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Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Miffed Odisha to apply for Jagannath patents amid spar with Bengal over deity
The Jagannath temple in the coastal city of Puri is a beacon of spiritual and cultural identity. This 12th-century shrine, dedicated to the revered deity, Jagannath, is not just a religious site but a cornerstone of Odia heritage, drawing millions of pilgrims annually. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Mohan Majhi last week announced that it would seek patents or trademarks for terms intrinsically tied to the temple, including 'Jagannath Dham,' 'Srimandir,' 'Mahaprasad,' and the temple's logo. The announcement came a month after a controversy erupted After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated a Jagannath temple in Digha – a coastal town some 350 km from Puri -- and named it Jagannath dham. The controversy further intensified as Banerjee referred the new temple as 'Jagannath Dham', sparking widespread criticism because 'Dham' is a sacred designation traditionally linked to Puri, as per revered Hindu spiritual leader Adi Shankaracharya's designation of four Dhams (Puri, Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameswaram). Majhi shot off a letter to Banerjee asking her to desist from naming the Digha temple as Jagannath Dham. Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati publicly denounced the decision, alleging that it exploits the diety's name for commercial gain. Puri's king Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb said the nomenclature used for the Digha temple has deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees. 'Terms like Nilachal Dham, Shreekhetra, Srimandir, and Jagannath Dham have always been exclusively associated with the sacred temple in Puri,' he said. The controversy also deepened over a senior servitor of the temple claiming that surplus neem wood from the 2015 Nabakalebara ceremony at Puri temple was used to create idols for the Digha temple. Though a subsequent probe found the claim untrue, the servitor has been debarred from entering the temple for a month as he attended the consecration process of the Jagannath temple in Digha. Can sacred terms be patented? The Odisha government's move has sparked a debate whether sacred words, steeped in centuries of devotion, can, or should, be patented by a state. The Odisha government's initiative aims to protect the cultural and spiritual identity of the Jagannath temple by trademarking terms that define its rituals and offerings. According to Sri Jagannath Temple Administration chief Arabinda Padhee, patenting these terms is a 'legal measure aimed at preserving the sanctity, heritage, and unique identity of the Jagannath Temple'. The terms in question—such as 'Jagannath Dham' (the sacred abode of Lord Jagannath), 'Srimandir' (the temple itself), and 'Mahaprasad' (the sanctified food offered to the deity)—are deeply embedded in Odia culture. The move is also shaped by electoral politics. The BJP, which came to power in Odisha a year ago, is keen to consolidate its support among the people by championing the cause of religious identity and heritage. The dispute with West Bengal, ruled by the Trinamool Congress, allows the BJP to project itself as a defender of Odia pride and Hindu traditions, potentially strengthening its political base ahead of panchayat elections two years later. But can such terms, tied to religious tradition, be legally protected under intellectual property law? Lawyers say a patent is granted for an invention that has novelty and industrial applicability which means, if a thing or product or process is already existing, patent cannot be granted to it. Patents are for inventions. 'The Trade Marks Act, 1999 prohibits registration of marks that hurt religious sentiments or lack distinctiveness. Courts have historically ruled that religious terms cannot be monopolised unless they acquire a secondary commercial meaning. Odisha may struggle to prove these terms are uniquely tied to commercial goods/services rather than religious practice. Even if trademarks are granted, enforcing them against entities like West Bengal's Digha temple or other religious institutions could lead to protracted litigation,' said Radha Charan Das, a senior lawyer of Orissa High Court. 'For example, terms like Mahaprasad (sacred offering) are used widely across India, complicating claims of exclusivity. If Odisha succeeds, other states might seek trademarks for shared cultural or religious terms risking legal chaos. This could also contravene Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion,' Das said. But other legal experts argue that trademarking such terms is feasible if they are proven to have a distinctive association with the Jagannath Temple. 'Odisha can argue that 'Mahaprasad' is not a generic term for any consecrated food but specifically refers to the offerings prepared under the temple's strict rituals, cooked by the Suar Mahasuar Nijog using traditional methods. Similarly, 'Jagannath Dham' could be trademarked as a unique identifier of Puri's temple, distinct from other Jagannath temples worldwide. However, the courts may hesitate to grant exclusive rights to words with broad spiritual significance as words like 'Mahaprasad' may be deemed too generic or culturally universal,' said Srikanta Das, another lawyer. 'The process of patenting or trademarking requires demonstrating that the terms are not already in widespread use without permission,' he said. Das said that the state government can at best apply GI tag for Mahaprasad like the Tirupati temple administration did for the famous Trirupati Laddoo in 2009, but it's not easy. In Puri, where the Jagannath Temple's spire casts a long shadow over the city, the Odisha government's quest to patent divinity may protect the temple's legacy, but it also raises a question: can the sacred be bound by legalese?
