Puri: In a significant move to safeguard the cultural and spiritual identity of the 12th-century shrine, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to seek patent protection for sacred terms associated with the temple. Terms like Mahaprasad, Srimandir, Shree Jagannath Dham, Shreekshetra and Purushottam Dham, among others, will be patented, informed SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee on Monday.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over the unauthorised use of temple-linked names, particularly following the controversy surrounding the naming of a structure in West Bengal’s Digha as “Jagannath Dham.” Padhee clarified that this issue is expected to be addressed at the state government level by both Odisha and West Bengal.
Speaking after a preparatory meeting for the upcoming Rath Yatra, Padhee emphasized that patenting these temple-related terms is a legal measure aimed at preserving the sanctity, heritage, and unique identity of the Shree Jagannath Temple. “This step is crucial to prevent the indiscriminate use of sacred terminology linked to Lord Jagannath,” he said.
The meeting, chaired by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, and attended virtually by Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and SJTA ex-officio members, also focused on finalizing arrangements for the annual Rath Yatra.
Key decisions included the formation of a separate Pahandi Dala (servitor group) for each of the three chariots—Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana. The final number of servitors in each group will be decided after consultations between the SJTA, Puri Collector, Chhatisa Nijog, and other stakeholders.
Strict rules were reaffirmed to ensure smooth execution of rituals. Non-servitors will not be allowed to climb the chariots, and carrying mobile phones onto them will attract criminal charges. Detailed planning discussions were held for important events like Niti, Snana Yatra, Ghosa Yatra, and Bahuda Yatra.
Additionally, Padhee said a proposal will be sent to the government to impose height restrictions on buildings around the Shree Gundicha Temple to ensure unobstructed rituals during the Rath Yatra. The Urban Development Department will be formally informed to act on the matter.
The safeguarding of Ratna Bhandar (temple treasury) and temple land assets was also reviewed in the meeting, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting all facets of Lord Jagannath’s legacy.
