Puri: In a significant move to uphold the sanctity and cultural heritage of the Puri Srimandir, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has announced its intention to seek patent rights for several terms and phrases intrinsically linked to Lord Jagannath and the temple. This decision was reached during a Shree Jagannath Temple Management Committee meeting, chaired by Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.
Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the SJTA, emphasized that this initiative is crucial to prevent the misuse of culturally and religiously significant terms associated with Lord Jagannath’s rituals. The SJTA plans to patent phrases such as “Srimandir,” “Mahaprasad,” “Srikshetra,” “Purusottam Khetra,” “Anand Bazar,” “Nilachakra,” “Nilachal Dham,” “Purusottam Dham,” “Sri Jagannath Dham,” “Abhada,” and “Patitapabana,” among others.
Beyond trademarking key terms, the meeting also focused on streamlining the intricate rituals of Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings to ensure the seamless execution of major festivals like the Snana Jatra, Sri Gundicha Pahandi, Chariot Pulling, Adapa Pahandi, Bahuda Jatra (Return Car Festival), Sunavesha, and Niladri Bije.
Addressing lapses identified during the previous Rath Jatra, particularly the incident where the idol of Lord Balabhadra fell due to improper securing by Daita servitors during the Pahandi procession, Dr. Padhee outlined corrective measures. To prevent recurrence, three separate teams of senior Daita servitors, each with a limited number of members, will be formed to carry out the Pahandi rituals.
Furthermore, the Charamalas (ladders) attached to the chariots will undergo thorough inspection by the Biswakarmas (the temple’s traditional chief carpenters) and senior Daita servitors. Adjustments to the ladder angles may be made to ensure smoother and safer Pahandi, with seasoned palm tree trunks already procured for this purpose.
Strict new guidelines will be enforced regarding access to the chariots. SJTA Chief Dr. Padhee explicitly stated that severe action, including prosecution, will be taken against any individual, including servitors, attempting to climb onto the chariots without assigned duties or authorization. The use of mobile phones on the chariots will be strictly prohibited, with servitors or Daitas found with phones facing not only fines but also potential police action.
Other key discussions in the meeting included the proposed relocation of the Hundi (donation box) within the temple premises to facilitate a more structured queue system for darshan. The SJTA has approached the State Government for approval to shift the Hundi.
Plans were also mooted to regulate the height and aesthetic design of high-rise private and commercial buildings constructed near the Srimandir’s Parikrama Corridor and around the Shree Gundicha Temple, ensuring they are aesthetically compatible with temple architecture.
Finally, the Srimandir Administration is actively working to safeguard and manage Lord Jagannath’s endowments located across the country.
Dr. Padhee indicated that some of these properties might be disposed of if necessary, with the proceeds deposited into the temple’s corpus fund, further bolstering its financial stability.