sea beaches in West Bengal, Digha Beach is known for its serene sunsets and golden sands. It’s an ideal spot for leisurely walks, seafood indulgence, and ocean photography. The calm waters and scenic vibe make it a perfect complement to your spiritual visit to the Jagannath Temple.
• Amarabati Park: A peaceful green space near New Digha, Amarabati Park is perfect for families and nature lovers. Enjoy boating on the tranquil lake or take a scenic ropeway ride for panoramic views. The well-maintained gardens and quiet atmosphere offer a relaxing break after temple visits
• Marine Aquarium and Research Centre (MARC): Home to a wide variety of exotic marine life, MARC offers an educational and fascinating experience for all ages. The large tanks display rare fish, sea snakes, corals, and more. It’s a must-visit spot near Digha Beach, especially for marine enthusiasts and families.
• Shankarpur and Udaipur Beaches: Shankarpur Beach offers a quiet escape with its pristine shoreline, fishing boats, and casuarina groves, perfect for peaceful walks. Udaipur Beach, located close to Digha, is known for its soft sands, calm waves, and scenic beauty. Both beaches provide a more serene, less crowded alternative to Digha Beach.

How to Reach Digha Jagannath Temple:

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Digha Railway Station (DGHA), located just about 2 km from the temple. It is well-connected to Howrah and Sealdah with regular trains like the Tamralipta Express and Kandari Express.

By Road:

Digha is approximately 185 km from Kolkata and can be easily reached via NH16 and NH116B. State-run and private buses operate frequently from Esplanade and Howrah. Taxis and self-drive options are also available.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, about 195 km away. From the airport, you can hire a cab or take a train from Howrah to reach Digha.

Spiritual Discovery & Scenic Relaxation (2- day itinerary)

Day 1:

Morning:
5:30 AM – 7:00 AM: Start your day early with Mangala Aarti at the Digha Jagannath Temple. Witness the serene morning rituals and spend some quiet time at the temple.
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery near New Digha.

Mid-Morning:
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Head to Amarabati Park. Take a peaceful boat ride and then enjoy the ropeway for aerial views of the gardens and surroundings.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Explore the Marine Aquarium and Research Centre (MARC). Take your time to enjoy the marine displays and learn about exotic sea creatures.

Afternoon:
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch at a seafood restaurant near Digha Beach (try prawn curry, crab masala or fish thali).
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Return to your hotel for a rest or spend time at the temple gardens.

Evening:
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Enjoy the Sandhya Aarti at Jagannath Temple. The sunset ambience adds to the spiritual experience.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Head to Digha Beach for sunset views, a peaceful walk along the shore, or some street shopping and beach snacks.

Dinner: Try a local Bengali restaurant or resort buffet.

Day 2: Offbeat Beaches and Coastal Serenity

Morning:
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Begin your day with a visit to Udaipur Beach. Less crowded and peaceful, perfect for early morning photography or a calming stroll.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Move on to Shankarpur Beach. Enjoy views of fishing boats, click some coastal shots, and experience a more rustic beachside vibe.

Midday:
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Brunch at a seaside shack near Shankarpur/Udaipur offering local fish delicacies.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Return to your hotel to freshen up and pack up.

Afternoon (Optional)
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Pay a final visit to the Jagannath Temple for a last round of darshan or to sit in the peaceful gardens.
4:00 PM onward: Departure or leisure time at New Digha Market for souvenirs.

Travel Tips:

Keep sunscreen, hats, and water handy for beach trips.
Early mornings and evenings are best for temple and beach visits to avoid heat and crowds.

The Digha Jagannath Temple is more than just a place of worship, it’s a symbol of cultural revival, spiritual accessibility, and architectural beauty. For devotees, it provides the blessing of Lord Jagannath closer to home. For travellers, it adds a divine dimension to the Digha experience. And for the local community, it represents growth, pride, and opportunity.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick darshan, participating in a festival, or simply admiring its artistic grandeur, the temple promises a memorable and enriching experience. As the temple continues to evolve, it stands poised to become one of India’s most admired spiritual destinations, uniting tradition with the pulse of modern devotion.