Indian
mythology is as pulsating, vibrant and colourful as the land itself.
Comprising several thousands of deities, Indian mythology, especially
Hindu mythology, abounds with the tales and legends of numerous Devatas
and their avatars or incarnations. Needless to say, most of these tales
centre on the Divine Trinity of Brahma,
Vishnu and Shiva.
Each region in India has its own particular Ishta-Devata or favourite
deity. For instance, the
people of Northern India mostly worship Devi
Durga, a form of Goddess Parvati. People hailing from Maharashtra in
Western India worship Vitthala (a form of Lord Krishna) and Gauri
(again, a form of the Devi). Gujaratis largely worship
Srinathji, an
aspect of Krishna.
Much of Eastern India considers
Jagannath, the presiding Lord of Puri,
as the Supreme Divinity. Though there is a strong influence of Goddess
Durga here too, Puri Jagannath is also venerated as the Absolute Deity.
This month, we bring you a feature on Sri Jagannath, the reigning deity
of Puri.
The Jagannath of Puri
Jagannathdev - Pata Painting on Tussar Silk
Lord Jagannath is a transcendental Hindu deity, predominantly
worshipped by the people of Orissa, as also a large part of West
Bengal. Jagannath, an aspect of Lord Vishu or Krishna, to be more
precise, is worshipped as a part of a triad, that is, along with his
brother, Balabhadradeva and sister, Devi Subhadra.
The image of Jagannath is essentially made out of a wooden stump and,
unlike other deities in Hinduism, is not portrayed in human form. This
wooden stump is carved to show two large and rounded wooden eyes. Two
additional stumps at either side of the main stump functions as hands
of the deity - the legs are conspicuously absent. The stump is then
ornamented further, to create the complete detailing of Lord Jagannath.
Evolution of Jagannath Worship
The concept of Puri Jagannath and the iconography of the deity do not
conform to ancient Hindu tradition. The main image of the deity in the
temple of Puri in Orissa, is made of wood. This is an exception in
itself, as the icons of Hindu deities are usually carved in stone.
Further, none of the rituals or practices of worship of Jagannath
conform to puja vidhis mentioned in ancient Hinduism. Hence, the origin
and subsequent evolution of the concept of Jagannath worship has been a
subject of much academic debate among scholars.
Jagannath has not been given any reference in the Vedas, nor does he
feature in the Dashavataras of Vishnu. However, certain Oriyan literary
creations refer to him as the Ninth Incarnation of Vishnu. This
treatise substitutes Jagannath in place of
Buddha, in the Dashavataras.
Jagannath is a non-sectarian entity and has as such, never been
associated with any sect of cult of Hinduism. However, one can find
flashes of similarity here, between Vaishnavism, Buddhism, Jainism and
so on.
The term, "Jagannath", means "Master (or Lord) of the Universe". In
Orissa, Jagannath is given many other names, such as Jaga, Jagbandhu
(Friend of the Universe), Kalia (the
Black-coloured One), Darubrahma or
Daruedabata (the Wooden Deity) and Cakaakhi, Cakadola or Cakanayan (the
Round-eyed One).
Some experts believe that the Sanskritized name, "Jagannath", took its
origins from a tribal deity, Jaganaelo, literally meaning, "made of
wood".
Jagannath as an Avataree
Jagannath is believed to be the cause of the Avatars and is not an
actual Avatar. Hence, he is described as being an Avataree. Followers
believe that all incarnations emanate from Lord Jagannath and that he
is the cause of all material creation. Hence, Jagannath is not
associated with the legends and Lilas (miracles) that other Avatars
such as
Rama, Krishna and all the other deities are connected with.
Physical Attributes of Jagannath,
Balabhadra and Subhadra
The Jagannath temple at Puri, Orissa, is one of the most significant
shrines of the Lord. Here, Jagannath is part of a triad of deities that
includes Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. In this temple, Jagannath is
also worshipped along with his Sudarshana Chakra (Discus), Madhava and
his Consorts, Sridevi and Bhudevi. The idols are placed in the
Ratnavedi (or the bejewelled platform), in the innermost sanctum
sanctorum of the temple.
