A major religious controversy has surfaced after AliExpress, a popular Chinese-owned global e-commerce site, was found selling a doormat featuring the revered image of Lord Jagannath, one of Odisha’s most sacred deities. The product has caused deep offense among Hindu devotees, especially in the coastal state of Odisha where the deity is most venerated.
Devotees condemn disrespectful depiction of lord Jagannath
The product in question displays Lord Jagannath’s face printed on a floor mat, intended for wiping feet. Making matters worse, the product listing includes a photo of someone stepping on the mat. The accompanying product description, which calls it 'moisture absorbent' and 'anti-slip,' has only intensified the backlash, as devotees feel this is a blatant act of religious insensitivity.
Strongly reacting to the listing, Madhab Pujapanda, a former member of the Shree Jagannath Temple Management Committee, expressed his outrage. He urged the temple administration to immediately alert both the Odisha state government and the central government of India. He also called for diplomatic engagement with Chinese authorities to halt the sale and marketing of such disrespectful items.
“This is not just an isolated case,” Pujapanda stated. “There is a growing pattern where sacred Jagannath-related terminology like Mahaprasad and Patitapaban Bana are being misused for profit. Though steps have been initiated to legally protect these religious symbols and terms, the process needs to be accelerated," he told Sambad.
Growing calls for intellectual property protection
In recent years, several Hindu religious groups and temple committees have been advocating for intellectual property rights over sacred symbols, images, and phrases associated with the Jagannath tradition. Experts believe that faster implementation of patents and trademarks could prevent such offensive commercialization in the future.
Social media erupts with protests
Since the listing went viral, devotees across social media platforms have condemned the product, calling for its removal and an apology from the seller and the platform. Hashtags like #RespectJagannath and #BoycottAliExpress have been trending in India, further amplifying the demand for action.
Lord Jagannath is not just a deity but a deeply revered symbol of Odia identity and faith. Any misuse of his image can provoke widespread spiritual and emotional harm-something international platforms must be held accountable for.
Items taken off the website
After taking the escalated matter into consideration followed by a screening, AliExpress Spokesperson said, "Upon receipt of the feedback, we have conducted screening and verification, and have removed the item in question."
"As a marketplace that facilitates the transactions between shoppers and sellers, we are taking proactive measures to monitor and endeavor to prevent sellers from listing such items again. We appreciate input from everyone to help us maintaining a healthy and friendly online shopping environment," they added.
