Jagannath Temple, Puri

For other uses, see Jagannath Temple (disambiguation).

Jagannath Temple, Puri
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
Location
Location	Puri
State	Orissa
Country	India
Architecture
Type	Hindu temple architecture

Char Dham

Jagannath Puri

Rameswaram

Dwarka

Badrinath

The Jagannath Temple in Puri (Odia: ବଡଦେଉଳ, ଶ୍ରୀମନ୍ଦିର) is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath (Vishnu) and located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Odisha, 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.

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 Madhav 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 Madhav was worshipped.

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 '. Afterwards the king performed a horse sacrifice and built a magnificent temple for Vishnu. Sri 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 idols 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.

Indradyumna's prayer to Lord Brahma

King Indardyumna 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. Brahma came all the way from Heaven for this purpose. Seeing the temple he was immensely pleased with him. Brahma asked Indardyumna 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.

The episode of the Lord's grace during a war with Kanchi

At one time, a king of Kanchi in the down south remarked that the king of Odisha was a chandala (a man of very low caste or status) because, he performs the duties of a sweeper during the Car Festival . When this news reached the ears of the king of Odisha, he led an expedition to Kanchi. Before that, he implored the mercy of Lord Jagannath. The soldiers of Odisha marched towards Kanchi from Cuttack (then capital city of Odisha, located on the banks of Mahanadi, at a distance of 30 km from Bhubaneswar). It so happened that when the soldiers, headed by the king Purusottam Dev, reached a place near the Chilika lake, a lady ,who was selling curd (a milk preparation, sour in taste) met him (the king) and presented a golden ring studded with precious gems and submitted. "My Lord, kindly listen to me. A little earlier, two soldiers riding over two horses (white and black in colour), approached me and said we are thirsty give us curds to drink.' I gave them curds. Instead of giving me money, they gave me this ring and said ,'the king of Odisha will come here, after some time, on his way to Kanchi. You present it to him and he will pay you the money.' So my Lord, you take it and give me my dues.

It took no time for the king to know that the ring belongs to Lord Jagannath. He was convinced that Jagannath and Balabhadra were proceeding to the battle field ahead of him to help him there. To perpetuate the memory of this great incident, the king founded a village in the Chilika lake area. As the name of the lady was Manika, the name given to the village was Manika Patana. Even to this day, the curds of this village are famous."Juggernaut". Time. 1959-07-20. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)</ref> 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.

Deities

Replica of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in Nayagarh temple,another shrine for Jagannath

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, Sridevi and Vishwadhatri are also placed on the Ratnavedi. The deities 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 and jewels. Worship of the deities pre-date the temple structure and may have originated in an ancient tribal shrine.

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(12 hand or 14 Feet denotes that Jagannath is within the building.

According to recently discovered copper plates from the Ganga dynasty, 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 Odia 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 Odisha was attacked by the Afghan general Kalapahad. Subsequently, when Ramachandra Deb established an independent kingdom at Khurda in Odisha, the temple was consecrated and the deities reinstalled.

Legend surrounding the Temple Origin

The traditional story concerning the origins of the temple is that here the original image of Jagannath (a deity form of Vishnu) at the end of Krita yuga manifested near a banyan tree, near seashore in the form of an Indranila nilamani 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 Dvapara Yuga King Indradyumna of Malwa wanted to find that mysterious 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. 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 asSudarsana. Vishwakarma appeared in the form of artist and prepared images of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra from the tree.

Buddhist Origins

Some archaeologists theorize that there existed a Buddhist stupa named Dantapura 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. Around that period Buddhism was imbibed within the Vaishnava fold, whence Jagganath worship gained popularity. This was before the tenth century, during the reign of the Somavamsi kings of Odisha.

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

Sikh leader Maharaja Ranjit Singh, had donated massive amounts of gold to the Jagannath temple. 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. Thus claiming that the kohinoor was theirs.(It is currently housed in The British Museum)

Temple today

In modern times the temple is busy and functioning.The temple is selective regarding who is allowed entry & most non-Hindus are excluded from 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. 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.

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.

Starting from Lord Jagannath himself, history has it that he was a tribal deity, adorned by the Shabaras, 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 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 Odisha. 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 Jain cult), an assimilation of which leads to Moksha (salvation) or the ultimate bliss...

Lord Jagannath is worshipped as Vishnu or Narayana or Krishna and Lord Balabhadra as Shesha. Simultaneously, the deities are regarded as the bhairava (Shiva the formidable) with Vimala (the bhairavi 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 up to an extent Buddhism in the culture of Jagannath and the cultural tradition so reverently held together in Shrikshetra.

Acharyas and Jagannatha Puri

All of the renowned acharyas except Madhvacharya have been known to visit this kshetra. Adi Shankara established his Govardhana matha here. A number of sites belonging to Ramanujacharya, Nimbarkacharya and Gaudiya Vaishnavism have also been established. Srimad Vallabhacharya has a "baithakji" here also, which he established on his visit to Puri. There is also evidence is that Guru Nanak, Kabir and Tulsidas had visited this place.

Structure

Ratha Yatra Festival in Puri. Painting by James Fergusson

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 Odia 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. Among the existing temples in Odisha, 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.

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 Singhadwara in 1870 showing the Lion sculptures with the Garuda 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.The Baisi Pahacha or the flight of twenty two steps leads into the temple complex. An idol 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. 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

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.

