Puri Jagannath Temple Moves to Trademark ‘Jagannath Dham’: Why Odisha Is Protecting Sacred Names and Symbols

The 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has attained trademark protection for some sacred names and symbols relevant to Lord Jagannath. The SJTA’s move followed a controversy regarding the usage of the term “Jagannath Dham” for a temple situated in Digha in West Bengal. Odisha was compelled to protect the unique identity of one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hinduism.

As of now, five trademark applications submitted by the SJTA have received approval from the Trade Marks Registry, hence coming a step closer to getting registered.

What Is the Puri Jagannath Temple’s Aim Behind Seeking Trademark Registration?

By applying for trademark registration, officials of the temple hope to prevent any illegal use of names and other things related to religion associated with the temple of Puri Jagannath.

In response to concerns on its decision to guard the sacred names, the SJTA said that its trademark registration moves were meant to secure the identity of Puri Jagannath temple against any commercial exploitation.

The authorities already applied for 29 trademarks to seek protection for the names, symbols, and other elements associated with the Jagannath culture.

Which Sacred Names Have Been Approved?

The Trademark Registry has granted approval to five trademarks after they passed the second round of tests.

The approved names are as follows,

• Jagannath Dham
• Shree Kshetra
• Mahaprasad
• Nilachakra
• Koili Vaikuntha

These names are of great importance from the point of view of religion, culture, and history in the context of Lord Jagannath and Puri temple traditions.

What’s the Reason Behind Odisha Obtaining the Trademarks?

The tale starts from a clash between the Odisha government and the then Trinamool Congress-led government body of West Bengal.

In the month of April, 2025, West Bengal inaugurated a Jagannath temple located in Digha, branded as Sri Sri Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre.

The use of term “Dham” has raised many eyebrows from different quarters including,

• Odisha government
• Shree Jagannath Temple Administration
• Temple sewrvitors
• Lord Jagannath’s followers

They put forth that “Jagannath Dham” is a term used only for the Puri temple over the years.

Odisha’s Perspective on “Jagannath Dham”

It was in July 2011 that the then Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, took the initiative to write to his counterpart in West Bengal, stating that calling the temple in Digha by the name of “Jagannath Dham” not only undermined the uniqueness of Puri’s heritage but also went against the sentiments of millions of devotees.

Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb is the chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee and he feels that it is not in accordance with long-standing traditions of religion to use the name of “Dham” for any temple.

The issue blew over only after the change of regime in West Bengal and the term “Dham” ceased to be part of Digha temple name.

What Does it Mean to have Trademark Registration?

Trademark refers to a certain type of legal protection that is provided for elements, such as a name, logo, symbols or even phrases, which enables distinguishing a specific organization, institution, or commodity from others.

In India, the legislation that provides conditions regarding trademark registration consists of the following acts,

• Trade Marks Act of 1999;
• Trade Marks Rules of 2017.

The process of examination of trademark applications is performed by the Trade Marks Registry, which is responsible for issuing a legal permit for a selected name or symbol to be used legally.

Why is Registering a Trademark for Sacred Temple Names Important?

The registration of trademarks does not affect the religious character of these names. At the same time, this gives a measure of protection against unlawful use of those names in trade and in a misleading manner.

The trademark registration held by the SJTA allows it to,

• Prevent the unauthorized profit making.
• Maintain cultural integrity of Puri Jagannath Temple.
• Safeguard religious traditions associated with Lord Jagannath.
• Disallow profane usage of the names with great religious value.

What is the Importance of These Holy Words?

Jagannath Dham

It is the official name of the Jagannath Temple at Puri, which is one of the four famous Dhams of Hinduism.

Shree Kshetra

The ancient name of the holy city of Puri, which has been mentioned in several scriptures.

Mahaprasad

The holy food that is distributed among the followers of Lord Jagannath and serves an important purpose.

Nilachakra

The renowned blue wheel located on the top of the main shrine of Jagannath Temple that is seen as a source of divine strength and security.

Koili Vaikuntha

This is the sacred place in the temple complex where the Nabakalebara ceremony takes place.

What Comes Next?

After the completion of the second examination stage, the trademarks will be made public in the Trademark Journal.

In the absence of any valid objections during the stipulated time period, the trademarks will achieve final registration, enabling the SJTA to fully enjoy the legal rights granted to the respective trademarks.