Stone Studded Jagannath, Balaram, Subhadra - Metal Statue for Car Dashboard
The idols and the Sudarshana Chakra are made of neem wood. The three
images have massive square heads, which merges with the chest, without
any demarcation of the neck region. The upper portion of the deities'
heads is triangular in shape. The eyes are very large and round and the
arms are placed in line with the upper lip. The idols are portrayed
only till the waist. Some myths state that the idols lack identifiable
arms or legs, as they are yet unfinished.
The idol of Jagannath is roughly about six feet tall. The eyes are made
up of three concentric circles, with the outermost circle being red,
the middle being white and the innermost circle being black in colour.
The image of Balabhadra is also about the same height. His face is
white and the eyes are oval-shaped. His arms are placed at eye-level.
Subhadra's idol is yellow in colour and is about five feet tall. Her
eyes are oval in shape. The Sudarshana Chakra is around the same height
as that of the male deities and is red in colour.
The Nila Chakra
The Nila Chakra or the Blue Discus, which is mounted on the topmost
Shikhar of the temple is considered to be the most iconic symbol. The
flag hoisted on the Nila Chakra is referred to as the Patita Pavana
(uplifter of the downtrodden) and is considered equivalent to the
deities in the sanctum sanctorum. This also symbolizes the protection
offered by Jagannath to his devotees.
Legends on the Origins of Jagannath
There are several legends regarding the origins of Lord Jagannath.
These appear as early as the Skanda Purana, Narada Purana, Brahma
Purana, Padma Purana, Kapila Samhita and so on. This indicates that the
deity had tribal as well as Brahminical links.
Some legends associate King Indradyumna of the
Mahabharata with
Jagannath. But the fact remains that Indradyumna is a mythological
figure and that there is no real historic evidence of his existence.
There are others who believe that Yayati I, a predecessor of
Indraratha, built the Jagannath temple at Puri.
Here are some of the popular legends regarding the origins of Jagannath:
The Traditional Legend of the Nila
Madhava
Vishnu on Sheshanaga - Glitter Poster
According to the Purushottama Mahatmya of the Skanda Purana, during the
Satya Yuga, Indradyumna was the King of the Somavamsa or the Lunar
Dynasty. One day, a travelling pilgrim appeared before Indradyumna and
described the great Lord Nila Madhava, the Blue-coloured Vishnu, who
was worshipped at Nilachal, the Blue Mountain, at Odra (the then
Orissa). After narrating the story, the pilgrim suddenly disappeared
from sight.
At the king's request, his priest and his younger brother Vidyapati
went in search of the Divine One. Vidyapati reached the Savardvipa
forest, spreading along the banks of the river, Mahanadi. The Savara
King, Visvavasu, welcomed Vidyapati and promised to show him Nila
Madhava the next morning. Vidyapati decided to undertake a fast before
seeing the Lord. He bathed in Rohini-kunda and sat under the Kalpa
tree. Then, Vidyapati saw Nila Madhava being worshipped by the Devas.
Vidyapati returned to Avanti, the capital of King Indradyumna.
After listening to what Vidyapati had to relate to him, Indradyumna
left for Nila Madhava along with the priest, Vidyapati, and some of his
followers. Unfortunately though, Nila Madhava had disappeared on the
same day that Vidyapati had returned to Avanti. The Lord had left from
there, but to their utter surprise, they found the whole region covered
with the golden sand of the coast. A disappointed Indradyumna was then
informed of the message that Brahma gave by way of Narada, that he
should perform one thousand Aswamedha Yagnas and only then would he be
able to get darshan of the Lord.
