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Jagannath Temple, Puri

February 05, 2023

"Jagannath Temple" redirects here. For other uses, see Jagannath Temple (disambiguation).

The Jagannath Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu - one of the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism. Puri is in the state of Odisha, on the eastern coast of India. The present temple was rebuilt from the tenth century onwards, on the site of pre existing temples in the compound but not the main Jagannatha temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.[1]

Jagannath Temple, Puri
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictPuri
DeityJagannath
Festivals
Governing bodyShree Jagannath Temple Office, Puri, Odisha, Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, Puri
Location
LocationPuri
StateOdisha
CountryIndia
Location in Odisha
Geographic coordinates19°48′17″N 85°49′6″E / 19.80472°N 85.81833°E / 19.80472; 85.81833Coordinates: 19°48′17″N 85°49′6″E / 19.80472°N 85.81833°E / 19.80472; 85.81833
Architecture
TypeKalinga Architecture
CreatorIndradyumna
Completed1161 CE[citation needed]
Specifications
Temple(s)31
Elevation65 m (213 ft)
Website
www.shreejagannatha.in
Char Dham
Puri
Rameswaram
Dwaraka
Badrinath

The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples, the image of Jagannath (which gave its name to the English term 'juggernaut') is made of wood and is ceremoniously replaced every twelve or 19 years by an exact replica.[2] It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

The temple is sacred to all Hindus, and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions. Many great Vaishnava saints, such as Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya and Ramananda were closely associated with the temple.[3][4] Ramanuja established the Emar Mutt near the temple and Adi Shankaracharya established the Govardhan Math, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas. It is also of particular significance to the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, whose founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years.[5][6]

History

See also: Jagannath § Origins

The temple was rebuilt by the Ganga dynasty king Anantavarman Chodaganga in the 12th century CE, as suggested by the Kendupatna copper-plate inscription of his descendant Narasimhadeva II.[7] Anantavarman was originally a Shaivite, and became a Vaishnavite sometime after he conquered the Utkala region (in which the temple is located) in 1112 CE. A 1134–1135 CE inscription records his donation to the temple. Therefore, the temple construction must have started sometime after 1112 CE.[8]

 
Drawing of Puri Temple from the book, Linde Des Rajahs Voyage Dans Linde Centrale, 1877

According to a story in the temple chronicles, it was founded by Anangabhima-deva II: different chronicles variously mention the year of construction as 1196, 1197, 1205, 1216, or 1226.[9] This suggests that the temple's construction was completed or that the temple was renovated during the reign of Anantavarman's son Anangabhima.[10] The temple complex was further developed during the reigns of the subsequent kings, including those of the Ganga dynasty and the Gajapati dynasty.[11]

Deities

Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are a trio of deities worshipped at the temple. The inner sanctum of the temple contains the deities of them carved from sacred neem logs known as daru sitting on the bejewelled platform or ratnabedi, along with deities of Sudarshana Chakra, Madanmohan, Sridevi and Vishwadhatri.[12] The deities are adorned with different clothing and jewels according to the season. Worship of these deities pre-dates the building of the temple and may have originated in an ancient tribal shrine.[13]

Legends

 
Statue of Aruna the charioteer of the Sun God on top of the Aruna Stambha in front of the Singhadwara.

According to legend, the construction of the first Jagannath temple was commissioned by King Indradyumna, son of Bharata and Sunanda, and a Malava king, mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Puranas.[14]

The legendary account as found in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma Purana and other Puranas and later Odia works state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Lord Neela Madhaba by a Savar king (tribal chief) named Viswavasu. Having heard about the deity, King Indradyumna sent a Brahmin priest, Vidyapati to locate the deity, who was worshipped secretly in a dense forest by Viswavasu. Vidyapati tried his best but could not locate the place. But at last he managed to marry Viswavasu's daughter Lalita. At repeated request of Vidyapti, Viswavasu took his son-in-law blind folded to a cave where Lord Neela Madhaba was worshipped.[15]

Vidyapati was very intelligent. He dropped mustard seeds on the ground on the way. The seeds germinated after a few days, which enabled him to find out the cave later on. On hearing from him, King Indradyumna proceeded immediately to Odra desha (Odisha) on a pilgrimage to see and worship the Deity. But the deity had disappeared. The king was disappointed. The Deity was hidden in sand. The king was determined not to return without having a darshan of the deity and observed fast unto death at Mount Neela, Then a celestial voice cried Thou shalt see him. Afterward, the king performed a horse sacrifice and built a magnificent temple for Vishnu. Narasimha Murti brought by Narada was installed in the temple. During sleep, the king had a vision of Lord Jagannath. Also an astral voice directed him to receive the fragrant tree on the seashore and make deities out of it. Accordingly, the king got the image of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan made out of the wood of the divine tree and installed them in the temple.[citation needed]

Indradyumna's prayer to Lord Brahma

King Indradyumna put up for Jagannath the tallest monument of the world. It was 1,000 cubits high. He invited Lord Brahma, the cosmic creator, consecrate the temple and the images.[16] Brahma came all the way from Heaven for this purpose. Seeing the temple he was immensely pleased with him. Brahma asked Indradyumna as to in what way can he (Brahma) fulfill the king's desire, since was very much pleased with him for his having put the most beautiful Temple for Lord Vishnu. With folded hands, Indradyumna said, "My Lord if you are really pleased with me, kindly bless me with one thing, and it is that I should be issueless and that I should be the last member of my family." In case anybody left alive after him, he would only take pride as the owner of the temple and would not work for the society.[citation needed]

Legend surrounding the Temple origin

The traditional story concerning the origins of the Lord Jagannath temple is that here the original image of Jagannath (a deity form of Vishnu) at the end of Dvapara yuga manifested near a banyan tree, near seashore in the form of an Indranila mani or the Blue Jewel. It was so dazzling that it could grant instant moksha, so the God Dharma or Yama wanted to hide it in the earth and was successful. In Kali Yuga King Indradyumna of Malwa wanted to find that mysterious image and to do so he performed harsh penance to obtain his goal. Vishnu then instructed him to go to the Puri seashore and find a floating log to make an image from its trunk.[citation needed]

The King found the log of wood. He did a yajna from which God Yajna Nrisimha appeared and instructed that Narayana should be made as fourfold expansion, i.e. Paramatma as Vasudeva, his Vyuha as Samkarshana, Yogamaya as Subhadra, and his Vibhava as Sudarsana. Vishwakarma appeared in the form of an artisan and prepared images of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra from the tree.[17]

When this log, radiant with light was seen floating in the sea, Narada told the king to make three deities out of it and place them in a pavilion. Indradyumna got Visvakarma, the architect of Gods, to build a magnificent temple to house the deities, and Vishnu himself appeared in the guise of a carpenter to make the deities on condition that he was to be left undisturbed until he finished the work.[citation needed]

But just after two weeks, the Queen became very anxious. She took the carpenter to be dead as no sound came from the temple. Therefore, she requested the king to open the door. Thus, they went to see Vishnu at work at which the latter abandoned his work leaving the deities unfinished. The deity was devoid of any hands. But a divine voice told Indradyumana to install them in the temple. It has also been widely believed that in spite of the deity being without hands, it can watch over the world and be its lord. Thus the idiom.[citation needed]

 
The Ratha Yatra in Puri in modern times showing the three chariots of the deities with the Temple in the background

Invasions and desecrations of the Temple

The temple annals, the Madala Panji records that the Jagannath temple at Puri has been invaded and plundered eighteen times.[18] In 1692, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered to close the temple until he wanted to reopen it otherwise it would be demolished, the local Mughal officials who came to carry out the job were requested by the locals and the temple was merely closed.[citation needed] It was re-opened only after Aurangzeb's death in 1707.[citation needed]

Entry and Darshan

Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the temple.[19][20][21] Visitors not allowed to enter may view the temple and precinct from the roof of the nearby Raghunandan Library and pay their respects to the image of God Jagannath seen at the main entrance to the temple.[22]

The temple is open from 5:00 am to midnight. Unlike in many other temples, devotees can go around and behind the deities . During the special darshan, or parimanik darshan, devotees pay a small fee to go right up to the deities. All devotees are allowed to go right up to the deities during the sahana mela (general appearance) 7am-8:00 am without paying any fees.[23]

Cultural integrity

Starting from Lord Jagannath himself, history has it that he was a tribal deity, adorned by the Sabar people, as a symbol of Narayan. Another legend claims him to be Nilamadhava, an image of Narayana made of blue stone and worshipped by the aboriginals. He was brought to Nilagiri (blue mountain) or Nilachala and installed there as Shri Jagannath in company with Balabhadra and Subhadra. The images made of wood are also claimed to have their distant linkage with the vanvasi (forest dwellers) system of worshipping wooden poles. To cap it all the Daitapatis, who have a fair share of responsibilities to perform rituals of the Temple, are claimed to be descendants of the hill tribes of Odisha. So we may safely claim that the beginning of the cultural history of Shrikshetra is found in the cultures of Hindu tribes. The three deities came to be claimed as the symbols of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana and Samyak Charita usually regarded as Ratnatraya, triple gems of the Jain culture, assimilation of which leads to Omniscience and Moksha (salvation).[24]

Jagannath is worshipped as Vishnu or Narayana or Krishna and Lord Balabhadra as Shesha. Simultaneously, the deities are regarded as the bhairava with Vimala (the devi or the consort of Shiva) installed in the campus of the temple. So ultimately we find a fusion of Saivism, Shaktism and Vaishnavism of the Hindu religion so reverently held together in Shrikshetra.[citation needed]

Acharyas and Jagannatha Puri

All of the renowned acharyas including Madhvacharya have been known to visit this kshetra. Adi Shankara established his Govardhana matha here. Guru Nanak had visited this place with his disciples Bala and Manda. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of Gaudiya Vaishnavism stayed here for 24 years, establishing that the love of God can be spread by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. Srimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu visited Jagannath Puri and performed a 7-day recitation of Srimad Bhagvat. His sitting place is still famous as his "baithakji", roughly literally translating to his seat. It confirms his visit to Puri.[25]

A famous incident took place when JagadGuru Acharya Srimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu visited. There was a Shastrartha being held between the Brahmins before the king himself and 4 questions were asked. Who is the highest of Gods, What is the highest of mantras, What is the highest scripture and What is the highest service. The discourse went on for many days with many schools of thought. Very young teen Vallabhacharyaji Mahaprabhu also joined the debated and answered all the questions at once. His answers were accepted and appreciated by all except few opposition scholars, they challenged the answers. The debate then resumed for a long period.[citation needed]