Daily Food Offerings

Article by JagannathCulture.com

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 The Gopala Ballava Bhog.
• The Sakala Dhupa forms his next offering at about 10 O’ clock in the morning Sakala Dhupa. This generally consists of 13 items including the Enduri cake & Mantha puli.
• Bada Singhara Bhog forms the next repast & the offering consists of Pakhala with dahi and Kanji payas. The offerings are made in the bhog mandapa, about 200 feet from the Ratna Vedi. This is called Chatra Bhog and was introduced by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th 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 o’clock in the evening eight in the evening it is Sandhya Dhupa.
• The last offering to the Lord is called the Bada Simhara Dhupa. Breakfast is a seven item treat — Khua, Lahuni, sweetened coconut grating, coconut liver, and puffed rice sweetened with sugar known as khai and curd and bananas.

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

The items that form the core of offerings to Lord Jagannath’s Mahaprasad are:

1. Gopal Vallabh Bhog (Breakfast at 8.30 A M )

The offering is the first one of the daily Prasad to Lord Jagannath.The Bhogs are offered at the Anabsar Pindi.

• Vallabh Khai - 44 Oli
• Ripe Banana - 7 Nos
• Nadia Khudi - 3 Sara
• Big Kora - 29 Nos
• Small Kora - 220 Nos

Members of Sevayats conduct this Puja in 5 Upchars. The sevayats who conduct this ritual are Puja Panda, Sudha Suar, Ballav Jogania, Suar Badu, Gara Badu, Palia Maha Suar. In the month of Dhanu Sankranti, Ballav Bhog is offered along with Pahali Bhog. Similarly on the DolaPurnima and Snana Purnima days, the Ballav Bhog and Sakal Dhup are taken up at one time. During Anabasar the Bhogs are offered near Jay-Vijay door as Sarpamanohi, but not on ballav pindi.

2. Sakala Dhupa (Morning Meal at 10.00 AM)

This is the first cooked meal Bhog. The Sevaks offer this Bhog with 16 Upchars on sitting on Ratnavedi. The following items are offered as Bhog for the purpose.

• Pithapuli - 4 Sara
• Badakanti - 5 Sara
• Enduri - 6 Nos cut in to 12 pieces
• Mitha Puli - 6 Nos
• Dahi Amlu & Gray - 1 Sara
• Hanskeli - 2 Sara
• Sanakanti - 3 Sara
• Chand for Puja Panda - 9
• Kakapua Jhilli - 4 Nos
• Ada Pachedi - 4 Sara
• Bundia - 1 Sara
• Tatha Khechudi - 6 Khuda
• Bada Kania - 3 Kudua
• Nukhura Khechudi - 3
• Sana Khechudi - 3
• Sri Balabhadra Khechudi - 2 Kudua
• Mendha Mundia - 1 No
• Sana Kania - 2 Kudua
• Taila Khechudi - 3
• Saga - 5

3. Bhoga Mandapa Bhoga (Supplementary to Breakfast at 11.00 AM)

As per the demand of the devotees. The Bhogs are sold on Payment.

4. Madhyanna Dhupa (Mid Day Meal at 12.30 to 1.00 PM)

Like the Sakal Dhup, this is also performed in 16 Upchars. The Sevayats engaged for the Sakal Dhup are only allowed for Madhyan Dhup and Sandhya Dhup. Generally different types of sweet cakes are offered during this Puja. The Bhogs used for this purpose is as follows:

• Bada Pitha - 4 Sara
• Bada Arisa - 18 Nos
• Matha Puli - 17 Nos
• Bada Bada - 9 Nos
• Sana Kakara - 4 Sara
• Jhadei Nada - 2 Oli
• Suar Manohar - 30
• Bada Khairachula - 1
• Bada Puspalak Arisa - 10
• Gaja - 1 Oli (24 Nos)
• Paga Arisa - 9
• Biri Badi - 4 Oli
• Thali Anna for Subhadra - 3 Kudua
• Thali Anna for Jagannath- 4 Kudua
• Sana Oli Oria - 4 Oli
• Muga Dali - 4 Oli
• Sana Oli Marichi Pani - 4 Oli
• Sana Kadamba - 5 Oli
• Bada Khirisa - 1 Oli
• Subas Pakhal - 11 Oli
• Chhena Pishta - 2 Sara
• Sakara - 2 Oli
• Sana Oli Bada Khirisa - 4 Oli
• Panaka - 5 Oli
• Kadamba Handi - 3 Nos
• Bada Oli Marichi Pani - 4 Oli
• Pita Anna - 4 Oli
• Bhog Odia Bada - 10 Oli
• Thali Anna for Sudarsan Chakra- 2 Kudua
• Balabhadra Thali Anna - 9 Kudua
• Jhnada Tada - 1
• Boak Arisa - 6
• Marichi Ladu - 50
• Sana Khairachula - 4
• Thali paka Dhaula - 9
• Manohar - 8
• Jhadeinada Gula - 10 Nos
• Bada Kakara - 9 Nos
• Sana Arisa - 21 Nos
• Tripuri - 5 Sara

5. Sandhya Dhupa (Evening Meal at 7.00 to 8.00 PM)

After the evening Arati, Sandhya Dhup Bhog is offered. This Arati is also called as Jaya Mangal Arati. Items are also prepared on request of devotees. The following items are presented for this Bhog.

• Chipuda Pakhal - 14 Oli
• Sana Oli Pakhal - 2 Oli
• Kanar Puli - 3 Oli
• Hata Poda Amalu - 7
• Sana Amalu - 83
• Pani Pakhal - 23 Oli
• Sakara - 5 Oli
• Math Puli - 22
• Bada Amalu - 21

6. Bada Singhara Dhupa (Late night Meal at 11.00 PM)

This is the last Bhog of the deities. As per the record of Rites of Srimandir, the time has been fixed for 11.15 pm. Before Dhup, the Palia Puspalaks dressed up the deities with silk dressed (Pata), flower garlands and singing Gita Govinda. The Bhog is performed with 5 Upchars by three members of Puja Pandas by sitting at the side of Ratnabedi. The following items are offered.

