Puri: Amid the controversy over naming the Digha structure as ‘Jagannath Dham’, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) here on Monday decided to seek trademark protection for words and logos linked to the 12th-century shrine in Odisha’s Puri town.
Speaking to the media after a preparatory meeting for upcoming Rath Yatra, SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee said that they would register terms like Mahaprasad, Srimandir, Shree Jagannath Dham, Shreekshetra and Purushottam Dham, among others.
The chief administrator stressed that trademarking temple-related terms is a legal measure to protect its identity. This step aims to preserve the temple’s heritage and prevent unauthorised use of its sacred terminology.
Padhee further noted that the issue of ‘Jagannath Dham’ in Digha will be addressed by the Odisha and West Bengal governments.
The meeting, chaired by chairmanship Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb and virtually attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and SJTA ex-officio members, also decided to form a ‘Pahandi Dala’ for each chariot during the Rath Yatra, with the number of servitors to be finalised by SJTA, Puri Collector, Chhatisa Nijog, and other stakeholders in a future meeting.
Consensus was reached on ensuring smooth arrangements for the Rath Yatra and related rituals, with detailed discussions on Niti, Snana Yatra, Ghosa Yatra, and Bahuda Yatra. Non-servitors will be barred from the three chariots, with strict action against violators, and carrying mobile phones on the chariots will lead to criminal charges, Padhee Said.
Additionally, there will be a restriction on the height of buildings around Shree Gundicha Temple to prevent any disruptions to the rituals. The Urban Development department will be informed about the issue, and a formal request will be made to the government to enforce this restriction, he said.
The meeting also covered the protection of Ratna Bhandar and the land properties of Lord Jagannath.