Finally Shri Vallabhacharya said to ask Lord Jagannath to confirm Shri Vallabh's answers. It was mutually decided between all scholars and king that whatever Lord Jagannath would write, it would be considered as the final and correct answer.[citation needed]

A pen, inkpot and the paper were left alone in the inner sanctum before the deity to write the answers.[citation needed]

After some time, the doors were opened and 4 answers were found to be written. 1) The Son of Devaki (Krishna) is the God of Gods 2) His name is the highest of mantras 3) Highest of all scriptures is Devki Putra's Bhagavat Geeta 4) Service to Him is the Highest service.[citation needed]

The king along with all other scholars were shocked and declared Shri Vallabh the winner of the discourse.[citation needed]

Some of the pandits who participated became jealous of young Shri Vallabh and wanted to test Him. The next day was Ekadashi, a fasting day where one must fast from grains. The pandits gave Shri Vallabh rice Prasad of Shri Jagannathji (The temple is famous for this). If Shri Vallabh ate it, He would break His vow of fasting but if He did not take it, He would disrespect Lord Jagannath. Shri Vallabh with all honor and respect accepted the prasad in his hand. He stood there in the temple, spent the rest of the day and night explaining shlokas of the greatness of Prasad and ate the rice the next morning after sunrise.[26]

The Sikh Aarti Gagan mai thaal was recited by first guru, Guru Nanak[27] in 1506[28] or 1508[29][30] during his journey (called "udaasi") to east India,[28][29] at the revered Jagannath Temple, Puri. This arti is sung (not performed with platter and lamps etc.) daily after recitation of Rehraas Sahib and Ardās at the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar and at most Gurudwara sahibs.[citation needed]

Char Dham

The temple is one of the holiest Vaishnava Hindu Char Dham (four divine sites) sites also including Rameswaram, Badrinath, Puri and Dwarka.[31] Though the origins are not clearly known, the Advaita school of Hinduism propagated by Sankaracharya, who created Hindu monastic institutions across India, attributes the origin of Char Dham to the seer.[32] The four monasteries lie across the four corners of India and their attendant temples are Badrinath Temple at Badrinath in the North, Jagannath Temple at Puri in the East, Dwarakadheesh Temple at Dwarka in the West and Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram in the South. Though ideologically the temples are divided between the sects of Hinduism, namely Saivism and Vaishnavism, the Char Dham pilgrimage is an all Hindu affair.[33] There are four abodes in Himalayas called Chota Char Dham (Chota meaning small): Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri - all of these lie at the foothills of Himalayas[34][full citation needed] The name Chota was added during the mid of 20th century to differentiate the original Char Dhams.[citation needed] The journey across the four cardinal points in India is considered sacred by Hindus who aspire to visit these temples once in their lifetime. Traditionally the trip starts at the eastern end from Puri, proceeding in clockwise direction in a manner typically followed for circumambulation in Hindu temples.[35]

Structure

 
Jagannath during Ratha Yatra, 2011

The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet (37,000 m2), and is surrounded by a high fortified wall. This 20 feet (6.1 m) high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri.[36] Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.[37] It contains at least 120 temples and shrines. With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.[38] The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely -

  1. Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
  2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
  3. Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
  4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall).[39]

The main temple is a curvilinear temple and crowning the top is the 'Neelachakra' (an eight spoked wheel) of Lord Vishnu.It is made out of Ashtadhatu and is considered sacrosanct.[40] Among the existing temples in Orissa, the temple of Shri Jagannath is the highest. The temple tower was built on a raised platform of stone and, rising to 214 feet (65 m) above the inner sanctum where the deities reside, dominates the surrounding landscape. The pyramidal roofs of the surrounding temples and adjoining halls, or mandapas, rise in steps toward the tower like a ridge of mountain peaks.[41]

Nila Chakra

The Nila Chakra (Blue Discus) is the discus mounted on the top shikhar of the Jagannath Temple. As per custom, everyday a different flag is waved on the Nila Chakra. The flag hoisted on the Nila Chakra is called the Patita Pavana (Purifier of the Fallen) and is equivalent to the image of the deities placed in the sanctum sanctorum.[42]

The Nila Chakra is a disc with eight Navagunjaras carved on the outer circumference, with all facing towards the flagpost above. It is made of alloy of eight metals (Asta-dhatu) and is 3.5 Metres (11 feet and 8 inches) high with a circumference of about 11 metres (36 feet).[43] During the year 2010, the Nila Chakra was repaired and restored by the Archaeological Survey of India.[citation needed]

The Nila Chakra is distinct from the Sudarshana chakra which has been placed with the deities in the inner sanctorum.[citation needed]

Nila Chakra is the most revered iconic symbol in the Jagannath tradition. The Nila Chakra is the only physical object whose markings are used as sacrament and considered sacred in Jagannath worship. It symbolizes protection by Shri Jagannath.[citation needed]

The Singhadwara

 
The Singhadwara in 1870 showing the Lion sculptures with the Aruna Stambha Pillar in the foreground

The Singahdwara, which in Sanskrit means The Lion Gate, is one of the four gates to the temple and forms the Main entrance. The Singhadwara is so named because two huge statues of crouching lions exist on either side of the entrance. The gate faces east opening on to the Bada Danda or the Grand Road.[44] The Baisi Pahacha or the flight of twenty two steps leads into the temple complex. An deity of Jagannath known as Patitapavana, which in Sanskrit, means the "Saviour of the downtrodden and the fallen" is painted on the right side of the entrance. In ancient times when untouchables were not allowed inside the temple, they could pray to Patita Pavana. The statues of the two guards to the temple Jaya and Vijaya stand on either side of the doorway.[45] Just before the commencement of the Rath Yatra the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken out of the temple through this gate. On their return from the Gundicha Temple they have to ceremonially placate Goddess Mahalakshmi, whose deity is carved atop the door, for neglecting to take her with them on the Yatra. Only then the Goddess allows them permission to enter the temple. A magnificent sixteen-sided monolithic pillar known as the Aruna Stambha stands in front of the main gate. This pillar has an idol of Arun, the charioteer of the Sun God Surya, on its top. One significant thing about Arun stambha is that prior it was located in the Konark Sun temple,[46][47] later, the Maratha guru Brahmachari Gosain brought this pillar from Konark.[48]

Other entrances

 
The Ashwadwara Gate

Apart from the Singhadwara, which is the main entrance to the temple, there are three other entrances facing north, south and west. They are named after the sculptures of animals guarding them. The other entrances are the Hathidwara or the Elephant Gate, the Vyaghradwara or the Tiger Gate and the Ashwadwara or the Horse Gate.[citation needed]

Minor temples

 
Cluster of minor temples in the southern part of Jagannath temple complex, including the Vimala Temple (extreme right), c. 1890

There are numerous smaller temples and shrines within the Temple complex where active worship is regularly conducted. The Vimala Temple (Bimala Temple) is considered one of the most important of the Shaktipeeths marks the spot where the Goddess Sati's navel fell. It is located near Rohini Kund in the temple complex. Until food offered to Jagannath is offered to Goddess Vimala it is not considered Mahaprasad.[citation needed]

The temple of Mahalakshmi has an important role in rituals of the main temple. It is said that preparation of naivedya as offering for Jagannath is supervised by Mahalakshmi. The Kanchi Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Uchchhishta Ganapati. Tradition says the King of Kanchipuram (Kanchi) in ancient times gifted the deity, when Gajapati Purushottama Deva married Padmavati, the kanchi princess. There are other shrines namely Muktimandap, Surya, Saraswati, Bhuvaneshwari, Narasimha, Rama, Hanuman and Eshaneshwara.[citation needed]

The Mandapas

 
The Dola Mandapa in 1890 where the annual Dol Yatra is held.

There are many Mandapas or Pillared halls on raised platforms within the temple complex meant for religious congregations. The most prominent is the Mukti Mandapa the congregation hall of the holy seat of selected learned Brahmins.[49]

Here important decisions regarding conduct of daily worship and festivals are taken. The Dola Mandapa is noteworthy for a beautifully carved stone Torana or arch which is used for constructing a swing for the annual Dol Yatra festival. During the festival the deity of Dologobinda is placed on the swing. The Snana Bedi is a rectangular stone platform where deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed for ceremonial bathing during the annual Snana Yatra.[citation needed]

Daily food offerings

Main article: Mahaprasad (Jagannath Temple)

Daily offerings are made to the Lord six times a day. These include:

  1. The offering to the Lord in the morning that forms his breakfast and is called Gopala Vallabha Bhoga. Breakfast consists of seven items i.e. Khua, Lahuni, Sweetened coconut grating, Coconut water, and popcorn sweetened with sugar known as Khai, Curd and Ripe bananas.
  2. The Sakala Dhupa forms his next offering at about 10 AM. This generally consists of 13 items including the Enduri cake & Mantha puli.
  3. Bada Sankhudi Bhoga forms the next repast & the offering consists of Pakhala with curd and Kanji payas. The offerings are made in the Bhog Mandapa, about 200 feet from the Ratnabedi. This is called Chatra Bhog and was introduced by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century to help pilgrims share the temple food.
  4. The Madhyanha dhupa forms the next offering at the noon.
  5. The next offering to the Lord is made in the evening at around 8 PM it is Sandhya Dhupa.
  6. The last offering to the Lord is called the Bada Simhara Bhoga.[50]

The Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath are distributed amongst the devotees near the Ratnavedi inside the frame of Phokaria, which is being drawn by the Puja pandas using Muruj, except for the Gopal Ballav Bhog and Bhog Mandap Bhoga which are distributed in the Anabsar Pindi & Bhoga Mandap respectively.