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Puri temple body moves to trademark sacred terms as Odisha opposes West Bengal's use of ‘Jagannath Dham'
The Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has initiated steps to obtain trademark rights over terms closely tied to the heritage and spiritual identity of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This move comes amidst a growing dispute with the West Bengal government after it named a temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. The effort is seen as a measure to protect the sanctity of the temple and ensure that specific religious terms are not used elsewhere inappropriately. Trademark to safeguard religious terms The proposal to secure trademark rights was finalised during a recent meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC), chaired by the Puri Maharaja, Dibyasingha Deb. Attendees included the temple's chief administrator, the district collector, and senior police officials. While the full list is yet to be finalised, officials have confirmed that words like Shree Jagannath Dham, Srimandir, Mahaprasad, Nilachal Dham, and Bada Danda are among the terms identified for legal protection. Arabinda Padhee, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), stated, 'This will help prevent misuse of the 12th-century temple's original spiritual identity and unauthorised use of its sacred terminology.' The dispute over 'Jagannath Dham' naming The conflict intensified after the West Bengal government, led by Mamata Banerjee, chose to name a new temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'. Odisha authorities maintain that this term refers exclusively to the Puri temple, one of Hinduism's four sacred dhams. The issue was also raised by the Puri Maharaja during the temple committee meeting. He expressed concern that the use of the name by West Bengal violated long-standing religious practices. 'The West Bengal government cannot use the term 'Jagannath Dham' for their temple at Digha. This is against Hindu scriptures and the age-old tradition of Lord Jagannath,' he said. Rumours had surfaced claiming that excess sacred neem wood from the Puri temple's Nabakalebara ceremony was used to create idols for the Digha temple. Both Odisha and West Bengal have denied such speculation. Digha's Jagannath Temple stands as a serene yet powerful symbol of spiritual heritage. Its towering presence invites every soul to pause, reflect, and witness beauty woven in faith! #JoyJagannath Odisha CM urges reconsideration Earlier this month, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi wrote to Mamata Banerjee requesting that the West Bengal government reconsider using the term for the Digha temple. In his letter, Majhi noted that the term holds deep religious value and using it for a different location could hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. He also highlighted that Bengal contributes significantly to tourism in Puri. In 2023 alone, out of 97.25 lakh domestic tourists, over 13.59 lakh were from West Bengal. Speaking to The Times of India, Majhi reiterated that Puri's religious position cannot be duplicated. 'It is one of the Char Dhams, established since the time of Adi Shankaracharya. No one, including any political leader, can replicate or shift that faith,' he moves to trademark Puri temple terms to preserve sanctity amid growing dispute over naming rights with West Bengal.
India Today
27-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Odisha to go for trademark shield for Jagannath temple amid row with Bengal
The BJP-led Odisha government has decided to secure trademark rights for certain words and logos associated with the iconic Jagannath Mandir in Puri amid a running feud with Bengal after it named a newly built temple 'Jagannath dham'.While the final list of words is being finalised, an official said the terms like Shree Jagannath Dham (place), Srimandir (temple), mahaprasad (bhog), nilachal (Puri also known as Nilachal) dham, bada danda (the main route to the temple) would be patented, PTI emotions I felt during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple in Digha are beyond sacred space belongs to our Ma, Mati, Manush, and has been brought to life through the collective efforts of the HIDCO team, local residents, artists, industrialists, and devotees Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 30, 2025advertisementThe decision was taken at a recent meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) that was chaired by Dibyasingha Deb, the maharaja of Puri, and was attended by the 12th-century shrine's chief administrator, district collector and top police officers. Confirming the development, SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said the trademark decision was taken to protect the cultural, religious and spiritual identity of the Puri temple."This will help prevent misuse of the 12th century temple's original spiritual identity and unauthorised use of its sacred terminology," PTI quoted Padhee as IS THE ROW?At the centre of the row is the Mamata Banerjee-led Bengal government's move to name the newly built temple in Digha as 'Jagannath dham'.The Mohan Majhi-led Odisha government has argued that 'Jagannath dham' could only be used to refer to the Puri temple - one of India's four sacred 'dhams' - issue was also brought up by the Puri maharaja during the temple committee meeting."The West Bengal government cannot use the term 'Jagannath Dham' for their temple at Digha. This is against Hindu scriptures and the age-old tradition of Lord Jagannath," PTI quoted Dibyasingha Deb as was also speculation that surplus sacred neem wood from the Nabakalebara ceremony at the Puri temple was used to create idols for West Bengal's Jagannath temple. However, both states have rejected such MAJHI'S LETTER TO MAMATA BANERJEEThe Odisha Chief Minister also wrote to his Bengal counterpart earlier this month, urging the government to reconsider using the term 'Jagannath Dham' for the Digha his letter, Majhi said using the term for any other temple or location other than the one in Puri hurts the sentiments of millions of devotees - a majority of whom are from fact, Bengal accounts for a substantial portion of the tourist footfall to Puri. According to the latest government data, in 2023, of the 97.25 lakh domestic tourists who visited Puri, the largest number, 13.59 lakh, or 14%, were from the first BJP Chief Minister of Odisha, also made it clear in his latest interview with TOI that Puri was the abode of Lord Jagannath and was the only Jagannath Dham."It is one of the Char Dhams, established since the time of Adi Shankaracharya. No one, including any political leader, can replicate or shift that faith," he told Reel