The King was further informed that he would not be given darshan of the
Lord in the form of Nila Madhava, but as four forms, namely, Jagannath,
Balabhadra, Subhadra and the Sudarshana Chakra. He was asked to wait
near the Chakra Tirtha, till a large, fragrant, red log came floating
by. The log would have Vishnu's signs, the Sankha (Conch), Chakra
(Discus), Gada (Mace) and Padma (Lotus) all over it. The King was to
gather the log and make the four forms out of it. He would then be able
to worship the Lord in that form.
The Lord himself then took the form of Viswakarma (the Divine
Carpenter) and made the idols of wood. After that, Brahma himself
installed the holy idols at the ordained hour, on Vaishakha Shukla.
Though this version is the most often heard; it lacks enough historical
evidence. For that reason, it is only considered a myth. However, there
is a town called Kantilo in Orissa, which houses a shrine dedicated to
the worship of a deity named Nila Madhava. But the origin of this
temple too, is unclear.
The Vaishnavite Legend of Jagannath
Murlidhar Krishna - Marble Dust Statue
The Vaishnavite version of Jagannath is slightly different from the
traditional version. According to this legend, Krishna appeared before
King Indradyumna, and ordered him to carve a diety from the log of
wood, which would wash up on the shore at Puri. Once Indradyumna found
the said log, he started looking for a craftsman to carve the four
idols, as ordained by Krishna.
Within the next few days, an old Brahmin carpenter appeared before him
and agreed to undertake the work. Actually, this carpenter was the
divine craftsman, Visvakarma, in disguise. The mysterious Brahmin
demanded to work in solitude, without anyone coming over to disturb him
while working on creating the images of the deities. He also insisted
that no one should enter the temple complex while he was at work
inside.
The carpenter never once came out when he was carrying out the carving
work. Everybody started getting anxious and would wait outside the
temple doors to hear the carpenter at work. The soundly came to an
abrupt halt after a few days. The Queen, being anxious and worried for
the carpenter, opened the temple doors, before its time. On entering
inside, she found half-finished images of the deities. The carpenter
had vanished without a trace. Ever since, the deities have remained in
this unfinished state, without arms and legs.
The Puranic Legend of Jagannath
According to the Skanda Purana, King Indradyumna arrived at the
Purushottama Kshetra, after giving up Samsara (material life).
Visvavasu and Vidyapati took him to the Neelachal mountain and showed
him the Rohini-kunda and the Kalpa tree, where Jagannath's idol had
once been installed. It now lay hidden beneath a mound of sand. Narada
instructed Indradyumna to build a Jagannath temple at the self-same
spot.
There was a tree there that had only four branches on it. Following
Narada's instructions, Indradyumna ordered for the tree be uprooted and
installed on the mahavedi located inside the temple. Once that was
done, Lord Vishnu manifested on the altar as an old carpenter,
Vishwakarma. After this point, the legend almost the same as the
Vaishnavite version mentioned above.
Buddhist Origins of Jagannath
The origins of the imagery of Jagannath continued to remain a mystery
and even came to be considered as a pagan idol among the people of
Europe. Even during the advent of the British Raj in India, the
Jagannath temple at Puri was given special consideration and treatment,
for both economic and political reasons. The temple posed severe
restrictions on non-Hindus and banned them from entering the temple
complex, due to which even expert archaeologists had not much idea
about the origins of the temple.
However, these experts still continued to keep track of the strange
rituals taking place at the temple. The annual Kar Seva, where
Jagannath and his divine companions were brought out of the temple
premises and were carried around in a heavily ornamented chariot,
invited the attention of many Western experts. Since the caste rules
were suspended during the Kar Seva, many non-Hindus crowded around to
witness this great occasion.
Many of these experts mistakenly estimated that the Jagannath cult
originated from the Buddha and that the Jagannath triad was actually
the Buddhist triad. There was a reason for this misunderstanding. The
Buddhist ruler, Indirabhuti's Jnanasiddhi, mentions about the place
where Jagannath resides. King Indirabhuti described Jagannath as a
Buddhist deity in this narrative, wherein Jagannath was worshipped by
the Savaras in one of the Buddha Viharas. Since many anti-Buddhist
campaigns started to get underway during King Sasanka's rule, the
Buddhist Jagannath was taken away from there. Where the idol was later
buried still remains a subject of controversy. According to some
versions of the story, Yayati recovered the buried wooden images of
Jagannath from the Sonepur district of Orissa and reconstructed them.