Rosaghara

Main article: Rosaghara

The temple's kitchen is the largest in the world.[38][51][52][53] Tradition holds that all Mahaprasad cooking in the temple kitchens is supervised by the Goddess Mahalakshmi, the empress of Srimandir herself, and that if the food prepared has any fault in it, a shadow dog appears near the temple kitchen, a sign of her displeasure. If the shadow dog is seen, the food is promptly buried and a new batch cooked.[54] All 56 varieties of food produced are vegetarian and prepared without onions, garlic, as prescribed by Hindu religious texts.[55] Cooking is done only in earthen pots using water drawn from two special wells near the kitchen called Ganga and Yamuna. The most awaited offering is Kotho Bhoga or Abadha, offered after midday. After being offered to Jagannath and the other deities, the food is sold at Ananda Bajara, an open food market inside the temple.[citation needed]

Festivals

 
Ratha Yatra Festival in Puri, a painting by James Fergusson
Main article: List of festivals observed at Jagannatha Temple, Puri

There are elaborate daily worship services. There are many festivals each year attended by millions of people. The most important festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot festival in June. This spectacular festival includes a procession of three huge chariots bearing the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra through the Bada Danda meaning the Grand Avenue of Puri until their final destination the Gundicha Temple.[56]

Early European observers told tales of devotees being crushed under the wheels of these chariots, whether by accident or even as a form of meritorious suicide akin to suttee. These reports gave rise to the loan word juggernaut suggesting something immense and unstoppable. Many festivals like Dol Yatra in spring and Jhulan Yatra in monsoon are celebrated by temple every year. Pavitrotsava and Damanaka utsava are celebrated as per panchanga or panjika. There are special ceremonies in the month of Kartika and Pausha.[citation needed]

The annual shodasha dinatmaka or 16-day puja beginning 8 days prior to Mahalaya of Ashwin month for Goddess Vimala and ending on Vijayadashami, is of great importance, in which both the utsava murty of lord Madanmohan and Vimala take part.[citation needed]

Chandan Yatra

Main article: Chandan Yatra

In Akshaya Tritiya every year the Chandan Yatra festival marks the commencement of the construction of the Chariots of the Rath Yatra.

Snnana Yatra

On the Purnima of the month of Jyestha the Gods are ceremonially bathed and decorated every year on the occasion of Snana Yatra.[citation needed]

Anavasara or Anasara

Main article: Snana Yatra

Literally means vacation. Every year, the main deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra & Sudarshan after the holy Snana Yatra on the jyestha purnima, go to a secret altar named Anavasara Ghar where they remain for the next dark fortnight (Krishna paksha). Hence devotees are not allowed to view them. So devotees worship at the nearby Brahmagiri temple of Alarnath, an icon of a four-handed Vishnu as a manifestation of Jagannath.[58] Devotees get the first glimpse of the devotees on the day before Rath Yatra, which is called Navayouvana. It is said that the deities fall in fever after taking a huge bath and they are treated by the special servants named, Daitapatis for 15 days. During this period cooked food is not offered to the deities.[59]

Rath Yatra at Puri

Main article: Ratha-Yatra (Puri)
 
Pahandi Bije during Ratha Yatra at Puri

The Jagannath triad are usually worshiped in the sanctum of the temple at Puri, but once during the month of Asadha (Rainy Season of Orissa, usually falling in month of June or July), they are brought out onto the Bada Danda (main street of Puri) and travel (3 km) to the Shri Gundicha Temple, in huge chariots (ratha), allowing the public to have darśana (Holy view). This festival is known as Rath Yatra, meaning the journey (yatra) of the chariots (ratha). The Rathas are huge wheeled wooden structures, which are built anew every year and are pulled by the devotees. The chariot for Jagannath is approximately 45 feet high and 35 feet square and takes about 2 months to construct.[60] The artists and painters of Puri decorate the cars and paint flower petals and other designs on the wheels, the wood-carved charioteer and horses, and the inverted lotuses on the wall behind the throne.[61] The huge chariots of Jagannath pulled during Rath Yatra is the etymological origin of the English word Juggernaut.[62] The Ratha-Yatra is also termed as the Shri Gundicha yatra.[citation needed]

The most significant ritual associated with the Ratha-Yatra is the chhera pahara. During the festival, the Gajapati King wears the outfit of a sweeper and sweeps all around the deities and chariots in the Chera Pahara (sweeping with water) ritual. The Gajapati King cleanses the road before the chariots with a gold-handled broom and sprinkles sandalwood water and powder with utmost devotion. As per the custom, although the Gajapati King has been considered the most exalted person in the Kalingan kingdom, he still renders the menial service to Jagannath. This ritual signified that under the lordship of Jagannath, there is no distinction between the powerful sovereign Gajapati King and the most humble devotee.[63] Chera pahara is held on two days, on the first day of the Ratha Yatra, when the deities are taken to garden house at Mausi Maa Temple and again on the last day of the festival, when the deities are ceremoniously brought back to the Shri Mandir.[citation needed]

As per another ritual, when the deities are taken out from the Shri Mandir to the Chariots in Pahandi vijay.[citation needed]

 
Drawing of Rath Yatra, Puri from the book, 'Account Of The Temple Of Jagannath, 1895'

In the Ratha Yatra, the three deities are taken from the Jagannath Temple in the chariots to the Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days. Thereafter, the deities again ride the chariots back to Shri Mandir in bahuda yatra. On the way back, the three chariots halt at the Mausi Maa Temple and the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a kind of baked cake which are generally consumed by the Odisha people only.[citation needed]

The observance of the Rath Yatra of Jagannath dates back to the period of the Puranas. Vivid descriptions of this festival are found in Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana. Kapila Samhita also refers to Rath Yatra. In Moghul period also, King Ramsingh of Jaipur, Rajasthan has been described as organizing the Rath Yatra in the 18th Century. In Orissa, Kings of Mayurbhanj and Parlakhemundi were organizing the Rath Yatra, though the most grand festival in terms of scale and popularity takes place at Puri.[citation needed]

Moreover, Starza[64] notes that the ruling Ganga dynasty instituted the Rath Yatra at the completion of the great temple around 1150 AD. This festival was one of those Hindu festivals that was reported to the Western world very early. Friar Odoric of Pordenone visited India in 1316–1318, some 20 years after Marco Polo had dictated the account of his travels while in a Genoese prison.[65] In his own account of 1321, Odoric reported how the people put the deities on chariots, and the King and Queen and all the people drew them from the "church" with song and music.[66][67]

Niladri Bije

Celebrated on Asadha Trayodashi.[68] Niladri Bije is the concluding day of Ratha yatra. On this day deities return to the ratna bedi.[69][70] Lord Jagannath offers Rasgulla[71] to Goddess Laxmi to enter into the temple.[72][73]

  •  

    Temple main gate

Gupta Gundicha

Celebrated for 16 days from Ashwina Krushna dwitiya to Vijayadashami.[74] As per tradition, the deity of Madhaba, along with the deity of Goddess Durga (known as Durgamadhaba), is taken on a tour of the temple premises. The tour within the temple is observed for the first eight days. For the next eight days, the deities are taken outside the temple on a palanquin to the nearby Narayani temple situated in the Dolamandapa lane. After their worship, they are brought back to the temple.[75]

Nabakalebara

Main article: Nabakalevara

Nabakalabera is a ritual associated with Jagannath[76] which takes place every 8, 12 or 19 years, when one lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another lunar month of Aashadha. Meaning "New Body", the ritual involves installation of new images in the Jagannath Temple and the burial of the old images at the temple at Koili Vaikuntha. The festival is witnessed by as millions of people and its budget exceeds $500,000.[77] More than three million devotees were expected to visit the temple during the Nabakalevara in 2015,[78] making it one of the most visited festivals in the world.[citation needed]

Management

After independence, the State Government, with a view to getting better administrative system, passed "The Puri Shri Jagannath Temple (Administration) Act, 1952".[79] It contained provisions to prepare the Record of Rights and duties of Sevayats and such other persons connected with the system of worship and management of the temple. Subsequently Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 was enacted to reorganize the management system of the affair of the temple and its properties.[citation needed]

Dibyasingha Deb is the "adhyasevak" (chief servitor) of the temple.[80][81] He took the role in 1970 at the age of 17, after the death of his father, Birakishore Deb, then the Maharaja of Puri.[82]

  •  

    The backside of the Jagannath temple with the 'Koili Baikuntha' garden in the foreground.

  •  

    Shri Dibyasingha Deb, Chief Servitor of the Temple.

  •  

    Bird's EyeView Of Jagannath Temple complex

Security

The security at the temple has increased ahead of Ratha Yatra, the homecoming festival of the deities of Jagannath temple. In the wake of terror alert on 27 June 2012, the security forces were increased to ensure smooth functioning of the crowded Ratha Yatra and Suna Besha.[83]

