JAGGANATH

Jagannatha Svami
Nayana-patha-gami
Bhavatu me


The celebrated Temple of Lord Jagannath now existent at Puri was constructed by Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev in 12th century A.D. The wooden images of Jagannath Balabhadra and Subhadra were installed in that temple. The management of the temple continued under the Hindu rulers till 1558, when the State of Orissa was conquered by the Afghan Nawab of Bengal and the temple was attacked by the Afgan General ‘Kalapahad’. Then, an independent Khurda kingdom was established by Ramachandra Deb, who assumed the management of the temple. He consecrated the temple and reinstalled the deities. Raja Mansingh, a General of the Mughal King Akbar, defeated the Afghans and annexed Orissa in to the Mughal dominion. It remained under the Mughals till 1751 A.D. Till 1760, the temple continued under the Khurda Raja, who was paying tribute to Mughals and Marhattas. Marhattas took up direct management of the temple till 1803. The Britishers annexed Orissa into British empire in 1803 and allowed Puri Raja to manage the temple. The position continued till 1947.
more:
he Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath (Krishna) and located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Orissa, India. The name Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of). The temple is an important pilgrimage destination for many Hindu traditions, particularly worshippers of Krishna and Vishnu, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages that a Hindu has to be visited in one's lifetime .

The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated chariots. Since medieval times, it is also associated with intense religious fervour . The temple is sacred to the Vaishnava traditions and saint Ramananda who was closely associated with the temple. It is also of particular significance to the followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism whose founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years.
Origins of the temple
Ritual chakra and flags at the top shikhara of Puri temple of Jagannatha also related to Sudarsana chakra. The red flag denotes that Jagannath is within the building.

According to recently discovered copper plates from the Ganga dynasty(reference required), the construction of the Current Jagannath temple was initiated by the ruler of Kalinga, Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev . The Jagamohana and the Vimana portions of the temple were built during his reign (1078 - 1148 CE). However it was only in the year 1174 CE that the Orissan ruler Ananga Bhima Deva rebuilt the temple to give a shape in which it stands today .

Jagannath worship in the temple continued until 1558, when Orissa was attacked by the Afghan general Kalapahad. Subsequently, when Ramachandra Deb established an independent kingdom at Khurda in Orissa, the temple was consecrated and the deities reinstalled .

Legend surrounding the temple origin

The traditional story concerning the origins of the temple is that the original image of Jagannath (a deity form of Krishna) was found near a fig tree in the form of an Indranila or the Blue Jewel. It was so dazzling that Dharma wanted to hide it in the earth. King Indradyumna of Malwa wanted to find the image and to do so he performed harsh penances 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. The King found the log of wood. Vishwakarma appeared in the form of artist and prepared images of Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra from the tree.

Buddhist Origins

Some archaeologists theorize that there existed a Buddhist stupa at the site of the present one, which may have housed the tooth relic of the Buddha before it was transported to its present location in Kandy, Sri Lanka.[10] Around that period Buddhism was assimilated within the Vaishnava fold, whence Jagganath worship gained popularity. This was in the tenth century, during the reign of the Somavamsi kings of Orissa.


Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the great Sikh emperor, had donated massive amounts of gold to this temple, (even more than he gave away to the Golden Temple at Amritsar). In his last will, he also ordered that Kohinoor, the most precious and greatest diamond in the world, to be donated to this temple, but the diamond could never actually make its way to the temple because the British, by that time, had annexed the Punjab and all its royal possessions.

Cultural Integrity

Shrikshetra of Puri Jagannath, as is commonly known, can verily be said to be a truthful replica of Indian culture. To understand this culture, one has to have some idea of the history of this land, which again is different from that of other countries of the world. Indian history does not contain accounts of imperialistic aggressions or invasions into the territorial integrity of any nation.

Starting from Lord Jagannath himself, history has it that he was a tribal deity, adorned by the Savaras, 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 Jagannath in company with Balaram(Balabhadra) and Subhadra. The images made of wood are also claimed to have their distant linkage with the aboriginal 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 aboriginals or hill tribes of Orissa. So we may safely claim that the beginning of the cultural history of Shrikshetra is found in the fusion of Hindu and Tribal Cultures. This has been accepted as a facet of our proud heritage. The three deities came to be claimed as the symbols of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana and Samyak Charita usually regarded as Triratha (of the Jaina cult), an assimilation of which leads to Moksha (salvation) or the ultimate bliss.