Some of the greatest Jainas worshipped Jagannath as the almighty
Buddha, who is full of wisdom and is as vast as the sky. The Bajjajanis
consider him to be omniscient and most benevolent, granting devotees
all that they can ever wish for. Many of the ancient Oriyan poets also
described Jagannath as a Baudhabatara or an incarnation of the Buddha.
This culture eventually influenced Buddhism in Tibet and Nepal. Even
today in Nepal, Buddhadeva is also worshipped as Jagannath.
Tribal Origins of Jagannath
Many experts believe that the Jagannath cult actually had tribal
origins. There are many reasons for this belief:
- The shape of the Jagannath idol is
similar to a pillar. The Savaras, the earliest tribal people of Orissa,
were essentially tree worshippers. They used to sing and dance before
the Jaganata or the Kitung, which was their God. The Kitungs were
always in a triad of two brothers and one sister, Ramma, Bimma and
Sitaboi. It was believed that these Gods created the Savara lineage. It
is possible that the later generations also adopted the worship of the
Jagannath triad, which finally evolved and changed to what it is today.
- The Daitas, again a class of tribal
servitors, used to worship Jagannath. They used to oversee several
rites and rituals connected with the deity. This trend probably grew in
the ensuing years.
- The idols of the Jagannath triad
are made of neem wood and are not in human form. Both these aspects are
not related to traditional, Brahminical Hindu deities. Besides, there
is no caste distinction associated with Jagannath worship. This too,
makes it significantly different from Vaishnavism.
- Certain tribal people residing deep
within the forest area in Orissa used to worship a Blue Stone as the
Nila Madhava. One can draw a parallel to Jagannath worship in this
manner as well.
Tribal Origins of Narasimha
Narasimha Avatar, Hampi - Karnataka - Photo Print
Some experts even believe that the concept of Jagannath metamorphosed
from being an ancient tribal deity to one of the major deities of Hindu
mythology. It is believed that the imagery of this tribal God must have
evolved through centuries, transforming into the very popular Narasimha
(half-man half-lion avatar of Vishnu), also one of the Purushottam
forms of Vishnu, during the medieval era. There is archeological
evidence to prove the same. During the 8th Century, the Magadh Queen,
Vasata, built the famous Lakshman temple (made out of brick) at
Shreepur, on the banks of Mahanadi. Shreepur was then the capital of
the kingdom of Dakshin Kosala. The temple plaque first offers
salutation to Purushottam, also referred to as Narasimha. This
indicates the ughra (intense) nature of Vishnu, who finally also
evolved as Jagannath, who was revered as Purushottam, till Narasimha
became popular from the end of the 13th Century.
Wooden Face of Jagannath on Hardboard - Wall Hanging
In one of the villages of the Anantpur district at Andhra Pradesh,
Narasimha is worshipped as a pillar, probably describing the
Hiranyakashipu episode wherein Narasimha jumps out of a pillar and
attacks the cruel demon-king. The pillar in question is attached to a
sheet, which is shaped in the form of a lion's head. Since Narasimha is
a fierce deity, his eyes are large and round, expressing his krodh
(anger). The Jagannath image can be associated with Narasimha, as his
eyes too are big and round and the jawline is given more prominence
than that rest of the face. Also, the figure of Jagannath is non-human.
Jagannath's Evolution as Being Part
of a Triad
The original Neela Madhava had been worshipped as a single deity and
not as a triad. So how and when did Jagannath emerge as part of a triad?
During the era of Emperor Kharavela, there was only a single deity,
Kalinga Jina, who was worshipped as the Supreme. Even the Vaishnavite
legend of Indradyumna does not mention Jagannath as part of a triad.