See also

References

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  2. ^ Nugteren, Albertina (2010). "Weaving Nature into Myth: Continuing Narratives Of Wood, Trees, And Forests In The Ritual Fabric Around The God Jagannath In Puri". Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture. 4 (2): 159–172. doi:10.1558/jsrnc.v4i2.159.
  3. ^ Balaram Mohanty (1979). Introducing Orissa. Konarka Prakasani. p. 84.
  4. ^ Swami B. P. Puri (1 August 2017). Guru: The Universal Teacher. Simon and Schuster. p. 297. ISBN 9781683832454.
  5. ^ K. V. Raman (2006). Temple Art, Icons and Culture of India and South-East Asia. Sharada Publishing House. p. 138. ISBN 9788188934317. Similarly, places like Srirangam associated with Ramanuja, Udupi (in Karnataka) with Madhvacharya, Pandharpur with the Maharashtra saints like Jnanesvar and Tukaram and Puri Jagannath with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
  6. ^ Swami Prabhavananda (9 April 2019). The Spiritual Heritage of India. Routledge. p. 292. ISBN 9780429627552.
  7. ^ Suryanarayan Das 2010, pp. 49–50.
  8. ^ Suryanarayan Das 2010, p. 50.
  9. ^ Suryanarayan Das 2010, pp. 50–51.
  10. ^ Suryanarayan Das 2010, p. 51.
  11. ^ Suryanarayan Das 2010, pp. 51–52.
  12. ^ "Deities in Lord Jagannath Temple - Jagannath Temple". jagannathtemplepuri.com. 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2012. along with Balabhadra, Subhadra, Sudarshan, Madhaba, Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the bejewelled platform.
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  25. ^ (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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  27. ^ http://www.livehindustan.com/news/tayaarinews/tayaarinews/article1-story-67-67-199585.html गुरु नानक देव और उनके द्वारा प्रवर्तित मार्ग
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  32. ^ Mittal, Sushil (2004). The Hindu World. New York: Routledge. p. 482. ISBN 0-203-64470-0.
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  34. ^ Gupta 2008, p. 484-486
  35. ^ Paul Gwynne 2017, p. 296.
  36. ^ . samsepuja.in. 2012. Archived from the original on 24 February 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2012. The outermost is called 'Meghanad Pacheri' which has a length of 650ft from east to west and breadth of 644ft from north to south direction. The height of Meghanad Pacheri is 20ft and thickness of 6ft
  37. ^ . orissa.oriyaonline.com. 2012. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2012. and kurma Bedha (the inner wall) or the inner enclosure of the Jagannath temple i
  38. ^ a b "Sri Jagannath". Retrieved 12 September 2006.
  39. ^ "Jagannath Temple, India - 7 wonders". 7wonders.org. 2012. Retrieved 2 July 2012. The temple is divided into four chambers: Bhogmandir, Natamandir, Jagamohana and Deul
  40. ^ . orissatourism.org. 2012. Archived from the original on 12 October 2012. Retrieved 2 July 2012. wheel on top of the Jagannath Temple made of an alloy of eight metals (astadhatu). It is called the Nila Chakra (Blue Wheel)
  41. ^ "Jagannath Temple, Orrisa". Retrieved 20 September 2006.
  42. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). (PDF) from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  43. ^ Nilachakra is now repairing by Archaeological Survey of India — PURIWAVES | PURIWAVES | photonews || puri odisha || purinews || | Nilachakra is now repairing by Archaeological... 12 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  44. ^ "About Temple - Devotee Care Center". devoteecare.fullorissa.com. 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2012. Two colossal lions flank the Purba Dwara (Eastern Gate) also known as Simha Dwara. This is a mini tower and the main entrance to the temple[dead link]
  45. ^ "Sri Jagannath Temple". Retrieved 20 September 2006.
  46. ^ . asi.nic.in. 2011. Archived from the original on 8 November 2012. Retrieved 5 October 2012. To the front of the eastern staircase of the porch, once stood the free-standing chlorite pillar, the dhvaja-stambha, with Aruna, the charioteer of Surya as the crowning element
  47. ^ . puriwaves.nirmalya.in. 2012. Archived from the original on 5 June 2013. Retrieved 5 October 2012. this Pillar was a part of Sun Temple Of Konark and was located in front of Sun Temple
  48. ^ Behera, Prajna Paramita (2004). (PDF). Orissa Review. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2012.
  49. ^ "JAGANNATH TEMPLE, SANCTUARIES, MANDAPS OF LORD JAGANNATH TEMPLE PURI". jagannath.orissaculture.com. 2009. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2012. It is allowed only for Sankaracharya, Brahmins of 16 sasans and for Jhulan yatra.
  50. ^ . jagannath.nic.in. Archived from the original on 9 December 2012. Retrieved 25 December 2012. This is the last bhoga of the day.
  51. ^ Karan, Jajati (2009). . ibnlive.in.com. Archived from the original on 28 February 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2012. the Jagannath temple in Puri has the world's largest kitchen that can feed more than one lakh people at a time
  52. ^ "The Sampradaya Sun - Independent Vaisnava News - Feature Stories - June 2011". harekrsna.com. 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2012. Not only is it the largest temple kitchen in the world
  53. ^ . nilachakra.org. 2011. Archived from the original on 26 March 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2012. The Jagannath temple kitchen at Puri is reputed to be the largest kitchen in the world
  54. ^ . devoteecare.fullorissa.com. 2012. Archived from the original on 18 March 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2012. If the dog is seen, all the food must be buried and prepared again
  55. ^ . visitodisha.net. 2012. Archived from the original on 26 September 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2012. The Prasad is prepared in a very traditional way, without using onion, garlic, chillies
  56. ^ "Jagannath Temple at Puri". Retrieved 20 September 2006.
  57. ^ . fullorissa.com. 2010. Archived from the original on 24 May 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2012. Pana Sankranti or Mahabishuba sankranti:
  58. ^ "Alarnatha – Articles - Jagannath Dham". jagannathdham.com. 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012. peoples believe that Lord Jagannath during this time manifests as Alarnath Dev,
  59. ^ . nilachakra.org. 2010. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012. suffer from fever on the account of elaborate bath and for that they are kept in dietary provisions (No cooked food is served) and are nursed by the Daitas
  60. ^ O. M. Starza 1993, p. 16.
  61. ^ Das 1982, p. 40.
  62. ^ "Juggernaut-Definition and Meaning". Merriam Webster Dictionary. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  63. ^ Karan, Jajati (4 July 2008). . IBN Live. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  64. ^ O. M. Starza 1993, p. 133.
  65. ^ Partha Mitter 1977, p. 10.
  66. ^ O. M. Starza 1993, p. 129.
  67. ^ J. P. Das 1982, p. 48.
  68. ^ . nilachakra.org. 2010. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012. NILADRI BIJE - Celebrated on 13th day of bright fortnight of Asadha.
  69. ^ "Ocean of devotees on Grand road to witness Sunavesh". news.oneindia.in. 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012. entering in to the sanctum sanctorum popularly called Niladri Bije
  70. ^ "Niladri Bije – Lord Jagannath Returning to Shree Mandir | PURIWAVES". puriwaves.nirmalya.in. 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012. 'Niladri Bije', the return journey to Shree Mandir. It is the welcome festival of Lord Jagannath to Shree Mandir
  71. ^ https://www.divinechariots.com/2018/03/03/the-divine-food-mahaprashad/[permanent dead link]
  72. ^ "Lord placates wife with sweet delight". divinechariots.com. Odisha, India. 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2018. Lord Jagannath tries to mollify His wife by offering her rasagullas, so that she lets Him enter the temple with His siblings[permanent dead link]
  73. ^ "Lord Jagannath placates angry Mahalakshmi, reenters temple". The Pioneer. India. 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012. Jagannath then offers Mahalakshmi rasgullas to placate her and to forgive him
  74. ^ Panda, Namita (11 October 2010). "The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Gupta Gundicha attracts devotees". The Telegraph. Calcutta, India. Retrieved 20 December 2012. Beginning from Ashwina Krishna dwitiya to the last day of Dusherra,
  75. ^ "Gupta Gundicha in Srikhetra – Start of Durga Madhab worshiping | PURIWAVES". puriwaves.nirmalya.in. Retrieved 20 December 2012. The Vimanbadu servants ( who carry the chariot) carry Sri Durga – Madhab ( Sri Jagannath & Jaya Durga ) in a chariot to the temple of Narayani at Dolamandap Sahi.
  76. ^ . Divine Chariots. Archived from the original on 9 August 2019.
  77. ^ . The Pioneer. India. 2011. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2013. Nabakalebar ritual of Lord Jagannath to be held in 2015,
  78. ^ "Plans afoot to manage Nabakalebar crowd". The Times of India. 12 July 2014. Retrieved 13 July 2014.
  79. ^ Manti, J.C. (2007). The Saga of Jagannatha and Badadeula at Puri. p. 100. ISBN 9788176257473. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  80. ^ "Jagannath temple servitors oppose untimely ISKON Rathyatra". news.oneindia.in. 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2012. Gajapati King, who is considered as the chief servitor of the temple
  81. ^ . orissa.oriyaonline.com. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2012. The Gajapati (The King of Puri) is treated as the first and foremost Servitor of the Temple
  82. ^ "I can walk and not take the palanquin'". The Times of India. 2011. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013. I ascended the throne in July 1970 when my father Gajapati Birakishore Deb died in the midst of the car festival. I was then only 17
  83. ^ "Terror alert in Puri, security tightened". The Times of India. 27 June 2012.

Bibliography

  • Avinash Patra (2011). Origin & Antiquity of the Cult of Lord Jagannath. Oxford University Press.
  • J. P. Das (1982). Puri Paintings: The Chitrakara and His Work. Prafulla. ISBN 978-81-901589-7-8.
  • Mahadev Chakravarti (1986). The Concept of Rudra-Śiva Through the Ages. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 978-81-208-0053-3.
  • Norbert C. Brockman (2011). Encyclopedia of Sacred Places. California: ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-59884-655-3.
  • O. M. Starza (1993). The Jagannatha Temple at Puri: Its Architecture, Art, and Cult. BRILL. ISBN 90-04-09673-6.
  • Partha Mitter (1992). Much Maligned Monsters: A History of European Reactions to Indian Art. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-53239-4.
  • Paul Gwynne (2017). World Religions in Practice: A Comparative Introduction. Wiley. ISBN 978-1-118-97228-1.
  • Suryanarayan Das (2010). Lord Jagannath. Sanbun. ISBN 978-93-80213-22-4.

External links

 
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  • Puruṣottama-kṣetra-māhātmya, Skanda Purana
  • Official website  
  • Lord Sri Jagannath Temple - Jagannath Dharma (Official website of the Puri district administration)
  • Street View around Jagannath Temple