Lord Jagannath is worshipped as Vishnu or Narayan or Krishna and simultaneously regarded as the Vairava (Shiva the formidable) with Vimala (the Vairavi 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 with Jainism and Buddhism in the culture of Jagannath and the cultural tradition so reverently held together in Shrikshetra.

Structure

Shree Jagannath temple is a ‘Rekha Deula’ with curvilinear tower on a ‘Pancha Ratha’ plan. The height of the temple is 214 feet 8 inch from the ground level and 181 feet from inner base (ANTARVEDI). It stands on an elevated platform of stone measuring about 9.83 acres. The temple is bounded by two enclosures. The inner enclosure is 420' x 315 ' size and known as Kurma Bedha, which made between 1467-1494. The outer enclosure is of 665' x 644' size with the height varying from 20 ' to 24 ' and known as Meghanad Prachir.
here are four major temples in a row, named ‘Viman’ (The main temple where Lord Jagannath is worshipped with brother Balabhadra, sister Subhadra and Sudarshan), Jagamohan (Audience hall), Natamandap (Dance hall) and the Bhoga Mandap (offering hall). The height of Jagamohan is 120 feet and the base area is 80 feet x 80 feet. The base area of Nata Mandap is 80 feet x 80 feet and the base area of Bhogo Mandap is 58 feet x 56 feet.

The temple has four gates at the Eastern – Lion Gate (Singha Dwara – The main entrance), Southern – Horse Gate, Western – Tiger Gate, and Northern – Tiger Gate at midpoints of the Meghanad Prachir (Outer Wall).


The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet (37,000 m2), and is surrounded by a high fortified wall. It contains at least 120 temples and shrines. With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Orissan style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.


The main temple is a curvilinear temple and crowning the top is the 'srichakra' (a eight spoked wheel) of Vishnu. Also known as the "Nilachakra", it is made out of Ashtadhatu and is considered sacrosanct. 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.

The main shrine is enclosed by a 20 feet (6.1 m) high wall. Another wall surrounds the main temple.
The Singhadwara
The Bada Danda or the Grand Avenue

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.The Baisi Pahacha or the flight of twenty two steps leads into the temple complex. An idol of Jagannath known as Patita Pavana, which in Sanskrit, means the "Saviour of the downtrodden and the fallen" is painted on the right side of the entrace. 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 [15]. Just before the commencement of the Rath Yatra the idols 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 statue 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 Arun 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. The pillar originally installed in the Sun temple of Konarak was shifted to Puri by the Raja of Khurda.


Other Entrances
The Singhadwara in 1870 showing the Lion sculptures with the Arun Stambha Pillar in the foreground
Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in Padma Besha or the Lotus Garb

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.
[edit] The Mandapas

There are many Mandapas or Pillared halls on raised platforms within the temple complex meant for religious congregations. The most prominent is the Mukti Mandap the congregation hall of the Sevayats or the temple servitors. Here important decisions regarding conduct of daily worship and festivals are taken. The Dol Mandap 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 idol of Dologobindo is placed on the swing. The Snana Bedi is a rectangular stone platform where idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed for ceremonial bathing during the annual Snana Yatra

Deities

The central forms of Jagannath, Balabhadra and the goddess Subhadra constitute the trinity of deities sitting on the bejewelled platform or the Ratnavedi in the inner sanctum. The Sudarshan Chakra, idols of Madanmohan and Bishwadhatri are also placed on the Ratnavedi. The idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan Chakra are made from sacred Neem logs known as Daru Bramha.Depending on the season the deities are adorned in different garbs. Worship of the deities pre-date the temple structure and may have originated in an ancient tribal shrine.

Minor Temples

There are numerous smaller temples and shrines within the Temple complex where active worship is regularly conducted. The temple of Mahalakshmi has an important role in rituals of the main temple.It is said that preparation of food as offering for Jagannath is supervised by Goddess Mahalakshmi.[citation needed] The Kanchi Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Ganesh. Tradition maintains that the idol of Ganesh was brought from Kanchipuram in present day Tamil Nadu by the legendary King Purushottam after he defeated the King of Kanchipuram in ancient times.