• Suar Pitha - 1 Sara
• Rosa Paika - 1 Sara
• Mitha Pakhal - 11
• Kanji - 3 Oli
• Sarapuli Pitha - 5 Sara
• Biri Buha Pitha - 1 Sara
• Kadali Bada - 15
• Payasa/Kshiri - 6 Oli

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 naivedya as offering for Jagannath is supervised by Goddess Mahalakshmi. The Kanchi Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Uchhista Ganapati. Tradition says the King of Kanchipuram in ancient times gifted the idol,when Gajapati Purushottama Deva married Padmavati,the kanchi princess.There are other shrines namely Muktimandap, Surya, Vimala, Saraswati, Bhuvaneshwari, Nrsimha, Ramachandra, Hanuman and Eshaneshwara.

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 holy seat of selected learned brahmins. 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

The Temple Kitchen & Mahaprasada

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,the empress of Srimandir herself. It is said that if the food prepared has any fault in it a shadow 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 Yamuna.There are total 56 varieties of naivedhyas offered to the deities,near ratnavedi as well as in bhoga mandap on five particular muhurtas.The most awaited prasad is kotho bhoga or abadha,offered at mid-day at around 1 pm,depending upon temple rituals. The food after being offered to Jagannath is distributed at reasonable amount as Mahaprasad,which considered as divine to devotees in the Ananda Bazar located to the North-east of the Singhadwara inside the temple complex.

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, Balabhadra and Subhadra through the Bada Danda meaning the Grand Avenue of Puri till their final destination the Gundicha Temple.

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 an immense, unstoppable, threatening entity or process operated by fanatics.

In a year that has two months of Ashadh which is usually once in twelve to nineteen 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 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.

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.

A List of Festivals As Observed in Shri Jagannath Temple of Puri

Compiled By JagannathCulture.com

1. PANA SANKRANTI or Maha Vishuva Sankranti - Special Nitis are performed in the Temple on this day. The day marks the beginning of the Oriya New Year.

2. CHANDAN YATRA - The festival is observed for a period of 42 days starting from Vaisakh Shukla Trutiya or Akshaya Trutiya. Mahalakshmi and Bhudevi is accompanied by proxies of Sri Jagannath that is Madan Mohan, Rama Krushna, Laxmi, Saraswati and five Shivas that is Sri Lokanath, Sri Yameswar, Sri Kapalamochan, Sri Markandeswar and Sri Nilakantheswar in different Palanquins move to the Narendra Tank for a ritual evening cruise everyday for 21 days. At the Chandan Mandap on side the Pond the deities engage them selves in water sport by the specially arranged Vats of sandalpaste water. In the valedictory night the deities cruise for 21 times. The Chandan Yatra is also other wise known as Gandhalepana Yatra.

The second period of 21 days is known as the Bhitara Chandan or Inner Chandan as during this period the festival takes place in side the Temple Premise and the Deities play in the water on four occasions namely on the dark fort night , on the new moon day, on the 6th and 11th day of the bright fort night of the month of the Jyestha. A consecrated cistern in the Temple represents the Narendra Tank.

3. NILADRI MAHODAYA (ADHIVASA) - The day of bright fort night of Vaisakh

4. NILADRI MAHODAYA - The festival s observed on the 8th day of the bright fort night of Vaisakh. One hundred and eight pots of consecrated water are offered to the Deities and other Nitis are performed.

5. JALAKRIDA - This is celebrated on

a) 11th day of black fort night of Jyestha b) New moon day of Jyestha c) 6th day of bright fort night of Jyestha d) 1th day of bright fort night of Jyestha

6. NRUSINGHA JANMA - Celebrated on the 14th day of the bright fort night of Vaisakh when the imasge of Nrusingha is taken procession to Jagannathvallabh where some Nitis are performed and after that the deity returns to the Temple.

7. SITAL SASTHI - The 6th day of bright fort Night of Jyestha. The images of Dola Govinda and Pancha Pandava Siva are taken to the Temple of Lakshmi where a ceremony is performed.

8. RAJENDRAABHISHEKA - The 10th day of the bright fort night of Jyestha. Lord Jagannath has his Abhiseka and the proposal of his marriage with Rukmini is broached

9. RUKMINI HARANA - On the 11th day of the bright fort night of Jyestha. Madanmohan, the representative of deity of Sri Jagannath Rukmini from the Temple of Sri Bimala while she is offering worship and after that the marriage is performed.

10. CHAMPAK DWADASHI - Celebrated on 13th day of bright fort night of Jyestha.The deities are decorated with Champaka flowers.

11. ENTERING OF DAITA PATIS - Celebrated on 13th day of bright fort night of Jyestha

12. SNANA YATRA - This is the Jyestha Purnima, the birth day of Sri Jagannath. The followings are performed on that day.

a) The three deities are brought in a colorful Pahandi procession to the decorated Snana Bedi, an elevated bathing platform in tha Ananda Bazar (On the north east corner of the outer enclosure for a ritual bath. Sudarshan and Madanmohan also join them. 108 pitchers full of scented water are ched from a sacred well (Suna kua near the north gate) and are poured over the Deities amidst chanting of Mantras and loud rejoicings. Soon after their bath appears Jagannath in the form of Ganesha , Subhadra appears in the form of Padma Vesha. This particular vesha is called Gaja Vesha, Puri Raja or his representative , Mudiratha conducts Cherapanhara (Ritual cleaning of Snana Mnandap)

b) Anasara (From Snana Purnima to Asadha Amavasya) - The Deities are ceremonially brought back to the Ansarapindi that is a side room in the po ch where their circular stone pedestals for the deities were already placed. There they stay sequestered for a period of 15 days. During this period, the deities are given fresh coats of paint. Special Ansara Nitis are performed. Only the Daitas attend to the Deities . An improvised bamboo wall (Ansara Pati) bearing the paintings of the deities is however placed there for a proxy worship by the devotees. Coats of successive indigenous paints given to the deities take a long time to dry up. It is believed that the deities 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, the Kinsmen of God belonging to the Sabar Tribe.