February 05, 2023
jagannath, temple, puri, jagannath, temple, redirects, here, other, uses, jagannath, temple, disambiguation, this, article, needs, additional, citations, verification, please, help, improve, this, article, adding, citations, reliable, sources, unsourced, mater. Jagannath Temple redirects here For other uses see Jagannath Temple disambiguation This article needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed Find sources Jagannath Temple Puri news newspapers books scholar JSTOR March 2022 Learn how and when to remove this template message The Jagannath Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath a form of Vishnu one of the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism Puri is in the state of Odisha on the eastern coast of India The present temple was rebuilt from the tenth century onwards on the site of pre existing temples in the compound but not the main Jagannatha temple and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty 1 Jagannath Temple PuriReligionAffiliationHinduismDistrictPuriDeityJagannathFestivalsRatha YatraChandan YatraSnana YatraNabakalebaraGoverning bodyShree Jagannath Temple Office Puri Odisha Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee PuriLocationLocationPuriStateOdishaCountryIndiaLocation in OdishaGeographic coordinates19 48 17 N 85 49 6 E 19 80472 N 85 81833 E 19 80472 85 81833 Coordinates 19 48 17 N 85 49 6 E 19 80472 N 85 81833 E 19 80472 85 81833ArchitectureTypeKalinga ArchitectureCreatorIndradyumnaCompleted1161 CE citation needed SpecificationsTemple s 31Elevation65 m 213 ft Websitewww wbr shreejagannatha wbr inChar DhamvtePuriRameswaramDwarakaBadrinath The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra or chariot festival in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars Unlike the stone and metal icons found in most Hindu temples the image of Jagannath which gave its name to the English term juggernaut is made of wood and is ceremoniously replaced every twelve or 19 years by an exact replica 2 It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites The temple is sacred to all Hindus and especially in those of the Vaishnava traditions Many great Vaishnava saints such as Ramanujacharya Madhvacharya Nimbarkacharya Vallabhacharya and Ramananda were closely associated with the temple 3 4 Ramanuja established the Emar Mutt near the temple and Adi Shankaracharya established the Govardhan Math which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas It is also of particular significance to the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism whose founder Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was attracted to the deity Jagannath and lived in Puri for many years 5 6 Contents 1 History 2 Deities 2 1 Legends 2 1 1 Legend surrounding the Temple origin 3 Invasions and desecrations of the Temple 4 Entry and Darshan 5 Cultural integrity 5 1 Acharyas and Jagannatha Puri 5 2 Char Dham 6 Structure 6 1 Nila Chakra 6 2 The Singhadwara 6 3 Other entrances 6 4 Minor temples 6 5 The Mandapas 7 Daily food offerings 8 Rosaghara 9 Festivals 9 1 Chandan Yatra 9 2 Snnana Yatra 9 3 Anavasara or Anasara 9 4 Rath Yatra at Puri 9 5 Niladri Bije 9 6 Gupta Gundicha 9 7 Nabakalebara 10 Management 11 Security 12 See also 13 References 13 1 Bibliography 14 External linksHistory EditSee also Jagannath Origins The temple was rebuilt by the Ganga dynasty king Anantavarman Chodaganga in the 12th century CE as suggested by the Kendupatna copper plate inscription of his descendant Narasimhadeva II 7 Anantavarman was originally a Shaivite and became a Vaishnavite sometime after he conquered the Utkala region in which the temple is located in 1112 CE A 1134 1135 CE inscription records his donation to the temple Therefore the temple construction must have started sometime after 1112 CE 8 Drawing of Puri Temple from the book Linde Des Rajahs Voyage Dans Linde Centrale 1877 According to a story in the temple chronicles it was founded by Anangabhima deva II different chronicles variously mention the year of construction as 1196 1197 1205 1216 or 1226 9 This suggests that the temple s construction was completed or that the temple was renovated during the reign of Anantavarman s son Anangabhima 10 The temple complex was further developed during the reigns of the subsequent kings including those of the Ganga dynasty and the Gajapati dynasty 11 Deities EditJagannath Balabhadra and Subhadra are a trio of deities worshipped at the temple The inner sanctum of the temple contains the deities of them carved from sacred neem logs known as daru sitting on the bejewelled platform or ratnabedi along with deities of Sudarshana Chakra Madanmohan Sridevi and Vishwadhatri 12 The deities are adorned with different clothing and jewels according to the season Worship of these deities pre dates the building of the temple and may have originated in an ancient tribal shrine 13 Legends Edit Statue of Aruna the charioteer of the Sun God on top of the Aruna Stambha in front of the Singhadwara According to legend the construction of the first Jagannath temple was commissioned by King Indradyumna son of Bharata and Sunanda and a Malava king mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Puranas 14 The legendary account as found in the Skanda Purana Brahma Purana and other Puranas and later Odia works state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Lord Neela Madhaba by a Savar king tribal chief named Viswavasu Having heard about the deity King Indradyumna sent a Brahmin priest Vidyapati to locate the deity who was worshipped secretly in a dense forest by Viswavasu Vidyapati tried his best but could not locate the place But at last he managed to marry Viswavasu s daughter Lalita At repeated request of Vidyapti Viswavasu took his son in law blind folded to a cave where Lord Neela Madhaba was worshipped 15 Vidyapati was very intelligent He dropped mustard seeds on the ground on the way The seeds germinated after a few days which enabled him to find out the cave later on On hearing from him King Indradyumna proceeded immediately to Odra desha Odisha on a pilgrimage to see and worship the Deity But the deity had disappeared The king was disappointed The Deity was hidden in sand The king was determined not to return without having a darshan of the deity and observed fast unto death at Mount Neela Then a celestial voice cried Thou shalt see him Afterward the king performed a horse sacrifice and built a magnificent temple for Vishnu Narasimha Murti brought by Narada was installed in the temple During sleep the king had a vision of Lord Jagannath Also an astral voice directed him to receive the fragrant tree on the seashore and make deities out of it Accordingly the king got the image of Lord Jagannath Balabhadra Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan made out of the wood of the divine tree and installed them in the temple citation needed Indradyumna s prayer to Lord BrahmaKing Indradyumna put up for Jagannath the tallest monument of the world It was 1 000 cubits high He invited Lord Brahma the cosmic creator consecrate the temple and the images 16 Brahma came all the way from Heaven for this purpose Seeing the temple he was immensely pleased with him Brahma asked Indradyumna as to in what way can he Brahma fulfill the king s desire since was very much pleased with him for his having put the most beautiful Temple for Lord Vishnu With folded hands Indradyumna said My Lord if you are really pleased with me kindly bless me with one thing and it is that I should be issueless and that I should be the last member of my family In case anybody left alive after him he would only take pride as the owner of the temple and would not work for the society citation needed Legend surrounding the Temple origin Edit The traditional story concerning the origins of the Lord Jagannath temple is that here the original image of Jagannath a deity form of Vishnu at the end of Dvapara yuga manifested near a banyan tree near seashore in the form of an Indranila mani or the Blue Jewel It was so dazzling that it could grant instant moksha so the God Dharma or Yama wanted to hide it in the earth and was successful In Kali Yuga King Indradyumna of Malwa wanted to find that mysterious image and to do so he performed harsh penance to obtain his goal Vishnu then instructed him to go to the Puri seashore and find a floating log to make an image from its trunk citation needed The King found the log of wood He did a yajna from which God Yajna Nrisimha appeared and instructed that Narayana should be made as fourfold expansion i e Paramatma as Vasudeva his Vyuha as Samkarshana Yogamaya as Subhadra and his Vibhava as Sudarsana Vishwakarma appeared in the form of an artisan and prepared images of Jagannath Balabhadra and Subhadra from the tree 17 When this log radiant with light was seen floating in the sea Narada told the king to make three deities out of it and place them in a pavilion Indradyumna got Visvakarma the architect of Gods to build a magnificent temple to house the deities and Vishnu himself appeared in the guise of a carpenter to make the deities on condition that he was to be left undisturbed until he finished the work citation needed But just after two weeks the Queen became very anxious She took the carpenter to be dead as no sound came from the temple Therefore she requested the king to open the door Thus they went to see Vishnu at work at which the latter abandoned his work leaving the deities unfinished The deity was devoid of any hands But a divine voice told Indradyumana to install them in the temple It has also been widely believed that in spite of the deity being without hands it can watch over the world and be its lord Thus the idiom citation needed The Ratha Yatra in Puri in modern times showing the three chariots of the deities with the Temple in the backgroundInvasions and desecrations of the Temple EditThe temple annals the Madala Panji records that the Jagannath temple at Puri has been invaded and plundered eighteen times 18 In 1692 Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered to close the temple until he wanted to reopen it otherwise it would be demolished the local Mughal officials who came to carry out the job were requested by the locals and the temple was merely closed citation needed It was re opened only after Aurangzeb s death in 1707 citation needed Entry and Darshan EditNon Hindus are not permitted to enter the temple 19 20 21 Visitors not allowed to enter may view the temple and precinct from the roof of the nearby Raghunandan Library and pay their respects to the image of God Jagannath seen at the main entrance to the temple 22 The temple is open from 5 00 am to midnight Unlike in many other temples devotees can go around and behind the deities During the special darshan or parimanik darshan devotees pay a small fee to go right up to the deities All devotees are allowed to go right up to the deities during the sahana mela general appearance 7am 8 00 am without paying any fees 23 Cultural integrity EditStarting from Lord Jagannath himself history has it that he was a tribal deity adorned by the Sabar people as a symbol of Narayan Another legend claims him to be Nilamadhava an image of Narayana made of blue stone and worshipped by the aboriginals He was brought to Nilagiri blue mountain or Nilachala and installed there as Shri Jagannath in company with Balabhadra and Subhadra The images made of wood are also claimed to have their distant linkage with the vanvasi forest dwellers system of worshipping wooden poles To cap it all the Daitapatis who have a fair share of responsibilities to perform rituals of the Temple are claimed to be descendants of the hill tribes of Odisha So we may safely claim that the beginning of the cultural history of Shrikshetra is found in the cultures of Hindu tribes The three deities