image credits: the daily telegrams
Born in 1953 as Jenamani Kamarnaba Deba, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba, known by his regnal title Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deva IV, hails from the historic Bhoi dynasty, the hereditary rulers of the ancient Trikalinga region and the medieval Khurda Kingdom. He was the eldest son of Gajapati Birakishore Deba and Queen Suryamani Pata Mahadei. Following his father’s sudden demise during the Rath Yatra in 1970, Dibyasingha Deba ascended the throne at just 17 on July 8, 1970, after an investiture ceremony at Puri’s Sri Nahara Palace. His early education took place at Rajkumar College in Raipur, followed by a History Honours degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, in 1972. He pursued an LLB from the University of Delhi (1971–1975) and an LLM from Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago (1975–1976).
Career Journey of Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba
Dibyasingha Deba’s career is inseparable from his role as the titular King of Puri and the Adhyasevaka (chief servitor) of Lord Jagannath. Since 1970, he has served as the Chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, constituted under the Shri Jagannath Temple Act of 1955. His responsibilities include overseeing temple administration and performing key rituals, such as the iconic Chhera Pahara, where he symbolically sweeps the chariots during the Rath Yatra. His commitment to preserving Jagannath culture is evident in his participation in festivals like Snana Jatra, Bahuda Jatra, and Nabakalebara. Despite being abroad in 1975–1976, he ensured continuity of rituals, with the Mudiratha servitor stepping in for Chhera Pahara. His leadership extends to modern initiatives, such as the Shreemandir Parikrama Project, inaugurated in 2024.
Dibyasingha Deba’s Duty and Devotion Towards Lord Jagannath
Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba is described as soft-spoken and dignified. He views his role not as a monarch but as a servant of Lord Jagannath. His interest in photography and reading reflects a contemplative side, while his legal education shows his analytical approach to temple governance. His marriage to Maharani Leelabati Patamahadei (formerly Rajkumari Binita of Jammu) on December 3, 1978, strengthened cultural ties between Odisha and Jammu. His resolve to protect Jagannath culture was evident in his response to the 2025 Digha temple controversy, where he promised action to address misrepresentations of Puri’s spiritual identity.
Milestones of Service
Dibyasingha Deba’s 50-year tenure as Gajapati Maharaja, celebrated in 2020, as it was the first time in over two centuries that a Gajapati served Lord Jagannath for half a century. His oversight of the temple’s heritage corridor project in 2024 enhanced devotee experiences. His contributions earned recognition from Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in 2021 for his unwavering service. He advocated for conducting Rath Yatra rituals during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, despite a Supreme Court stay. As Puri’s spiritual and cultural guardian, Dibyasingha Deba has preserved the sanctity of the Jagannath Temple.
Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba’s Take on The Digha Temple Controversy
In May 2025, the inauguration of a Jagannath Temple in Digha, West Bengal, sparked controversy for being termed “Jagannath Dham,” a title reserved for Puri. Critics, including servitors and sculptor Sudarsan Pattnaik, argued this could dilute Puri’s spiritual significance. Reports also surfaced alleging misuse of sacred neem wood (Daru) from Puri’s 2015 Nabakalebara for Digha’s idols, prompting an inquiry ordered by Odisha’s Law Minister on May 2, 2025. On May 3, Dibyasingha Deba assured action to address these issues, responding to Pattnaik’s plea to protect Jagannath culture.
