In a landmark decision aimed at safeguarding the cultural and spiritual heritage of Odisha, the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced plans to seek IP rights for several terms and symbols intrinsically linked to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The decision was made during a high-level meeting of the temple management committee held in Puri on Monday.
SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Padhee confirmed the move, stating, “It has been approved in a high-level meeting today. The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration will be applying for patents and trademarks on terms like ‘Srimandir’, ‘Jagannath Dham’, ‘Mahaprasad’, the logo of Srimandir, ‘Shrikshetra’, and ‘Purushottam Dham’.”
The decision comes in light of growing concerns over the unauthorized commercial use and potential misrepresentation of sacred and culturally significant names and symbols associated with the Jagannath Temple. By securing legal protection, the SJTA aims to preserve the sanctity of these terms and prevent their exploitation for profit or misuse by private entities.
According to temple officials, the patent applications will be filed under appropriate categories, including trademarks and copyrights, as per the Indian intellectual property laws. The administration will also consult with legal experts and the state’s intellectual property office to ensure a comprehensive and enforceable registration process.
“The Jagannath Temple is not just a religious monument; it is a symbol of Odisha’s spiritual identity and cultural pride,” Dr. Padhee emphasized. “Protecting its symbols and sacred terms is crucial in an era where religious and cultural icons are increasingly commodified.”
The terms selected for protection are deeply rooted in the Jagannath tradition. ‘Srimandir’ refers to the main temple itself, ‘Jagannath Dham’ and ‘Purushottam Dham’ are spiritual designations for the sacred pilgrimage site, and ‘Mahaprasad’ denotes the holy food offering distributed to devotees. The logo of Srimandir and ‘Shrikshetra’, another traditional name for the sacred region, are also widely recognized and respected among devotees and scholars alike.
Once granted, the patents and trademarks will allow SJTA to monitor and regulate the use of these terms, especially in commercial, promotional, or branding contexts. The administration is also expected to develop guidelines for permissible use by religious organizations and devotees, ensuring a balance between protection and public reverence.
The move has been largely welcomed by cultural experts and religious scholars, who view it as a proactive step toward preserving the unique spiritual heritage of the Jagannath tradition.
The Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major center of Hindu pilgrimage and a site of immense historical and religious significance, attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad every year. The temple’s traditions, including the annual Rath Yatra, have a deep cultural impact that extends far beyond Odisha.
With the temple administration taking these protective measures, it marks a significant moment in the intersection of law, religion, and cultural preservation in India.