Festivals
Devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri on the occasion of Snana Yatra

There are elaborate daily worship services. There are many festivals each year attended by thousands 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 idols of Jagannath, Balarama and Subhadra through the Bada Danda meaning the Grand Avenue of Puri till their final destination the Gundicha Temple.
In a year that has two months of Ashadh which is usually once in twelve years the wooden idols of the deities are replaced during the Nabakalevara ceremony.On Akshaya Tritiya every year the Chandan Yatra festival marks the commencement of the construction of the Chariots of the Rath Yatra. On the Purnima of the month of Jyestha the Gods are ceremonially bathed and decorated every year on the occasion of Snana Yatra.Many other festivals like Dolo Yatra and Jhula Yatra are celebrated by devotees every year.

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

In modern times the temple is busy and functioning.The temple is selective regarding who is allowed entry into the grounds. Most non-Hindus are excluded from its premises,
as are Hindus of non-Indian origin. Visitors not allowed entry may view the precincts from the roof of the nearby Raghunandan Library. There is some evidence that this came into force following a series of invasions by foreigners into the temple and surrounding area. Buddhist, and Jain groups are allowed into the temple compound if they are able to prove their Indian ancestry.[20] The temple has slowly started allowing Hindus of non-Indian origin into the area, after an incident in which 3 Balinese Hindus were denied entry, even though Bali is 90% Hindu.

The temple kitchen

The temple's kitchen is considered as the largest kitchen in India. Tradition maintains that all food cooked in the temple kitchens are supervised by the Goddess Mahalakshmi herself. It is said that if the food prepared has any fault in it a dog appears near the temple kitchen.The temple cooks or Mahasuaras take this as a sign of displeasure of Mahalakshmi with the food which is promptly buried and a new batch cooked. All food is cooked following rules as prescribed by Hindu religious texts. Cooking is done only in earthen pots with water drawn from two special wells near the kitchen called Ganga and Jamuna. The food after being offered to Jagannath is distributed as mahaprasad to devotees in the Ananda Bazar located to the North of the Singhadwara inside the temple complex.

rituals:

Ritual or Neeti signifies a particular religious rites. The daily and periodical rituals observed and performed since time immemorial. Lord Jagannath, Sri Devi Bhudevi and Sudarsana are worshiped by the same Puja Panda, 'Nilamadhava'. Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra is worshipped by two different Puja Panda. The timing and the methods of Rituals which are performed daily basis at Sree Mandir are given below.
1. "DWARPHITA & MANGAL ALATI" AT 5 A.M.
(Opening of the Temple door & auspicious lamp offering)
The doors of the sanctum are to be opened early morning by 5 A.M. During the month of Kartika(October-November) and Pausa(Dec-Jan) and on certain specific days, the doors are to be opened much before 5A.M. i.e. between 2 to 3 A.M. . Presence of five servitors(Bhitarchha Mahapatra, Pratihari, Muduli, Akhanda Mekap and Palia Mekap) is necessary for performance of 'dwarphita neeti' (Opening of the temple door). The doors are opened after Bhitarchha Mahapatra examines the "seal", placed on the padlocks in the last night by another servitor known as Talichha Mahapatra.

On some days, extra rituals or delay in completion of rituals leads to not to do "Pahada"(closing the temple doors after the final ritual is over in the night). On such occasions, it become impossible to opening of the doors on the following morning and only from 'Mangalaalati' onwards the rituals commence.

The subsequent ritual after 'Dwarapitha' is Mangalaalati i.e. the offering of sacred lamps to the deities. Bhitarchha Mohapatra and two other Puspalak servitors perform the rituals standing below the RatnaVedi(Pedestral).

2. "MAILAM" AT 6 A.M.
(Removal of dress,flowers etc.)
The scheduled time for Mailam is 6 a.m. , but it depends upon the time taken for Mangala alati. "Mailam" is a word used in Shri Jagannath Temple, which means change or removal of dresses and flowers etc. The servitors associated with this particular ritual are Puspalak (3 persons), khuntia, Changada Mekap and Dhoba.

Three Puspalak servitors change the clothes, flowers, Tulasi Leaves of the Deities, worn on the last night. After removal of clothes, another clean or washed set of clothes known as 'Tadapa' and 'Uttariya' like towels are worn by the Deities. These clothes are washed by servitor Dhoba who is actually brahmin by caste.