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Digha tourism soars as Jagannath Dham welcomes 2 million visitors in 15 days
Despite ongoing debates over its establishment, the newly inaugurated Jagannath Dham temple in Digha has quickly emerged as a major pilgrimage and tourist destination, drawing massive crowds and giving a strong boost to tourism in West Bengal. Within just 15 days of its pran pratistha (consecration), the temple has attracted an estimated two million visitors—60 to 70 percent of whom are from neighboring Odisha. 'The temple is a major attraction, and we are witnessing incredibly long queues. In just 15 days, approximately 20 lakh people have visited this sacred place,' said Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) to The Indian Express. Highlighting the unifying power of faith, he added, 'Interestingly, a significant portion of the devotees, between 60 to 70 percent, are from Odisha. The devotion to Lord Jagannath transcends any perceived conflict; all are united in their bhakti. The lines resemble those at Tirupati Balaji.' The temple's strategic location has also played a key role in its popularity. 'Pilgrims visiting the revered Chandreshwar Mahadev Jyotirlinga in Odisha are now conveniently extending their trip to Digha, enjoying the coastline and offering prayers at the new Jagannath Dham,' Das said. Temple trust members describe a vibrant spiritual atmosphere, with nightly kirtans (devotional singing) drawing hundreds of thousands. Many attribute the surge in footfall to the West Bengal government's tourism initiatives, which appear to be paying off despite the intense summer heat. However, the growing number of devotees has also raised concerns about crowd control, as acknowledged by a senior police official. Suprakash Giri, President of the Purba Medinipur Trinamool Youth Congress Committee and a temple trust member, views the temple's popularity as a win for Bengal's tourism. 'The narrative pushed by the Odisha government appears politically motivated. On the ground, we are witnessing a remarkable influx of visitors from Odisha. This development is a tremendous boost for tourism in Bengal,' he said. 'Earlier, visitors typically stayed in Digha for two days; now, bookings are extending to four days or more. A temple of this scale, spanning acres, hasn't been built in recent decades. We are currently facilitating darshan (viewing of the deity), and expect even larger crowds once prasad (sacred food) offerings are allowed.' However, the temple has also sparked controversy. Religious leaders, scholars, and the Odisha government have strongly objected to the use of the term 'Dham,' traditionally reserved for Puri, arguing that applying it to another temple could mislead devotees. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has even threatened legal action against West Bengal over the naming. Initially, there were allegations from Odisha that sacred neem wood—used in the idols at Puri during the Nabakalebara ritual—was illicitly sourced for the Digha idols. These claims were later refuted, but they added fuel to an already sensitive issue. Some in Odisha have accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of using the temple project as a political tool to appeal to Hindu voters. In response, Banerjee accused Odisha of 'jealousy' and claimed that Bengalis were being unfairly targeted in BJP-ruled states. Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Hans India
SJTA suspends senior servitor for 30 days
Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday suspended senior servitor Ramakrushna Dasmahapatra for 30 days and barred him from entering the 12th-century Puri temple after he attended the consecration ceremony of Digha Jagannath Temple in West Bengal and was accused of indiscipline. An official statement by SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee said Dasmahapatra had been suspended from all temple duties and prohibited from performing rituals at the Puri Jagannath Temple for a month. Dasmahapatra, who also serves as the secretary of the Daitapati Nijog — a group of servitors who act as the ceremonial bodyguards of the deities during the annual Rath Yatra — has been instructed not to influence or threaten any servitor or individual in an attempt to obstruct temple services or rituals during the suspension period. 'If he does so, the suspension period will be extended and stricter disciplinary action will be taken. During this period, the commander and senior supervisor of the temple will regularly report to Padhee on Dasmahapatra's conduct,' the statement added. The order also stated that if Dasmahapatra's 'disorderly' behaviour is observed during the suspension period and thereafter, the temple administration will cancel or suspend the allowances/pay/awards he is entitled. Prior to the disciplinary action, the SJTA had issued two show-cause notices to Dasmahapatra. The first, dated May 4, directed him to explain within seven days why he allegedly violated temple tradition by crafting idols for the Digha Jagannath Temple using sacred wood collected during the Nabakalebara festival in 2015 — an act that hurt the religious sentiments of devotees worldwide. He was also questioned for allegedly making 'disorderly' and 'irresponsible' remarks on a Bengali television channel, where he initially claimed to have crafted the idols for Digha temple with the surplus sacred wood of Puri temple. However, he later denied the allegation. The State government, through an inquiry, found that the idols for Digha temple were crafted by a carpenter in Bhubaneswar, State Law Minister Pritihiviarj Harichandan had told reporters. A second notice was issued on May 9, asking Dasmahapatra to explain why he attended the consecration event at the Digha temple in his capacity as a Puri servitor, and whether he objected to the temple being referred to as a 'Dham' by the Digha Jagannath Temple Trust. Chief Administrator Padhee emphasised the decision aims to uphold order and discipline within the temple premises. 'It is the duty of all of us to uphold the tradition, rituals and dignity of the temple keeping self above pride and arrogance and this should be a demonstration of our devotion to Lord Jagannath. In the coming days also, no kind of disorder will be tolerated,' Padhee said.