came to be claimed as the symbols of Samyak Darshan Samyak Jnana and Samyak Charita usually regarded as Ratnatraya triple gems of the Jain culture assimilation of which leads to Omniscience and Moksha salvation 24 Jagannath is worshipped as Vishnu or Narayana or Krishna and Lord Balabhadra as Shesha Simultaneously the deities are regarded as the bhairava with Vimala the devi or the consort of Shiva installed in the campus of the temple So ultimately we find a fusion of Saivism Shaktism and Vaishnavism of the Hindu religion so reverently held together in Shrikshetra citation needed Acharyas and Jagannatha Puri Edit All of the renowned acharyas including Madhvacharya have been known to visit this kshetra Adi Shankara established his Govardhana matha here Guru Nanak had visited this place with his disciples Bala and Manda Chaitanya Mahaprabhu of Gaudiya Vaishnavism stayed here for 24 years establishing that the love of God can be spread by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra Srimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu visited Jagannath Puri and performed a 7 day recitation of Srimad Bhagvat His sitting place is still famous as his baithakji roughly literally translating to his seat It confirms his visit to Puri 25 A famous incident took place when JagadGuru Acharya Srimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu visited There was a Shastrartha being held between the Brahmins before the king himself and 4 questions were asked Who is the highest of Gods What is the highest of mantras What is the highest scripture and What is the highest service The discourse went on for many days with many schools of thought Very young teen Vallabhacharyaji Mahaprabhu also joined the debated and answered all the questions at once His answers were accepted and appreciated by all except few opposition scholars they challenged the answers The debate then resumed for a long period citation needed Finally Shri Vallabhacharya said to ask Lord Jagannath to confirm Shri Vallabh s answers It was mutually decided between all scholars and king that whatever Lord Jagannath would write it would be considered as the final and correct answer citation needed A pen inkpot and the paper were left alone in the inner sanctum before the deity to write the answers citation needed After some time the doors were opened and 4 answers were found to be written 1 The Son of Devaki Krishna is the God of Gods 2 His name is the highest of mantras 3 Highest of all scriptures is Devki Putra s Bhagavat Geeta 4 Service to Him is the Highest service citation needed The king along with all other scholars were shocked and declared Shri Vallabh the winner of the discourse citation needed Some of the pandits who participated became jealous of young Shri Vallabh and wanted to test Him The next day was Ekadashi a fasting day where one must fast from grains The pandits gave Shri Vallabh rice Prasad of Shri Jagannathji The temple is famous for this If Shri Vallabh ate it He would break His vow of fasting but if He did not take it He would disrespect Lord Jagannath Shri Vallabh with all honor and respect accepted the prasad in his hand He stood there in the temple spent the rest of the day and night explaining shlokas of the greatness of Prasad and ate the rice the next morning after sunrise 26 The Sikh Aarti Gagan mai thaal was recited by first guru Guru Nanak 27 in 1506 28 or 1508 29 30 during his journey called udaasi to east India 28 29 at the revered Jagannath Temple Puri This arti is sung not performed with platter and lamps etc daily after recitation of Rehraas Sahib and Ardas at the Harmandir Sahib Amritsar and at most Gurudwara sahibs citation needed Char Dham Edit The temple is one of the holiest Vaishnava Hindu Char Dham four divine sites sites also including Rameswaram Badrinath Puri and Dwarka 31 Though the origins are not clearly known the Advaita school of Hinduism propagated by Sankaracharya who created Hindu monastic institutions across India attributes the origin of Char Dham to the seer 32 The four monasteries lie across the four corners of India and their attendant temples are Badrinath Temple at Badrinath in the North Jagannath Temple at Puri in the East Dwarakadheesh Temple at Dwarka in the West and Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram in the South Though ideologically the temples are divided between the sects of Hinduism namely Saivism and Vaishnavism the Char Dham pilgrimage is an all Hindu affair 33 There are four abodes in Himalayas called Chota Char Dham Chota meaning small Badrinath Kedarnath Gangotri and Yamunotri all of these lie at the foothills of Himalayas 34 full citation needed The name Chota was added during the mid of 20th century to differentiate the original Char Dhams citation needed The journey across the four cardinal points in India is considered sacred by Hindus who aspire to visit these temples once in their lifetime Traditionally the trip starts at the eastern end from Puri proceeding in clockwise direction in a manner typically followed for circumambulation in Hindu temples 35 Structure Edit Jagannath during Ratha Yatra 2011 The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400 000 square feet 37 000 m2 and is surrounded by a high fortified wall This 20 feet 6 1 m high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri 36 Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple 37 It contains at least 120 temples and shrines With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India 38 The temple has four distinct sectional structures namely Deula Vimana or Garba griha Sanctum sanctorum where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi Throne of Pearls In Rekha Deula style Mukhashala Frontal porch Nata mandir Natamandapa which is also known as the Jagamohan Audience Hall Dancing Hall and Bhoga Mandapa Offerings Hall 39 The main temple is a curvilinear temple and crowning the top is the Neelachakra an eight spoked wheel of Lord Vishnu It is made out of Ashtadhatu and is considered sacrosanct 40 Among the existing temples in Orissa the temple of Shri Jagannath is the highest The temple tower was built on a raised platform of stone and rising to 214 feet 65 m above the inner sanctum where the deities reside dominates the surrounding landscape The pyramidal roofs of the surrounding temples and adjoining halls or mandapas rise in steps toward the tower like a ridge of mountain peaks 41 Nila Chakra Edit The Nila Chakra Blue Discus is the discus mounted on the top shikhar of the Jagannath Temple As per custom everyday a different flag is waved on the Nila Chakra The flag hoisted on the Nila Chakra is called the Patita Pavana Purifier of the Fallen and is equivalent to the image of the deities placed in the sanctum sanctorum 42 The Nila Chakra is a disc with eight Navagunjaras carved on the outer circumference with all facing towards the flagpost above It is made of alloy of eight metals Asta dhatu and is 3 5 Metres 11 feet and 8 inches high with a circumference of about 11 metres 36 feet 43 During the year 2010 the Nila Chakra was repaired and restored by the Archaeological Survey of India citation needed The Nila Chakra is distinct from the Sudarshana chakra which has been placed with the deities in the inner sanctorum citation needed Nila Chakra is the most revered iconic symbol in the Jagannath tradition The Nila Chakra is the only physical object whose markings are used as sacrament and considered sacred in Jagannath worship It symbolizes protection by Shri Jagannath citation needed The Singhadwara Edit The Singhadwara in 1870 showing the Lion sculptures with the Aruna Stambha Pillar in the foreground The Singahdwara which in Sanskrit means The Lion Gate is one of the four gates to the temple and forms the Main entrance The Singhadwara is so named because two huge statues of crouching lions exist on either side of the entrance The gate faces east opening on to the Bada Danda or the Grand Road 44 The Baisi Pahacha or the flight of twenty two steps leads into the temple complex An deity of Jagannath known as Patitapavana which in Sanskrit means the Saviour of the downtrodden and the fallen is painted on the right side of the entrance In ancient times when untouchables were not allowed inside the temple they could pray to Patita Pavana The statues of the two guards to the temple Jaya and Vijaya stand on either side of the doorway 45 Just before the commencement of the Rath Yatra the deities of Jagannath Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken out of the temple through this gate On their return from the Gundicha Temple they have to ceremonially placate Goddess Mahalakshmi whose deity is carved atop the door for neglecting to take her with them on the Yatra Only then the Goddess allows them permission to enter the temple A magnificent sixteen sided monolithic pillar known as the Aruna Stambha stands in front of the main gate This pillar has an idol of Arun the charioteer of the Sun God Surya on its top One significant thing about Arun stambha is that prior it was located in the Konark Sun temple 46 47 later the Maratha guru Brahmachari Gosain brought this pillar from Konark 48 Other entrances Edit The Ashwadwara Gate Apart from the Singhadwara which is the main entrance to the temple there are three other entrances facing north south and west They are named after the sculptures of animals guarding them The other entrances are the Hathidwara or the Elephant Gate the Vyaghradwara or the Tiger Gate and the Ashwadwara or the Horse Gate citation needed Minor temples Edit Cluster of minor temples in the southern part of Jagannath temple complex including the Vimala Temple extreme right c 1890 There are numerous smaller temples and shrines within the Temple complex where active worship is regularly conducted The Vimala Temple Bimala Temple is considered one of the most important of the Shaktipeeths marks the spot where the Goddess Sati s navel fell It is located near Rohini Kund in the temple complex Until food offered to Jagannath is offered to Goddess Vimala it is not considered Mahaprasad citation needed The temple of Mahalakshmi has an important role in rituals of the main temple It is said that preparation of naivedya as offering for Jagannath is supervised by Mahalakshmi The Kanchi Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Uchchhishta Ganapati Tradition says the King of Kanchipuram Kanchi in ancient times gifted the deity when Gajapati Purushottama Deva married Padmavati the kanchi princess There are other shrines namely Muktimandap Surya Saraswati Bhuvaneshwari Narasimha Rama Hanuman and Eshaneshwara citation needed The Mandapas Edit The Dola Mandapa in 1890 where the annual Dol Yatra is held There are many Mandapas or Pillared halls on raised platforms within the temple complex meant for religious congregations The most prominent is the Mukti Mandapa the congregation hall of the holy seat of selected learned Brahmins 49 Here important decisions regarding conduct of daily worship and festivals are taken The Dola Mandapa is noteworthy for a beautifully carved stone Torana or arch which is used for constructing a swing for the annual Dol Yatra festival During the festival the deity of Dologobinda is placed on the swing The Snana Bedi is a rectangular stone platform where deities of Jagannath Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed for ceremonial bathing during the annual Snana Yatra citation needed Daily food offerings EditMain article Mahaprasad Jagannath Temple Daily offerings are made to the Lord six times a day These include The offering to the Lord in the morning that forms his breakfast and is called Gopala Vallabha Bhoga Breakfast consists of seven items i e Khua Lahuni Sweetened coconut grating Coconut water and popcorn sweetened with sugar known as Khai Curd and Ripe bananas The Sakala Dhupa forms