13. FULARI LAGI - Celebrated on 5th day of black fort night of Asadha

14. CHAKA BIJE - Celebrated on the 10th black fort night of Asadha

15. CHANDAN LAGI - Celebratyed on 11th black fort night of Asadha

16. DWADASI and RAJ PRASAD BIJE - Celebrated on the 12th black fort night of Asadha

17. GHANA LAGI and SRI PAYAR MUDRA - Celebrated on the 13th black fort night of Asadha

18. CHAKA APASAR LAGI - Celebrated on 13th black fort night of Asadha

19. NETROTSAVA or NAVA YAUVANA DARSHAN - On the concluding day of Anasara that is Asadha Amavasya, the Deities decked in their finest robes and Ornaments appear before devotees. The festival of re appearance of Jagannath after Anasara is called Nava Yauvana or fresh youth. The ceremony of giving finishing touches to the eyes of the deities is called Netrotsav.

20. RATHA YATRA - On the Asadha Sukla dwitiya, after preliminary rituals the three deities and Sudarshan are ushered in to their specially built decorated chariot parked near the Simhadwara in a ceremonial Pahandi procession. The Thakur Raja of Puri conducts the ceremonial chhera panhara on the three chariots. The chariot are pulled amidst loud speakers and playing of various musical instruments

The chariots rumble through the Grand Road to reach the Gundicha Mandir, situated at a distance of 3 km north east of Sri Mandir. On the way the deities are offered Pankti, way side sacred offerings by heads of various

Maths. The deities are ushered in to the Gundicha Tempple the next day and there they enjoy a week long sojourn. The ogs on the chariot spires are worshipped every day.

Hera Panchami is observed on the Shukla Panchami. The image of Goddess Lakshmi is ceremonially taken to Gundicha Temple where the chariots are anchored. She does not call on Jagannath, rather leaves the front yard of the Gundicha temple abruptly causing a little damage to Jagannath's chariot, Nandighosh. She come back to her temple via Hera Gouri Sahi.

On the eighth day the chariot are placed facing south west for resumption of their return journey next day.

21. HERA PANCHAMI - Celebrated on both day of bright fort night of Asadha.

22. BAHUDA YATRA - The return journey of the deities commences on the 9th day. On their way back they halt at Mausima Temple and receive cake from their aunt. Then they move on. Chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra reach Simhadwar first and Nandighosh stays back in front of the palace of Puri Raja. From the Chahani Mandap. Viewing plat form near the Snana Mandap, Goddess Laxmi watches the safe return of Lord Jagannath. Nandighosh finally reaches at the Simhadwara and that marks the end of the Journey.

On the 11th day, the deities still occuping their chariots out side the Simhadwara are richly decorated with various gold ornaments brought from the temple store. They appear in Suna Vesha.

On the 12th day Niladri Vijaya is celebrated. Balabhadra and Subhadra in ceremonial gotipahandi are ushered in to the Ratna Sinhasan where as Jagannath alone is left behind and becomes a target of mock humiliation by Devadasis at the bidding of Laxmi. When the pleasant repartee is over, Jagannath and Laxmi are re united. This event is known as Laxmi-Narayana Bheta. Then lord Jagannath majestically repairs to his ratna singhasan and joins his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.

23. SUNA VESHA - celebrate on 11th day of bright fortnight of Asadha.

24. HARISHAYANA EKADASI- On the 11th day of the bright night of Asadha, the sayana Ustav or sleeping ceremony is performed. The adhivasa nitis are performed the previous day. At night the representatives images Srinarayan, Vasudeva and Bhubaneswari representing Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra respectively are brought to the well decorated sleeping chamber and placed on the cots. They are invoked with prayer" O lord, do please sleep for four months for the well fare of the universe". Then they are laid on their respective beds. 25. GARUDA SAYANA DWADASHI - The ceremony is performed on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Asadha.

26. ADHAR PANA ON RATH - Celebrated on 12th day of bright fortnight of Asadha.

27. NILADRI BIJE - Celebrated on 13th day of bright fortnight of Asadha.

28. KARKATA SANKRANTI or DAKSHINAYAN YATRA - As the Sun begins to move to the southwards, a festival called as Dakshinayan Yatra is observed.

29. CHITALAGI AMAVASYA - On the new moon day in the month of Shrabana the Gold and Stone sets Chitas moved from the deities during Snana Yatra are again put on them.

30. BAADI NRUSINGH BIJE - Celebrated on 9th day of bright fortnight of Shravan.

31. JHULAN YATRA - It is celebrated in the Temple from the Shravana Shukla Dashami up to Pratipada. Madanmohan, the Utsava Murti of Jagannath .Bhudevi and Laxmi are placed on a decorated swings in Jhulan Mandap and crowds of Pilgrims congregate in the Temple to see the Festival. Different Mathas of Puri also celebrate this festival with great pomp and grandeur.

32. GAMHAPURNIMA or BALABHADRA JANMA - On the full moon day in the month of Shravana nitis are performed to celebrate the birthday of Balabhadra. The deities wear gold and silken rachis.