3. "ABAKASH" - 6 A.M. TO 6.30 A.M.
(Purification rites of the Deities)
Purificatory rites like brushing of teeth and bath of Deities is known as "Abakash". This ritual takes place between 6 to 6.30 in the morning. These rites are performed by servitors like Puspalaks, Suarbadu, Paniapat, Mukhapakhal and Khuntia, Darpania Mukhapakhal, Padhiary, Amla Ghatuary, Bhandar Mekap, Mahabhoi and Khuri Nayak.

Three Puspalaks perform a simple worship sitting on the floor below the Ratnavedi. They sprinkle water mixed with camphor, curd amala and sandal paste on three brass mirrors, each about two feet high, symbolizing the bath. Before that, they also show the tooth sticks and tongue scrappers to the Deities, symbolising brushing of the teeth. During such rites, the temple Jyotisha (Astrologer) reads out the tithi (Timing) and other astrological details of the day.

4. "MAILAM" AT 6.45 A.M.
(Removal of dress and flowers etc.)
At this time 6.45 A.M. deities change their clothes (Tadap & Uttariya) and wear another set of clothes. A servitor known as "Akhanda Mekap" keeps in the sanctum Akhanda Baitha. This lamp is not extinguished and burns till 'pahada' i.e. the time of retirement of the Deities to beds. The servitors associated with this ritual are Puspalak, Changada Mekap, Suar Badu, Dhaba etc.

5. "SAHANAMELA" - 7A.M. TO 8 A.M.
(Emergence to public)
The time of Sahanamela of the Deities is 7 a.m. Though this is not a part of the rituals, but about one hour is spent to facilitate pilgrims to go up to "Ratnavedi" or inner sanctums to have a Darshan, without paying fees for it. General public get opportunity to see the Deities at a very close distance. Sahanamela is usually conducted for one hour. Though there is provision for 'Sahanamela' twice a day, but in practice, it is being held only once. On certain festive day, Sahanamela is held after 'Sandhyadhupa' (evening puja). During the month of Kartika it is held in the evening after Sandhyaalati and in the month of Pausha it is held after 'Sakaldhupa'. Sometimes it is held after 'morning dhup' and on certain festive days, there is no provision for Sahanamela. It is not treated as a part of rituals but is held only to enable ordinary public to go near the Deities.

6. "BESHALAGI" AT 8 A.M.
(Dressing of Deities)
Beshlagi is performed at 8 a.m. The Deties are again dressed up which can be witnessed from a little distance i.e. "Bhitara Katha". At this time, Deities are also adorned with gold and precious stones to suit diffeerent festive occasions.

7. "ROSHA HOMA" - 8 A.M. to 8.30 A.M.
(Sacrifing fire to the deities)
At the time 8 to 8.30 a.m. While some sevayats are busy with 'Beshalagi' of the Deities, Pujapanda servitors at that time perform "Rosha Homa" (Fire Sacrifice) at the sacred kitchen. Here now starts the cooking of holy food (Maha prasad). Previously 'Deula Purohita' sevaks (The temple priests) were performing such rituals. The other servitors engaged in the ritual are Dhopakhalia and Mekap.

8. "SURYA PUJA"
(Sun Worship)
Next follows SURYA PUJA (Sun Worship). The Sun God in the Surya Temple near the "Mukti Mandap" in the inner enclosure is worshipped by the servitor puja Panda.

9. "DWARAPALA PUJA"
(Worship of the divine gatekeepers)
Then The Divine gatekeepers "Jaya" and "Vijaya" on the entranfe of the Jagamohan of the Temple gate are worshipped by the servitor known as puja Panda.

10. "GOPALA BALLAVA PUJA" AT 9 A.M.
(Breakfast of the God)
The time for breakfast of the deities is at 9 A.M. At this time sweet popcorn (Khei), Khualadus, Coconuts sweets (Kora), Ripe banana, Curd, and chipped coconuts etc. are offered as bhogas. Puja is performed in a brief manner with pancha upachar only.

11. "SAKALA DHUPA" AT 10 A.M.
(Morning food offering)


12. "MAILAM & BHOGA MANDAP" AT 11 A.M.



13. "MADHYANHA DHUPA" - 11A.M. to 1 P.M.
(Afternoon food offering)


14. "MADHYANHA PAHUDHA" - 1 P.M. to 1.30 P.M.



15. "SANDHYA ALATI"



16. "SANDHYA DHUPA" - 7 P.M. to 8 P.M.



17. "MAILAM AND CHANDANA LAGI"



18. "BADASINGHAR VESHA"



19. "BADASINGHARA BHOGA"



20. "KHATA SEJA LAGI AND PAHUDA" AT 12.00 A.M.

