Digha Jagannath Dham Controversy: Puri King Urges Action Against Naming, Puri Temple Body To Apply For Patents.

King Gajapati of Puri Seeks Clarity on Rath Yatra Celebrations Amidst ISKCON Dispute, while  Jagannath Temple Body to Apply for Patents on Sacred Terms.

Upendranath Panda | HENB | Puri | May 27, 2025:: In a bid to resolve the ongoing dispute over Rath Yatra celebrations, Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb has announced that the priests of the Shree Jagannath Temple will send a reply to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The move comes after ISKCON’s decision to hold Rath Yatra celebrations on different dates in various parts of the world, deviating from the traditional schedule followed by the Srimandir.

According to sources, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had taken up the issue with ISKCON’s governing body commission in December last year, and priests from both sides met in March to discuss the matter. During the meeting, Srimandir priests provided ISKCON with details of scriptures and traditions that mandate Rath Yatra celebrations on the ‘tithi’ followed by the Srimandir.

A Longstanding Dispute

The dispute between ISKCON and the Srimandir has been brewing for some time, with ISKCON holding Rath Yatra celebrations on different dates in various parts of the world. While ISKCON follows the Srimandir schedule in its temples within India, its international temples do not adhere to a fixed schedule.

“We are happy that hundreds of new Jagannath temples have come up in many foreign countries, and many more are in the line, but they should follow the traditions and rituals as per the prescribed norms practiced in the Srimandir,” said Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb.

Patent Application

In a related development, the Jagannath temple management committee of Puri has decided to apply for patents for expressions like ‘Srimandir’, ‘Jagannath Dham’, and ‘Mahaprasad’. The move aims to preserve the sanctity and unique identity of the Jagannath Temple and prevent the indiscriminate use of sacred terminology linked to Lord Jagannath.

“Patenting these temple-related terms is a legal measure aimed at preserving the sanctity, heritage, and unique identity of the Jagannath Temple,” said Arabinda Padhee, chief administrator of the temple.

Digha Dham Controversy

The decision to apply for patents comes amidst a controversy over the naming of a Jagannath temple in Digha, West Bengal, as “Jagannath Dham”. The Puri Gajapati and Shankaracharyas have opposed the naming, citing that it undermines Puri’s unique spiritual and cultural significance.

The controversy has sparked a debate over the use of sacred terminology and the cultural significance of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. While the West Bengal government has inaugurated the temple, the Odisha government has written to the Bengal CM requesting the removal of the term ‘Jagannath Dham’ from the temple’s official name.

As the dispute continues, devotees and stakeholders await a resolution that respects the traditions and cultural significance of the Jagannath Temple.
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