33. The deities wear RAHUREKHA LAGI - Rahurekha ornaments for the forehead on the 5th lunar day of the dark fortnight of Balabhadra.

34. KRISHNA JANMA - It is celebrated in the Temple on the 8th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada. On this day ceremonies regarding the birth of Lord Krishna are performed. On the next day Nandostaba is observed.

35. NANDOSTAV - Celebrated on 9th day of black fortnight of Bhadrapad.

36. BANA BHOJI VESHA - Celebrated on 10th day of black fortnight of Bhadrapad.

37. KALIYA DALAN VESHA - Celebrated on 11th day of black fortnight of Bhadrapad.

38. PRALMBASUR BADHA VESHA - Celebrated on 12th day of black fortnight of Bhadrapad.

39. KRUSHNA BALARAM VESHA - Celebrated on 13th day of black fortnight of Bhadrapad.

40. SAPTAPURI AMAVASYA - The new mood day of Bhadrapad. On this day quantities of sweets known as Saptapuri Tada are offered to the Deities

41. DAVAGNI - Celebrated on 12th day of bright fortnight of Bhadrapad.

42. NIKUNJA LILA - Celebrated on 12th day of bright fortnight of Bhadrapad.

43. GANESH CHATURTHI - The 4th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadrapad. Panji Puja is done at Saraswati Temple and various Pujas are performed in the Temple of Ganesh.

44. REKHA PANCHAMI - Celebrated on 5th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadrapad.

45. KRUSHNA LILA - Celebrated on 6th and 7th day of bright fortnight of Bhadrapad.

46. RAADHASTAMI - Celebrated on 8th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadrapad is celebrated as the

birthday of Sri Radha. On this day nitis are performed by taking out Shri Sudarshan to the four Ashrams.

47. KRISHNA LILA or LAVANI KHIA- Celebrated on 10th day of bright fortnight of Bhadrapad.

48. PARSVAPARIVARTANA - On the Hanosara day of the 11th day of the bright fortnight of in the month of Bhadrapad, the Parsvaparivartan (Turning of Sides) festival is performed. On this day at evening after the usual rituals, the God is requested to change the side.

49. VAMANA JANMA - various nitis are performed relating to the birth of Bamana on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapad. Sunia is also marks the beginning of the Royal New Year of Gajapati.

50. ANANTA CHATURDASHI - On the 14th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadrapad, the ceremony is performed in Sri Ananta Vasudeva Temple.

51. INDRA-GOVINDA PUJA - The Puja is celebrated on Bhadrapad Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Bhadrapad.

52. SAHASRA KUMBHA ABHISEKA - Ashwina Krushna Astami that is the 8th day of the dark fortnight of Ashwina. Abhisek of Goddess Durga is done at Marjana Mandapa and from this day Shohala Puja is performed in the Temple of Vimala and other Goddesses.The puja is called Rahasya Puja or Mahanisha Puja and lasts 16 days from Krushna Ashtami up to Mahanavami.

53. DASAHARA - On the 10th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Aswina. Ayudha Puja and Vijaya Dasami celebrations are performed.

54. DWITYA OSHA - It is performed by Goddess Lakshmi in her Temple.

55. KARTIKA VRATA - This is also called as the starting of Radha Damodar Besha and starts from the beginning of 11th day of bright fortnight of Aswina till Kartik Shukla Dashami.

56. KUMAR PURNIMA - On the full moon day in the month of Ashwina the Sevakas representing Sri Jagannath and Sri Lakshmi play dice.

57. HARI UTTHAPANA EKADASI - On the 11th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartika, the gods are awakened from the divine slumber. The festival is also called "Provodhana Yatra" or rising ceremony.

58. GARUDA UTTHAPAN DWADASI - This is performed on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of full moon of Kartika.

59. PANCHAK VESA - Started from the beginning of 11th day of bright fortnight to Full Moon of Kartika.

60. NAVANNA - Various extra Bhogas are offered on this occasion. There is no fixed day for this festival but it is fixed by the Temple Astrologer according to the stars(Rohini) of Sri Jagannath.

61. PRATHAMASTAMI - The 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Margasira when Vandaapana is done.

62. DIPADANA-On this day Jagannathjew and Balarama perform Shraadh for Kashyapa,Aditi,Dasharatha,Kaushalya,Devaki,Rohini,Vasudeva,Nanda,Yashoda

63. ODHANA SASTHI - The 6th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Margasira. From this day Ghodalagi begins that is the Deities are dressed in winter garments

64. PANDU PURNIMA - It is celebrated on full moon day of Margasira.

65. DHANU SANKRANTI - Pahali Bhoga begins from the day on Dhanu Sankranti to Makara Sankranti.

66. VAKUL AMABASYA - On Pausha Amabasya special Bhogas including Gaintha are offered to the Deities.

67. PUSHYABHISEKA - Nitis such as Adhibasa etc. are performed on the full moon day in the month of Pausa. Pots filled with perfumed water are taken from Bhoga Mandap to the Ratna Vedi. This Abhiseka is performed for the representatives deities like Rama, Sita and Lakshaman for which is also known as Ramabhiseka.

68. NABANKI - It is celebrated on the previous day of Makar Sankranti.

69. MAKAR SANKRANTI - This is also called as Uttarayani Yatra and is performed on the Makar Sankranti day when the Sun moves towards Vernal Equinox.

70. PADMA VESHA - It is celebrared on Tuesday or Saturday between new moon of Magha to Basanta Panchami

71. VASANTA PANCHAMI - Panji Puja is done in the Saraswati Temple and there is some modification in Ghodalagi that is in the winter garments worn by the Deities.