Hence, one can probably assume that the triad emerged as the result of
the later Vaishnavite tradition of Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra.
Interestingly, the Shaivite triad of Shiva as Samkarsana Balarama,
Krishna and Ekanamsa also emerged around this time. There is also a
Buddhist triad or the Buddhist Triratna of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.
The Sudarshana Chakra, it is believed, was also a later addition, in
order to give more validation to Jagannath as an aspect of Krishna
consciousness.
The Implications of the Jagannath
Triad on Other Sects
- In the Jagannath temple at Puri,
the Lord is worshipped as Purushottam or Vishnu. Here, Balabhadra is
considered as Lord Shiva and Devi Subhadra, as the Adyashakti Durga.
The Sudarshana Chakra, also one of the major deities in the temple,
embodies the wheel of the Sun's Chariot, which attracts the Sauras to
the cult. The "Four Fold Form" or the "Chaturdha Murty" signifies the
unified power of all these four deities.
- According to some scholars, the
Jagannath triad represent the Jain Trinity of Samyak Jnana, Samyak
Charita and Samyak Drusti. It is also believed that the soul of
Jagannath, which lies hidden inside the idol, is the Tooth Relic of
Lord Buddha. It is worth noting here, that Buddhist Tantra philosophy,
which has now become a part of Buddhism, has cast its influence on
Jagannath worship and rituals. Interestingly, the Buddhist chant the
mantra, "Om Namoh Jagannath Buddhaya". They claim that the Jagannath
Rath-Yatra is very similar to the Rath-Yatra of the Buddha. Just like
the Ananda Bazar of the Jagannath cult, Buddhists too do not believe in
casteism.
- According to Saivas, Jagannath is
identified as Lord Mahabhairav. Jagannath sits on the Sri Yantra and
has the Vijamantra of "Klim", which is also the Vijamantra of Kali or
Shakti. Shaivas believe that the original shape of Jagannath was in the
form of a Linga. Hence, one can see a clear connection between
Jagannath and the Saiva and Shakta cults as well. Here, Balarama is
worshipped as the Seshanaga or Samkarshana. He is also referred to as
Shiva or Ananta Vasudev. Devi Subhadra embodies the Shakti element and
is worshipped with the Bhubaneshwari mantra. According to the Shakta
tradition, Subhadra is the Goddess Vimala.
- According to Jainism, "Jagannath"
was derived from the name "Jinanath", which is that name for their
Lord. For Jains, the black colour of Jagannath signifies Shunyata
(nothingness), Subhadra symbolizes energy and the white colour of
Balabhadra represents the phenomenal universe. The Sudarshana Chakra is
compared to the Dharma Chakra of the Jains.
The Legend of the Kanchi Conquest
The Kanchi Ajivana (or Conquest of Kanchi), also termed as
Kanchi-Kaveri, is one of the most popular legends associated with
Jagannath. According to this legend, the daughter of the King of Kanchi
was betrothed to the Gajapati of Puri.When the Kanchi King saw the
Gajapati sweeping the area where the chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra
and Subhadra were maintained during the Rath-Yatra, he considered that
as a deed unworthy of a King and hence, cancelled the wedding of his
daughter to the Gajapati. Deeply insulted at this, Gajapati Purushottam
Deva attacked the Kingdom of Kanchi, but was defeated in the battle.
The Gajapati returned home and prayed to Jagannath, the deity of land
of Kalinga. Moved by his prayer, Jagannath and Balabhadra, left the
temple and started to Kanchi on horseback. Jagannath was on a white
horse and Balabhadra on a black horse. In the Oriyan culture, this
legend is so deep-rooted, that just the mention of the white horse and
black horse brings the imagery of Kanchi conquest of the Lord.
Kanchi Vijay by Lord Jagannath and Balaram - Orissa Pattachitra Painting
While travelling, Jagannath and Balabhadra grew thirsty and happened to
meet a milkmaid, Manika, who gave them butter-milk to quench their
thirst. In return, Balabhadra gave her a ring. At Adipur, Manika
stopped Gajapati, requesting him for the unpaid cost of the buttermilk
consumed by his two leading soldiers, riding on black and white horses.
