Bhubabaneswar: In a significant step towards preserving the sanctity, heritage and cultural identity of the historic Shree Jagannath Mandir in Puri, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has obtained intellectual property (IP) protection for two prominent terms associated with the shrine—“Ananda Bazaar” and “Shree Patitapabana”—along with the official logo of the Mandir administration.
The approval, granted by Intellectual Property India (IP India), provides legal recognition and protection to these sacred names and symbols, preventing their unauthorised commercial use and ensuring their exclusive association with the revered 12th-century Mandir. The development is being hailed as a major milestone in safeguarding the spiritual and cultural legacy of Bhagwan Jagannath and the traditions of Shrimandir.
Legal Protection Against Misuse
With the grant of intellectual property rights, the SJTA will be empowered to restrict the unauthorised production, sale, marketing, distribution or import of products and services bearing the protected names or logo. The initiative aims to prevent the misuse and commercial exploitation of terms deeply connected with Jagannath culture and religious traditions. Mandir officials believe that protecting these sacred identifiers is essential to maintaining their authenticity and preserving their significance for devotees across the world.
Three Trademark Applications Approved
Confirming the development, SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee said the administration had filed 29 applications for registration of various wordmarks and logomarks linked to the Mandir and its traditions.
“We have received information that three of our trademark applications have been approved. These include ‘Ananda Bazaar’, ‘Shree Patitapabana’ and the official logo of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration,” Dr Padhee said. He added that the remaining applications are under examination by the Intellectual Property Registry.
“For the remaining 26 applications, the authorities have sought additional information. We will provide all the required details and pursue their registration successfully in the coming days,” he stated.
‘Jagannath Dham’ Among Names Awaiting Approval
Among the names currently under consideration is “Jagannath Dham”, which has recently been at the centre of public discourse regarding the use of the term “Dham” in connection with Mandirs outside Puri.
Dr Padhee reiterated that Puri holds a unique and unparalleled position as the original abode of Bhagwan Jagannath. “Puri is the original Peetha (abode) of Bhagwan Jagannath. The State Government has taken a formal decision to remove the word ‘Dham’ from the Jagannath Mandir at Digha. On behalf of the Shrimandir administration and the entire servitor community, we welcome this decision and express our gratitude to the government,” he said.
Decision Rooted in Heritage Preservation
The initiative stems from a key meeting held on May 25, 2025, under the chairmanship of Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb. The then Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and other ex officio members of the SJTA participated in the meeting virtually.
During the deliberations, the Mandir administration resolved to seek intellectual property protection for several sacred names, rituals and cultural expressions associated with Bhagwan Jagannath and the Shree Jagannath Mandir. The list includes terms such as Mahaprasad, Srimandir, Shree Jagannath Dham, Shreekshetra, Purushottam Dham, and other expressions closely linked to Jagannath traditions.
Protecting Odisha’s Spiritual Legacy
According to SJTA officials, securing legal protection for these sacred terms is vital to ensuring that they are used only in appropriate religious, spiritual and cultural contexts. The initiative is expected to strengthen the legal rights of the Mandir administration while preserving the integrity of centuries-old traditions.
The move also reflects a broader effort to protect Odisha’s rich religious and cultural heritage from unauthorised commercial exploitation, ensuring that the identity and legacy of the Jagannath tradition remain intact for future generations.
