Odisha govt plans to trademark dham, shree mandira, other words associated with Puri Jagannath Temple

The Mohan Charan Majhi-led Odisha govt has decided to secure trademark rights for several words and phrases associated with Jagannath Temple in Puri, according to a TOI report.

The decision comes in the wake of a recent controversy over the naming of a newly built temple in Bengal's Digha as 'Jagannath dham'.

"The terms sought to be shielded include 'Jagannath dham', 'shree mandira', 'Purushottam kshetra', 'neelachal dham', 'bada danda', 'mahaprasad' and 'neela chakra'," reported TOI quoting Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration.

What are experts and scholars saying?
The final list of words is being finalised. Once we get the trademark rights, their unauthorised use will be considered a violation and invite legal action. These terms are deeply rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and are intrinsically linked to culture and traditions involving Jagannath, Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of SJTA, said.

The Odisha government is currently gathering necessary documents and historical evidence to support its claims. SJTA further said that it would soon move the department for promotion of industry and internal trade under Union ministry of commerce and industry, which oversees the application process, according to the TOI report.

Officials maintained that the absence of any existing trademark rights for these terms has limited their ability to legally challenge use of the name 'Jagannath dham' by Digha temple authorities.

State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan added, "Our Chief Minister has already written a letter to his West Bengal counterpart. As that letter remains unanswered, the state is considering legal action."

The SJTMC also discussed preparations for the upcoming annual Rath Yatra, scheduled for June 27.

Padhee said, "The SJTMC has decided to form a 'Pahandi Dala' (idol procession team) for each chariot during the Rath Yatra, with the number of servitors to be finalised by the SJTA, Puri Collector, Chhatisa Nijog (servitors' body), and other stakeholders in a future meeting."

The committee also reached a consensus on ensuring smooth arrangements for the Rath Yatra and related rituals.

Detailed discussions were held on the Snana Yatra (bathing ritual), Ghosa Yatra (chariot procession), and Bahuda Yatra (return chariot festival).

Special focus will be placed on the smooth Pahandi (procession) of the idols onto the chariots and their return to the temples.

Responding to another query, Padhee said non-servitors would be strictly prohibited from accessing the chariots.

"Strong action will be taken against violators," he said, adding that carrying mobile phones on the chariots would also be banned. "This will amount to criminal charges," he warned.

Padhee further said that the committee discussed additional issues such as the relocation of the Hundi (donation box) from inside the temple, and the imposition of restrictions on the height of buildings around the Shree Mandir and Gundicha Temple to prevent disruptions to rituals.

"The Urban Development Department will be informed, and a formal request will be made to the government to enforce this restriction," he said.

The meeting also discussed on the safety of the Ratna Bhandar (temple treasury) and the protection and proper management of the landed properties of Lord Jagannath.