72. TILA SAPTAMI - Celebrated on the 7th day of bright fortnight of Magha.

73. BHOUMA EKADASI - Celebrated on the 11th day of bright fortnight of Magha.

74. MAGHA PURNIMA - Gajauddharana Vesha takes place on this day.

75. SIVA RATRI - Hari Hara Bheta takes place at Sri Lokanath Temple.

76. BENTA or SIKAR - This festival is performed on the 1st, 4th, 8th, and the 12th day of the bright fortnight to Phalguna. On these days the image of Dola Govinda is taken to Jagannathvallabh Matha, which is known as the pleasure garden of Jagannath, and coconuts are struck with arrows by some sevakas symbolizing Mrugaya.

77. DOLA YATRA - It is started during the period from Phalguna Dashami, the 10th day of the bright Phalguna to the Purnima or Full Moon day. The representative Deities of Lord Jagannath are taken to Dola and various Nitis are performed. This is also known as Vasantosab. Fagu or colour powder is sprinkled on the Deities.

78. AGNI USTAVA - Celebrated on the 14th of bright fortnight of Phalguna.

79. HOLI - Celebrated on 1st black fortnight of Chaitra.

80. CHAITRA GUNDICHA - A festival is observed on the 6th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra in the Sun Temple in side the Temple Premise.

81. ASHOKASHTAMI - It is celebrated on the 8th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. Sri Bhandar Lokanath is taken in a procession to the Temple of Isaneswar Mahadeva where certain ceremonies are performed. The Deity turns to the Temple after attending to some Nitis at Jagannathballava.

82. RAMA NAVAMI - The festival begins with the celebration of the birth of Sri Rama on the 9th day of the bright Fortnight of Chaitra and continues for some Days. Rama Lila is performed in which different Sahis or Localities in the town participate.

83. YAGNYA RAKSHYA - Celebrated on the 10th of bright fortnight of Chaitra.

84. SITA VIVAH - Celebrated on 11th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra.

85. VANAVASA - Celebrated on the 12th day of bright fortnight of Chaitra.

86. DAMANAKA CHORI or DAMANAK LAGI - The festival is celebrated on the 13th day and 14th day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. The Deities Rama and Krishna are taken in a procession to Jagannathballav Matha from where a scented plant called Dayana is stealthily brought and on the next day offered to the Deities by observing elaborator tites.

87. LANKA PODI - Celebrated on full moon day of Chaitra.

88. SETU BADDHA - Celebrated on 1st day of black fortnight of Vaisakha.

89. RAVAN BADHA - Celebrated on 2nd day of black fortnight of Vaisakha.

90. RAMABHISEKA - It does not occur on a particular day. It is calculated per the position of the stars(Punarvasu).

Nava Kalevara

Compiled By JagannathCulture.com

One of the most grandiloquent events associated with the Lord Jagannath, Naba Kalabera takes place when one lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another lunar month of Aashadha. This can take place in 8, 12 or even 18 years. Literally meaning the “New Body” (Nava = New, Kalevar = Body), the festival is witnessed by as many 8,00,000 people and the budget for this event exceeds $500,000. The event involves installation of new images in the temple and burial of the old ones in the temple premises at Koili Vaikuntha. The idols that are currently being worshipped in the temple premises were installed in the year 1996.

Elaborate rituals, numerous myths and several celestial incidents are attached to this auspicious affair. The exact procedure of the transformation of images have been mentioned in the Sanskrit manuscripts written on palm leaves which are kept in the temple. Only the three head priests of the temple have the sole responsibility of reading and interpreting them.

As the images of Lord Jagannath must be made of wood, the priests must first locate an appropriate tree. As a rule, Neem (Margossa) trees are used to carve out the images of Lord Jagannath. Now no ordinary Neem (Margossa) tree can be used for this purpose. The tree which will be used has to fulfill many conditions. Lord Jagannath is dark in color. So the neem tree from which his idol is to be carved out should be dark; whereas the trees which would be used for the idols of his brother and sister are lighter in color; as his siblings are fair! The Neem tree for Lord Jagannath must have four principal branches – symbolizing four arms of Narayana. There must be a water body near the tree – like a river or a large pond and a cremation ground nearby. An ant-hill should be close to the tree and at the roots of the tree there mist be a snake-pit of a cobra. No bird must have made nests in the tree; and no branches would have broken or cut. The tree has to be located near a three-way or would be surrounded by three mountains. No creepers must have grown on the tree and there have to be Varuna, Sahada and Vilva trees (these three trees are not very common) close by. There have to be a hermitage and a temple of Lord Shiva in the vicinity. The most amazing requirement is, on the tree trunk there must be natural impressions of conch-shell and chakra (wheel)!

Apart from the regulation associated with the selection of tree, there are various rituals associated for locating the same and bringing it to the temple premises. These are mentioned in details below:

Rituals associated with the Nava Kalevara

The countdown to the Naba Kalebara of Lord Jagannath starts with the formation of the search party that would go out to locate the “Holy Tree”.The search party consists of

• 1 member of the Pati Mahapatra family
• 20 Dayitapatis
• 1 Lenka
• 9 Maharanas
• 16 Brahmanas
• 3 Deulakaranas
• 30 police officers &
• 2 inspectors of police

The function begins after the Big Midday Offering to Lord Jagannath. The blessings of the Lord is sought.A twelve foot garland called Dhanva Mala made specially for this day is offered to the lord and His siblings. After worshipping the Lord, the garland is given to the Pati Mahapatra family, who is meant to lead the procession. He would from then on carry the huge garland until the sacred tree is located. Upon spotting the tree the Garland is placed on top of a coconut and offered to the Tree. Apart from the garland, the robes of Lord are given to the descendants of Bitarachha Mahapatra family, Dayitapaties, and the Pati Mahapatra who would tie it as a turban on their head while going on the procession. Both the garland and the clothes are significant in the sense that it is indicative of the Lord himself traveling with the team.