his next offering at about 10 AM This generally consists of 13 items including the Enduri cake amp Mantha puli Bada Sankhudi Bhoga forms the next repast amp the offering consists of Pakhala with curd and Kanji payas The offerings are made in the Bhog Mandapa about 200 feet from the Ratnabedi This is called Chatra Bhog and was introduced by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century to help pilgrims share the temple food The Madhyanha dhupa forms the next offering at the noon The next offering to the Lord is made in the evening at around 8 PM it is Sandhya Dhupa The last offering to the Lord is called the Bada Simhara Bhoga 50 The Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath are distributed amongst the devotees near the Ratnavedi inside the frame of Phokaria which is being drawn by the Puja pandas using Muruj except for the Gopal Ballav Bhog and Bhog Mandap Bhoga which are distributed in the Anabsar Pindi amp Bhoga Mandap respectively Rosaghara EditMain article Rosaghara The temple s kitchen is the largest in the world 38 51 52 53 Tradition holds that all Mahaprasad cooking in the temple kitchens is supervised by the Goddess Mahalakshmi the empress of Srimandir herself and that if the food prepared has any fault in it a shadow dog appears near the temple kitchen a sign of her displeasure If the shadow dog is seen the food is promptly buried and a new batch cooked 54 All 56 varieties of food produced are vegetarian and prepared without onions garlic as prescribed by Hindu religious texts 55 Cooking is done only in earthen pots using water drawn from two special wells near the kitchen called Ganga and Yamuna The most awaited offering is Kotho Bhoga or Abadha offered after midday After being offered to Jagannath and the other deities the food is sold at Ananda Bajara an open food market inside the temple citation needed Festivals Edit Ratha Yatra Festival in Puri a painting by James Fergusson Main article List of festivals observed at Jagannatha Temple Puri There are elaborate daily worship services There are many festivals each year attended by millions of people The most important festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot festival in June This spectacular festival includes a procession of three huge chariots bearing the deities of Jagannath Balabhadra and Subhadra through the Bada Danda meaning the Grand Avenue of Puri until their final destination the Gundicha Temple 56 Early European observers told tales of devotees being crushed under the wheels of these chariots whether by accident or even as a form of meritorious suicide akin to suttee These reports gave rise to the loan word juggernaut suggesting something immense and unstoppable Many festivals like Dol Yatra in spring and Jhulan Yatra in monsoon are celebrated by temple every year Pavitrotsava and Damanaka utsava are celebrated as per panchanga or panjika There are special ceremonies in the month of Kartika and Pausha citation needed The annual shodasha dinatmaka or 16 day puja beginning 8 days prior to Mahalaya of Ashwin month for Goddess Vimala and ending on Vijayadashami is of great importance in which both the utsava murty of lord Madanmohan and Vimala take part citation needed Pana Sankranti Also known or Vishuva Sankranti and Mesha Sankranti Special rituals are performed at the temple 57 Chandan Yatra Edit Main article Chandan Yatra In Akshaya Tritiya every year the Chandan Yatra festival marks the commencement of the construction of the Chariots of the Rath Yatra Snnana Yatra Edit On the Purnima of the month of Jyestha the Gods are ceremonially bathed and decorated every year on the occasion of Snana Yatra citation needed Anavasara or Anasara Edit Main article Snana Yatra Literally means vacation Every year the main deities of Jagannath Balabhadra Subhadra amp Sudarshan after the holy Snana Yatra on the jyestha purnima go to a secret altar named Anavasara Ghar where they remain for the next dark fortnight Krishna paksha Hence devotees are not allowed to view them So devotees worship at the nearby Brahmagiri temple of Alarnath an icon of a four handed Vishnu as a manifestation of Jagannath 58 Devotees get the first glimpse of the devotees on the day before Rath Yatra which is called Navayouvana It is said that the deities fall in fever after taking a huge bath and they are treated by the special servants named Daitapatis for 15 days During this period cooked food is not offered to the deities 59 Rath Yatra at Puri Edit Main article Ratha Yatra Puri Pahandi Bije during Ratha Yatra at Puri The Jagannath triad are usually worshiped in the sanctum of the temple at Puri but once during the month of Asadha Rainy Season of Orissa usually falling in month of June or July they are brought out onto the Bada Danda main street of Puri and travel 3 km to the Shri Gundicha Temple in huge chariots ratha allowing the public to have darsana Holy view This festival is known as Rath Yatra meaning the journey yatra of the chariots ratha The Rathas are huge wheeled wooden structures which are built anew every year and are pulled by the devotees The chariot for Jagannath is approximately 45 feet high and 35 feet square and takes about 2 months to construct 60 The artists and painters of Puri decorate the cars and paint flower petals and other designs on the wheels the wood carved charioteer and horses and the inverted lotuses on the wall behind the throne 61 The huge chariots of Jagannath pulled during Rath Yatra is the etymological origin of the English word Juggernaut 62 The Ratha Yatra is also termed as the Shri Gundicha yatra citation needed The most significant ritual associated with the Ratha Yatra is the chhera pahara During the festival the Gajapati King wears the outfit of a sweeper and sweeps all around the deities and chariots in the Chera Pahara sweeping with water ritual The Gajapati King cleanses the road before the chariots with a gold handled broom and sprinkles sandalwood water and powder with utmost devotion As per the custom although the Gajapati King has been considered the most exalted person in the Kalingan kingdom he still renders the menial service to Jagannath This ritual signified that under the lordship of Jagannath there is no distinction between the powerful sovereign Gajapati King and the most humble devotee 63 Chera pahara is held on two days on the first day of the Ratha Yatra when the deities are taken to garden house at Mausi Maa Temple and again on the last day of the festival when the deities are ceremoniously brought back to the Shri Mandir citation needed As per another ritual when the deities are taken out from the Shri Mandir to the Chariots in Pahandi vijay citation needed Drawing of Rath Yatra Puri from the book Account Of The Temple Of Jagannath 1895 In the Ratha Yatra the three deities are taken from the Jagannath Temple in the chariots to the Gundicha Temple where they stay for nine days Thereafter the deities again ride the chariots back to Shri Mandir in bahuda yatra On the way back the three chariots halt at the Mausi Maa Temple and the deities are offered Poda Pitha a kind of baked cake which are generally consumed by the Odisha people only citation needed The observance of the Rath Yatra of Jagannath dates back to the period of the Puranas Vivid descriptions of this festival are found in Brahma Purana Padma Purana and Skanda Purana Kapila Samhita also refers to Rath Yatra In Moghul period also King Ramsingh of Jaipur Rajasthan has been described as organizing the Rath Yatra in the 18th Century In Orissa Kings of Mayurbhanj and Parlakhemundi were organizing the Rath Yatra though the most grand festival in terms of scale and popularity takes place at Puri citation needed Moreover Starza 64 notes that the ruling Ganga dynasty instituted the Rath Yatra at the completion of the great temple around 1150 AD This festival was one of those Hindu festivals that was reported to the Western world very early Friar Odoric of Pordenone visited India in 1316 1318 some 20 years after Marco Polo had dictated the account of his travels while in a Genoese prison 65 In his own account of 1321 Odoric reported how the people put the deities on chariots and the King and Queen and all the people drew them from the church with song and music 66 67 Niladri Bije Edit Celebrated on Asadha Trayodashi 68 Niladri Bije is the concluding day of Ratha yatra On this day deities return to the ratna bedi 69 70 Lord Jagannath offers Rasgulla 71 to Goddess Laxmi to enter into the temple 72 73 Temple main gateGupta Gundicha Edit Celebrated for 16 days from Ashwina Krushna dwitiya to Vijayadashami 74 As per tradition the deity of Madhaba along with the deity of Goddess Durga known as Durgamadhaba is taken on a tour of the temple premises The tour within the temple is observed for the first eight days For the next eight days the deities are taken outside the temple on a palanquin to the nearby Narayani temple situated in the Dolamandapa lane After their worship they are brought back to the temple 75 Nabakalebara Edit Main article Nabakalevara Nabakalabera is a ritual associated with Jagannath 76 which takes place every 8 12 or 19 years when one lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another lunar month of Aashadha Meaning New Body the ritual involves installation of new images in the Jagannath Temple and the burial of the old images at the temple at Koili Vaikuntha The festival is witnessed by as millions of people and its budget exceeds 500 000 77 More than three million devotees were expected to visit the temple during the Nabakalevara in 2015 78 making it one of the most visited festivals in the world citation needed Management EditAfter independence the State Government with a view to getting better administrative system passed The Puri Shri Jagannath Temple Administration Act 1952 79 It contained provisions to prepare the Record of Rights and duties of Sevayats and such other persons connected with the system of worship and management of the temple Subsequently Shri Jagannath Temple Act 1955 was enacted to reorganize the management system of the affair of the temple and its properties citation needed Dibyasingha Deb is the adhyasevak chief servitor of the temple 80 81 He took the role in 1970 at the age of 17 after the death of his father Birakishore Deb then the Maharaja of Puri 82 The backside of the Jagannath temple with the Koili Baikuntha garden in the foreground Shri Dibyasingha Deb Chief Servitor of the Temple Bird s EyeView Of Jagannath Temple complexSecurity EditThe security at the temple has increased ahead of Ratha Yatra the homecoming festival of the deities of Jagannath temple In the wake of terror alert on 27 June 2012 the security forces were increased to ensure smooth functioning of the crowded Ratha Yatra and Suna Besha 83 See also EditChari Kshetra Shivala Teja Singh templeReferences Edit Cesarone Bernard 2012 Bernard Cesarone Pata chitras of Odisha asianart com Retrieved 2 July 2012 This temple was built in approximately 1135 1150 by Codaganga a king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty Nugteren Albertina 2010 Weaving Nature into Myth Continuing Narratives Of Wood Trees And Forests In The Ritual Fabric Around The God Jagannath In Puri Journal for the Study of Religion Nature and Culture 4 2 159 172 doi 10 1558 jsrnc v4i2 159 Balaram Mohanty 1979 Introducing Orissa Konarka Prakasani p 84 Swami B P Puri 1 August 2017 Guru The Universal Teacher Simon and Schuster p 297 ISBN 9781683832454 K V Raman 2006 Temple Art Icons and Culture of India and South East Asia Sharada Publishing House p 138 ISBN 9788188934317 Similarly places like Srirangam associated with Ramanuja Udupi in Karnataka with Madhvacharya Pandharpur with the Maharashtra saints like Jnanesvar and Tukaram and Puri Jagannath with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Swami Prabhavananda 