A major religious controversy has erupted after AliExpress, a popular Chinese-owned global e-commerce platform, was found selling a doormat featuring the sacred image of Bhagwan Jagannath, one of the most revered deities in Odisha. The product has deeply offended Hindu devotees, particularly in the coastal state of Odisha, where the deity holds profound cultural and spiritual significance.
🚨 SHOCKING: Lord Jagannath on a DOORMAT?@AliExpress_EN is selling doormats featuring the sacred image of Lord Jagannath, a deeply revered deity in Sanatan Dharma.
Take it down immediately. This is a shameful act of disrespect by AliExpress.
Millions worship Him daily. Placing… pic.twitter.com/HmKP2wP4kn— Manisha Singh (@ManiYogini) July 29, 2025
Devotees outraged over disrespectful depiction of Bhagwan Jagannath
The controversial product features the face of Bhagwan Jagannath printed on a floor mat designed for wiping feet. Adding to the offence, the product listing includes an image of someone stepping on the mat. The description, labelling it as “moisture absorbent” and “anti-slip,” has further fueled the backlash, with devotees condemning it as a blatant display of religious insensitivity and disrespect toward a deeply revered deity.
What is this, @AliExpress_EN ?
You are selling doormats featuring Lord Jagannath, a deeply revered deity worshipped by Hindus across the world.
Take it down immediately. This is a shameful act of disrespect by AliExpress. pic.twitter.com/AtAMV58uDl
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) July 29, 2025
Strongly condemning the product listing, Madhab Pujapanda, a former member of the Shree Jagannath Temple Management Committee, voiced his deep outrage. He urged the temple administration to promptly notify both the Odisha state government and the central government of India. Pujapanda also called for diplomatic intervention with Chinese authorities to ensure the immediate halt of the sale and promotion of such offensive items.
What’s wrong with you, @AliExpress_EN?⁰Are you playing with the emotions of millions of devotees? Making Lord Jagannath a doormat? This is blasphemy!@SJTA_Puri, @arvindpadhee, @CMO_Odisha — please take necessary action. pic.twitter.com/IMOX6S9Wb8
— Ipsitaa Mahapatra (@ipsitamahapatr3) July 28, 2025
“This is not an isolated incident,” Pujapanda said. “There is a growing trend of sacred Jagannath-related terms like Mahaprasad and Patitapaban Bana being exploited for commercial gain. While efforts have begun to legally safeguard these religious symbols and terms, the process must be expedited,” he told Sambad.
https://twitter.com/VigilntHindutva/status/1950121533721981021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1950121533721981021%7Ctwgr%5E22ca1637faae6305beeb378dfef823d86cdabc26%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.freepressjournal.in%2Flifestyle%2Fshameful-aliexpress-sells-lord-jagannath-doormat-sparks-religious-outrage-worldwide
In recent years, various Hindu religious groups and temple committees have been actively pushing for intellectual property rights to protect the sacred symbols, images, and phrases linked to the Jagannath tradition. Experts argue that quicker implementation of patents and trademarks could help prevent such disrespectful commercialisation in the future.
Social media erupts in protest
The product listing has sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with devotees across platforms demanding its immediate removal and a formal apology from both the seller and AliExpress. Hashtags such as #RespectJagannath and #BoycottAliExpress have been trending across India, amplifying public calls for accountability.
Bhagwan Jagannath is more than just a deity—he represents the spiritual and cultural core of Odia identity. The misuse of his image causes deep emotional and religious distress, and international platforms must be held responsible for allowing such offensive content to be circulated.