Patta clothes used by the Lord are also given to the Lenka family representative and the nine Maharanas who accompany the group. They are the actual carpenters who build the new chariots every year and who will make the new Jagannath deities as well. Once the Mekap family members touch the forehead of each members of the procession with the Lord’s sandal, the procession officially takes off.

Their first halt would be the palace of the King of Puri where they are required to seek his permission to continue on the holy mission. After staying here for two days and doing meditations and prayers, the team starts out for Kakatpur, a village 50 miles of Puri to the famous temple of Maa Mangala. After reaching the village, they take rest for several days while the oldest. Dayitapati sleeps inside the temple. He must have a dream during this stay in which goddess Mangala tells him the exact location where the trees can be found. The tree for each of the four deities will be in a different place. This may take as long as 15 days to one month.During this entire period the group would eat the prasada of goddess Mangala. But sometimes provision is made for MAHAPRASAD to be brought from Puri.

Once the tree is located that fulfills all the required conditions, a yagna is performed in front of it. Now the team moves to a temporary thatched hut nearby and stays in it till the trees are felled. The cutting of the tree would commence at an auspicious time and with prescribed rituals. The Pati Mahapatra first touches the tree with a golden axe followed by the Dayitapati who touches it with a silver axe. Lastly, the head wood carver of the Maharana family would touch it with an iron axe. During the tree cutting, the 108 names of God are chanted incessantly.

Once the tree is felled, the entire trunks along with its branches are placed in a wooden cart and dragged by the Daitapatis and the others in the group to the Temple. The logs are kept inside the temple in a place known as Koili Vaikuntha. Koili means "burial ground" and Vaikuntha means "Heaven". It is the place where the old deities will be buried and the new ones made.

The carving of the images begin with three oldest 7 of the main wood carvers setting on to work on the image of Lord Jagannath. The three oldest wood carvers will be the main sculptors for the deity of Lord Jagannath. The images of Lord Balabhadra and Devi are simultaneously carved by other two teams consisting of three carvers each.More than 50 carpenters work as assistant to the main carvers.The work is done with utmost confidentiality and not even the head priest of the temple is allowed to visit the place of work. There is a special enclosure inside the temple premises where the carving of the Lord is done. The enclosure is open on the top but is attached with very strong doors. The wood carvers are not supposed to consume anything (eat, drink or smoke) once inside the enclosure. The carvings are completed in 21 days and during these 21 days the carvers are not supposed to leave the temple premises. They would sleep in the temple courtyard in the night and have their dinner in the form of Lords Mahaprasad.

Devotional songs are sung outside the Koili Baikuntha day and night during throughout this 21 days period. This continuous singing of devotional songs is called “Akhand Bhajan”. While this is done by devadasis and temple musicians, shlokas from the Vedas are chanted continuously by brahmin priests.

When the new deities, are made, they are carried inside the inner sanctum of the temple and placed in front of the old deities, facing them. This is again an act that is done with utmost confidentiality as nobody is allowed inside for a Darshan of the Lord, not even the temple priests. The three new deities are carried inside only by descendants of the Dayitapati family. Once they are safely inside, only the three eldest Dayitapati members can stay. No puja is done at this time and no food is offered. Of the four Jagannath's height is 5' 7", and His outstretched arms measure 12 ft. across. He weighs so much that when they carry Him, 5 persons must be on each arm, 20 on His backside, and more than 50 in front pulling. Balabhadra is a bit lighter. His height is 5' 5" and His arms are also 12 ft. across. Subhadra is less than 5', and light. Sudarsana is in a long log-shaped form only. However, this log is 5' 10" in length.

The rights of the Great Transformation are accorded only to the Daitapatis as they are considered to be the descendants of the Daitapati who was the first worshipper of the Lord Jagannath. This ceremony takes place three days before the great Chariot Festival. The transformation is complete once the “Brahman” or the life force (also referred to as pinda) is transferred from the old deities to the new.

There are different rules attached to this act that the Daitapatis must adhere to. These are:

• The three Dayitapatis must be blindfolded.
• They must bind a piece of Lord Jagannath's cloth around their hands before the transfer can begin.
• They should not have shaved since the first day of the search party procession. This is considered to be the disappearance ceremony of Jagannath also. Traditionally, after a member of the family passes away, the son does not shave for ten days, out of respect for the deceased. The house is also whitewashed after the death of any family member. And since Lord Jagannath is considered to be the Head of their respective households, they are required to have their houses whitewashed after this ceremony.
• The children and all Dayitapati family members wear new clothes on this day of the "transfer". This rite is considered to be the most auspicious ritual of all in Jagannath Temple. It is this ceremony itself that is the actual Naba Kalebar Yatra, or Transformation Ceremony of Lord Jagannath. The three Dayitapati members fast and meditate the whole day inside the temple. Only after midnight does the transfer of the "Life Force" occur, and that too in total silence.

What’s interesting here is that no Daitapati till date has been able to experience what actually is this “Brahman”. When asked of their experience at this time, the Dayitapatis say, "It is very difficult to express what Brahman is. It cannot be seen or touched. Our eyes are blindfolded and our hands are covered with cloth when we carry it. Yet a powerful feeling is very much present, like a rabbit jumping in our hands. This is our experience. Beyond this, exactly what this Brahman is that is so powerfully felt, nobody is able to say".