LORD ON THE WEB

http://www.orissa.gov.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/jul2005/engpdf/jainism_budhism_in_joga-culture.pdf

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx3kdJRc4eo

http://www.lordjagannath.com/
http://oldindianphotos.blogspot.com/2009/01/jagannath-temple-puri-orissa-part-i.html
http://jagannathnet.wordpress.com/
http://vedicempire.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=84&Itemid=27
http://www.shreekhetra.com/
http://nilachakra.org/

JAGANNATH ASHTAKAM
Shri-Shrila-Jagannathashtakam

rupanuganam pravaram sudantam
shri-gauracandra-priya-bhakta-rajam
shri-radhika-madhava-citta-ramam
vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam

I venerate great Jagannath, the best of the Vaishnavas, the foremost of the followers of Srila Rupa Goswami, the king of Gauranga’s dear devotees, who takes pleasure in remembering Radhika and Madhava.

shri-surya-kundashrayinah kripalor
vidvad-vara-shri-madhusudanasya
preshtha-svarupena virajamanam
vande jagannatha-vibhum varenyam

I venerate great Jagannath, the best of the Vaishnavas, who was the dearest associate of the most merciful resident of Surya Kund, Sri Madhusudana Das Babaji.

shridhama-vrindavana-vasi-bhakta-
nakshatra-raji-sthita-soma-tulyam
ekanta-namashrita-sangha-palam
vande Jagannath-vibhum varenyam

I venerate great Jagannath, the best of the Vaishnavas, who stood out from the rest of the devotees of Sri Dham Vrindavan just like the moon amongst the stars. He was the protector of the association of Vaishnavas who are uniquely dedicated to the chanting of the Holy Name.

vairagya-vidya-hari-bhakti-diptam
daurjanya-kapatya-vibheda-vajram
shraddha-yuteshv adara-vrittimantam
vande Jagannath-vibhum varenyam

I venerate great Jagannath, the best of the Vaishnavas, aglow with devotion to Hari combined with knowledge and renunciation, a veritable thunderbolt to those who are wicked and pretenders and ever affectionate to the faithful.

samprerito gaura-sudhamshuna yash
cakre hi taj-janma-griha-prakasham
devair nutam vaishnava-sarvabhaumam
vande Jagannath-vibhum varenyam

I venerate great Jagannath, the best of the Vaishnavas, who was directed by Gauranga himself to point out the place where he appeared on this earth. He is worshiped by even the gods as the sovereign of the Vaishnavas on this earth.

saïcarya sarvam nija-shakti-rashim
yo bhakti-purne ca vinoda-deve
tene jagatyam hari-nama-vanyam
vande Jagannath-vibhum varenyam

I venerate great Jagannath, the best of the Vaishnavas, who infused the devoted Bhaktivinoda Thakur with all of his own potency, and through him unleashed the flood of Harinama throughout the universe.

shri-nama-dhamnoh prabala-pracare
ihaparam prema-rasabdhi-magnam
shri-yoga-pithe krita-nritya-bhangam
vande Jagannath-vibhum varenyam

I venerate great Jagannath, the best of the Vaishnavas, always immersed in the ocean of sacred rapture and engaged in forcefully preaching the Holy Names and the Lord’s abode. He danced ecstatically in the Yoga-pitha at Mayapur.

mayapura-dhamani sakta-cittam
gaura-prakashena ca moda-yuktam
shri-nama-ganair galad-ashru-netram
vande Jagannath-vibhum varenyam

I venerate great Jagannath, the best of the Vaishnavas, who is totally attached to the Holy Dhama of Mayapur, who is joyful from the vision of Gauranga, whose eyes flow with tears from the chanting of the Holy Names.

he deva he vaishnava-sarvabhauma
bhaktya parabhuta-mahendra-dhishnya
tvad-gatra-vistara-kritim supunyam
vande muhur bhaktivinoda-dharam

O Lord! O sovereign of the Vaishnavas! Through your devotion you have overcome even the heavens. I constantly venerate the most pious line of Bhaktivinoda Thakur which has developed from your body and works.
PAITA MANTRA OR THREAD MANTRA :http://odiaorg.tripod.com/odiabooks/paitamantra/paitaMantra.htm
ODISHA SHLOKAS:http://www.odia.org/sanskrit/allSansBooks.php