9 April 2019 The Spiritual Heritage of India Routledge p 292 ISBN 9780429627552 Suryanarayan Das 2010 pp 49 50 Suryanarayan Das 2010 p 50 Suryanarayan Das 2010 pp 50 51 Suryanarayan Das 2010 p 51 Suryanarayan Das 2010 pp 51 52 Deities in Lord Jagannath Temple Jagannath Temple jagannathtemplepuri com 2012 Retrieved 26 June 2012 along with Balabhadra Subhadra Sudarshan Madhaba Sridevi and Bhudevi on the Ratnabedi or the bejewelled platform Juggernaut of Puri Retrieved 20 September 2006 Amalananda Ghosh December 1990 An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology BRILL Academic p 161 ISBN 90 04 09264 1 Srivastava Mayank 25 July 2019 Jagannath Puri Temple newstrend news in Hindi Newstrend Retrieved 1 June 2021 Sri Jagannath Puri Dham Information Jagannath jagannathpuri info net 2012 Archived from the original on 4 July 2012 Retrieved 26 June 2012 The King wanted Lord Brahma to consecrate the temple Jagannath Temple at Puri Retrieved 12 September 2006 Dash Abhimanyu July 2011 Invasions on the Temple of Lord Jagannath Puri PDF Orissa Review 82 89 Archived from the original PDF on 14 July 2014 Retrieved 4 July 2014 Jagannath Temple Retrieved 12 September 2006 Puri temple in Hindu gaffe Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine The Telegraph Calcutta 8 November 2007 Jagannatha Puri Archived from the original on 15 July 2006 Retrieved 12 September 2006 Puri Jagannath Temple Archived from the original on 6 March 2012 Jagannath Darshan http jagannath nic in Jagannath Temple Administration Archived from the original on 5 March 2013 Retrieved 27 June 2014 http magazines odisha gov in Orissareview jul2005 engpdf jainism budhism in joga culture pdf bare URL PDF Archived copy PDF Archived from the original PDF on 10 April 2009 Retrieved 8 March 2010 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint archived copy as title link Shri Mad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara www nathdwaratemple org Retrieved 25 September 2021 http www livehindustan com news tayaarinews tayaarinews article1 story 67 67 199585 html ग र न नक द व और उनक द व र प रवर त त म र ग a b Orissa Review Feb March 2012 PDF orissa gov in Retrieved 12 March 2022 a b Home 13 November 2013 http www sikh heritage co uk Scriptures Guru 20Granth Guru 20Granth htm dead link Mahadev Chakravarti 1986 p 140 Mittal Sushil 2004 The Hindu World New York Routledge p 482 ISBN 0 203 64470 0 Norbert C Brockman 2011 pp 94 96 Gupta 2008 p 484 486 Paul Gwynne 2017 p 296 About Sakhigopal samsepuja in 2012 Archived from the original on 24 February 2015 Retrieved 26 June 2012 The outermost is called Meghanad Pacheri which has a length of 650ft from east to west and breadth of 644ft from north to south direction The height of Meghanad Pacheri is 20ft and thickness of 6ft Lord Jagannath Inside the temple of the lord Jagannath Puri Jagannath Temple Orissa orissa oriyaonline com 2012 Archived from the original on 27 May 2012 Retrieved 26 June 2012 and kurma Bedha the inner wall or the inner enclosure of the Jagannath temple i a b Sri Jagannath Retrieved 12 September 2006 Jagannath Temple India 7 wonders 7wonders org 2012 Retrieved 2 July 2012 The temple is divided into four chambers Bhogmandir Natamandir Jagamohana and Deul Architecture of Jagannath Temple Jagannath Puri Architecture Puri Jagannath Temple India orissatourism org 2012 Archived from the original on 12 October 2012 Retrieved 2 July 2012 wheel on top of the Jagannath Temple made of an alloy of eight metals astadhatu It is called the Nila Chakra Blue Wheel Jagannath Temple Orrisa Retrieved 20 September 2006 Archived copy PDF Archived PDF from the original on 3 March 2016 Retrieved 15 August 2014 a href Template Cite web html title Template Cite web cite web a CS1 maint archived copy as title link Nilachakra is now repairing by Archaeological Survey of India PURIWAVES PURIWAVES photonews puri odisha purinews Nilachakra is now repairing by Archaeological Archived 12 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine About Temple Devotee Care Center devoteecare fullorissa com 2012 Retrieved 28 September 2012 Two colossal lions flank the Purba Dwara Eastern Gate also known as Simha Dwara This is a mini tower and the main entrance to the temple dead link Sri Jagannath Temple Retrieved 20 September 2006 Main Temple Complex Sun Temple Konarak Archaeological Survey of India asi nic in 2011 Archived from the original on 8 November 2012 Retrieved 5 October 2012 To the front of the eastern staircase of the porch once stood the free standing chlorite pillar the dhvaja stambha with Aruna the charioteer of Surya as the crowning element Aruna Stambha PURIWAVES puriwaves nirmalya in 2012 Archived from the original on 5 June 2013 Retrieved 5 October 2012 this Pillar was a part of Sun Temple Of Konark and was located in front of Sun Temple Behera Prajna Paramita 2004 The Pillars of Homage to Lord Jagannatha PDF Orissa Review Archived from the original PDF on 22 February 2014 Retrieved 5 October 2012 JAGANNATH TEMPLE SANCTUARIES MANDAPS OF LORD JAGANNATH TEMPLE PURI jagannath orissaculture com 2009 Archived from the original on 11 July 2012 Retrieved 26 June 2012 It is allowed only for Sankaracharya Brahmins of 16 sasans and for Jhulan yatra Rituals of LORDS jagannath nic in Archived from the original on 9 December 2012 Retrieved 25 December 2012 This is the last bhoga of the day Karan Jajati 2009 God s own kitchen vies for no record India News IBNLive ibnlive in com Archived from the original on 28 February 2011 Retrieved 2 July 2012 the Jagannath temple in Puri has the world s largest kitchen that can feed more than one lakh people at a time The Sampradaya Sun Independent Vaisnava News Feature Stories June 2011 harekrsna com 2011 Retrieved 26 June 2012 Not only is it the largest temple kitchen in the world Amazing Orissa nilachakra org 2011 Archived from the original on 26 March 2011 Retrieved 2 July 2012 The Jagannath temple kitchen at Puri is reputed to be the largest kitchen in the world Kitchen of Lord Jagannath Devotee Care Center devoteecare fullorissa com 2012 Archived from the original on 18 March 2015 Retrieved 28 September 2012 If the dog is seen all the food must be buried and prepared again Jagannath Temple Jagannath Puri Jagannath Temple Puri Jagannath Temple of Puri Jagannath Temple Odisha Jagannath Temple Orissa visitodisha net 2012 Archived from the original on 26 September 2012 Retrieved 28 September 2012 The Prasad is prepared in a very traditional way without using onion garlic chillies Jagannath Temple at Puri Retrieved 20 September 2006 Festivals of lord jagannath puri festivals fullorissa com 2010 Archived from the original on 24 May 2015 Retrieved 16 May 2012 Pana Sankranti or Mahabishuba sankranti Alarnatha Articles Jagannath Dham jagannathdham com 2012 Retrieved 16 May 2012 peoples believe that Lord Jagannath during this time manifests as Alarnath Dev Festivals of Lord Sri Jagannath nilachakra org 2010 Archived from the original on 22 October 2012 Retrieved 16 May 2012 suffer from fever on the account of elaborate bath and for that they are kept in dietary provisions No cooked food is served and are nursed by the Daitas O M Starza 1993 p 16 Das 1982 p 40 sfn error no target CITEREFDas1982 help Juggernaut Definition and Meaning Merriam Webster Dictionary Retrieved 28 November 2012 Karan Jajati 4 July 2008 Lord Jagannath yatra to begin soon IBN Live Archived from the original on 14 July 2014 Retrieved 28 November 2012 O M Starza 1993 p 133 Partha Mitter 1977 p 10 sfn error no target CITEREFPartha Mitter1977 help O M Starza 1993 p 129 J P Das 1982 p 48 Festivals of Lord Sri Jagannath nilachakra org 2010 Archived from the original on 22 October 2012 Retrieved 3 July 2012 NILADRI BIJE Celebrated on 13th day of bright fortnight of Asadha Ocean of devotees on Grand road to witness Sunavesh news oneindia in 2012 Retrieved 3 July 2012 entering in to the sanctum sanctorum popularly called Niladri Bije Niladri Bije Lord Jagannath Returning to Shree Mandir PURIWAVES puriwaves nirmalya in 2012 Retrieved 3 July 2012 Niladri Bije the return journey to Shree Mandir It is the welcome festival of Lord Jagannath to Shree Mandir https www divinechariots com 2018 03 03 the divine food mahaprashad permanent dead link Lord placates wife with sweet delight divinechariots com Odisha India 2018 Retrieved 4 March 2018 Lord Jagannath tries to mollify His wife by offering her rasagullas so that she lets Him enter the temple with His siblings permanent dead link Lord Jagannath placates angry Mahalakshmi reenters temple The Pioneer India 2012 Retrieved 3 July 2012 Jagannath then offers Mahalakshmi rasgullas to placate her and to forgive him Panda Namita 11 October 2010 The Telegraph Calcutta Kolkata Gupta Gundicha attracts devotees The Telegraph Calcutta India Retrieved 20 December 2012 Beginning from Ashwina Krishna dwitiya to the last day of Dusherra Gupta Gundicha in Srikhetra Start of Durga Madhab worshiping PURIWAVES puriwaves nirmalya in Retrieved 20 December 2012 The Vimanbadu servants who carry the chariot carry Sri Durga Madhab Sri Jagannath amp Jaya Durga in a chariot to the temple of Narayani at Dolamandap Sahi Showing posts with label Jagannatha Nabakalebara Divine Chariots Archived from the original on 9 August 2019 Puri gearing up for 2015 Nabakalebar The Pioneer India 2011 Archived from the original on 14 July 2014 Retrieved 4 January 2013 Nabakalebar ritual of Lord Jagannath to be held in 2015 Plans afoot to manage Nabakalebar crowd The Times of India 12 July 2014 Retrieved 13 July 2014 Manti J C 2007 The Saga of Jagannatha and Badadeula at Puri p 100 ISBN 9788176257473 Retrieved 1 July 2015 Jagannath temple servitors oppose untimely ISKON Rathyatra news oneindia in 2012 Retrieved 28 September 2012 Gajapati King who is considered as the chief servitor of the temple Lord Jagannath Sevayats complete list of servitors of Lord Jagannath Jagannath Puri Jagannath Temple Orissa orissa oriyaonline com Archived from the original on 2 November 2012 Retrieved 28 September 2012 The Gajapati The King of Puri is treated as the first and foremost Servitor of the Temple I can walk and not take the palanquin The Times of India 2011 Archived from the original on 16 February 2013 Retrieved 13 January 2013 I ascended the throne in July 1970 when my father Gajapati Birakishore Deb died in the midst of the car festival I was then only 17 Terror alert in Puri security tightened The Times of India 27 June 2012 Bibliography Edit Avinash Patra 2011 Origin amp Antiquity of the Cult of Lord Jagannath Oxford University Press J P Das 1982 Puri Paintings The Chitrakara and His Work Prafulla ISBN 978 81 901589 7 8 Mahadev Chakravarti 1986 The Concept of Rudra Siva Through the Ages Motilal Banarsidass ISBN 978 81 208 0053 3 Norbert C Brockman 2011 Encyclopedia of Sacred Places California ABC CLIO ISBN 978 1 59884 655 3 O M Starza 1993 The Jagannatha Temple at Puri Its Architecture Art and Cult BRILL ISBN 90 04 09673 6 Partha Mitter 1992 Much Maligned Monsters A History of European Reactions to Indian Art University of Chicago Press ISBN 978 0 226 53239 4 Paul Gwynne 2017 World Religions in Practice A Comparative Introduction Wiley ISBN 978 1 118 97228 1 Suryanarayan Das 2010 Lord Jagannath Sanbun ISBN 978 93 80213 22 4 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jagannath Temple Puri Wikiquote has quotations related to Jagannath Temple Puri Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Jagannath Temple Puruṣottama kṣetra mahatmya Skanda Purana Official website Lord Sri Jagannath Temple Jagannath Dharma Official website of the Puri district administration Street View around Jagannath Temple Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Jagannath Temple Puri amp oldid 1134170736, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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