During the midnight, the old deities are carried on the shoulders of the Dayitapatis and buried in the Koili Vaikuntha before dawn. There are three separate graves for the three deities, but all the previous Jagannaths are laid to rest in the same grave, one on top of the other. It is said that if anybody from outside this select group happens to see any of this ceremony, be it from a roof top or otherwise, they will surely die. The government of Orissa therefore orders a full blackout of light on this one night in the whole town of Puri.

On the morning of the second day the new deities are seated on the altar, the “Ratna-Singhasana”. On this second day, the daily routine of the temple finally begins again, after a lapse of nearly 58 days. Sweet-smelling flower garlands and new garments arc given to the new deities, food is offered, and puja is done. Devotees can again come inside for darshan. And on the third day the new deities emerge from the temple for the biggest Chariot Festival. The Nava Kalevar draws millions of people from across the world to Puri. Nava Kalevar is one of the biggest festivals in the country and draws the most number of people.

Anavasara or Anasara

Literally means vacation.Every year,the main idols 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.Instead of this devotees go to nearby place Brahmagiri to see their beloved lord in the form of four handed form Alvarnath a form of Vishnu.Then people get the first glimpse of lord on the day before Rath Yatra, which is called 'Navayouvana.It is said that the gods fall in fever after taking a huge bath and they are treated by the Rajavaidya for 15 days.

The name Purushottama Kshetra and Its Siginificance

Puri Shri Jagannath Temple from a lane nearby

Lord Jagannath is the Purushottama as per the scripture, Skanda Purana.In order to teach humanbeings how to lead life full of virtue he has taken the form of Darubrahman.He is the best brother to his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.He is the best husband to goddess Shri.The most noteworthy thing is still in the month of Margashirsha,on three consecutive days during amavasya he does Shraaddha to his parents(Kashyapa-Aditi,Dasharatha-Kaushalya,Vasudeva-Devaki,Nanda-Yashoda),along with king Indradyumna and queen Gundicha.As a master he enjoys every comforts daily and in various festivals.He grants everything to all his subjects,and those who surrenders before him he takes the utmost care of them.

Culture and Tradition of Puri

Puri is one of the fascinating littoral district of Odisha. The Cultural heritage of Puri with its long recorded history beginning from third century B. C till present day, The monuments and religious sanctity, way of life of the people with their rich tradition possess emphatically to be the cultural heart of Odisha. In deed Puri is considered cultural capital of Odisha. The culture here is flourished with its manifold activities.

The District has the happy conglomerate of different religions, sects and faith in course of history, Hindu, Buddhist, Jaina, Muslim, Christian, Sikh found here in the District.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, an incarnation thought of Lord Krishna, appeared 500 hundred years ago, in the mood of a devotee to taste the sublime emotions of ecstacy by chanting the holy name of Krishna. Stalwart scholars of Puri like Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya (a priest & great Sanskrit pandit) and others followed His teachings. Even kings and ministers of His period became His disciples. Espicially King Prataparudra became His great admirer and ardent follower.

Places of interest in Puri

• Puri is considered a holy place of pilgrimage in India.
• The beautiful sea beach with its unique and fantastic views of sunsets and sunrises.
• The world famous Jagannath Temple (Bada Deula).
• Odisha - Akshaya Patra Foundation - A modern Kitchen (located on Grand Road, Puri) provides mid day meals daily for one lakh children in and around Puri.
• Hare Krishna Movement, Puri - originally started by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 500 years back & inspired by His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, preaching the sublime method of purifying heart & soul by chanting the Lord Krishna's (Jagannath) holy name.
• The gateway to heaven (as per Hindu mythology - Swargadwara). Swargadwara means direct gateway to Heaven. Here, there is a Burning Ghat for Hindus. Swarga means Heaven and Dwara means gate.
• One of the four cardinal institutions established by Adi Shankaracharya - Puri matha
• Ratha Jatra.
• Gateway to famous Sun temple (from Puri 36 km.) at Konark from Konark towards north "Kuruma" is the location of a famous Buddhist place. It is possible to walk along the beach from Puri all the way to Konark (or Konarak the name it is also known by) in order to see the Konark Sun Temple.
• Bada Thakura(Lord Jagannath), Bada Danda(Grand Road), Bada Deula(Jagannath temple), Bada Raja(King of puri), Maha Prasada(cooked food from the temple), Maha Dipa(oil candel) etc. are notable persons and things in Puri.
• Tota Gopinatha mandira, Alharanatha mandir at Bramhagiri.
• Jayadeva, the famous Odia poet who has written "Gita Govinda" in Sanskrit was born in Kenduli Sasan on the outskirts of Puri.
• Sakhigopala otherwise known as Satyabadi is a very significant religious place and tourist destination of Puri district. Utkalamani Gopabandhu Dash with his four friends set up Vakula Vana Vidyalaya here, an open air school which played pivotal role in building character of students. Also immensely contributed to the freedom struggle of India.

See also

• Lord Jagannath
• Chariot Festival Puri
• Rath Yatra
• Jagannath
• Patali Srikhetra
• Ratha Yatra
• Ananta Vasudeva Temple
• Baladevjew Temple
• Devadasi
• Juggernaut
• The Leaning Temple of Huma

External links

• Jagannath Temple, Delhi (shrijagannatrohini.com)
• Jagannath Temple (jagannathtemplepuri.com)
• Temples of Orissa
• Jagannath Dham Puri (Official Website)
• Jagannath Ratha-Yatra & The Story of Lord Jagannath (Veda encyclopedia)
• Odissi Sri Jagannath (odissi.com)
• Jagannath Temple at Puri (templenet)
• The Jagannatha Temple (indhistory.com)
• Orissa architecture (sscnet.ucla.edu)
• Lord Sri Jagannath Temple - Jagannath Dharma
• Shri Jagannath Swami Rath Yatra Video
• Template:Wikitravel