She produced the gold ring as evidence. Identifying the ring as
that of Jagannath and realizing that divine support was with him, he
led the expedition again to Kanchi.
A war ensued between the Jagannath-led power of Orissa and that of the
Ganesh-led army of Kanchi. The former won the war and the Gajapati
brought the princess to Puri. Some experts opine that the Gajapati also
brought images of Uchista Ganesh (Bhanda Ganesh or Kamada Ganesh) and
enshrined at the Jagannath Temple.
Though there is no clear historical evidence of this legend, it still
forms an important aspect of Oriyan culture. At present, there is a
prominent relief in the Jagamohana (prayer hall) of the Jagannath
temple that depicts this scene. The Kanchi Abhijan is also a major
motif in Odissi dance.
The Jagannath Temple at Puri
Jagannath,Balaram,Subhadra on Hardboard
The Jagannath Temple at Puri, known as Shri Mandira to devotees, is one
of the most famous Hindu temples in India. It is regarded as one of the
Char Dham or sacred Hindu pilgrimage places in India.
It is built in the Kalinga style of architecture, with the Pancharatha
(Five Chariots) type consisting of two anurathas, two konakas and one
ratha. The Jagannath temple has a pancharatha type of structure.
"Gajasimhas" or "
Elephant Lions" are carved in recesses of the pagas;
the "Jhampasimhas" or "Jumping Lions" are also placed in their
appropriate locations. This is the best example of a perfect
Pancharatha temple developed into a Nagara-rekha temple with unique
Orissan style of subdivisions like the Pada, Kumbha, Pata, Kani and
Vasanta.
The Jagannath temple is made up of four distinct structures, namely:
- The Vimana or the Deula, which is
the sanctum sanctorum. This is where the triad deities are installed on
the Ratnavedi
- The Mukhashala or the frontal porch
- The Jagamohana, also called the
Nata Mandira or Natamandapa, which is the Audience Hall or the Dancing
Hall
- The Bhoga Mandapa or the Offerings
Hall
The temple's historical records (Madala Panji) maintain that the temple
was originally built by King Yayati, on the site of the present shrine.
However, historians believe that the Deula and the Mukhashala were
built in the 12th century A.D. by King Anangabheemadeva and that the
Natamandapa and Bhogamandapa were constructed by Gajapati Purushottama
Deva and Prataprudra Deva respectively. Further, according to Madala
Panji, the outer prakara was built by Gajapati Kapilendradeva and the
inner prakara, referred to as the Kurma Bedha (Tortoise encompassment)
was built by Purushottama Deva.
The Jagannath Temple is built on an elevated platform and is higher as
compared to the Lingaraj and other temples belonging to this category.
The above-mentioned four structures were built along with the main
temple. There are also other smaller shrines on the three outer sides
of the main temple. The Deula consists of a tall shikhara or dome, and
it houses the garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum. A pillar made of
fossilized wood is used for placing lamps as offering.
The Singhadwara or Lion Gate is the main gate to the temple and is
guarded by the two deities, Jaya and Vijaya. The Aruna Stambha, a
16-sided, 11-meter high granite monolithic columnar pillar, bears
Aruna, the Charioteer of Surya, facing the Lion Gate. This column was
brought to this temple from the Sun temple of Konark.
Housed within the main compound of Jagannath Temple at Puri, are over
one hundred shrines of lesser importance. These mini shrines are
dedicated to the demigods in charge of universal affairs. In the midst
of these lesser shrines is the main temple, called the Bada Deula (The
Big or principal Temple), in which the predominating deity Jagannath
appears.
Non-Hindus are strictly forbidden from gaining entry into the Jagannath
temple at Puri.
There are many other temples of Jagannath, situated all over India.
Most famous among them are the temple at Hauz Khas at New Delhi and the
one at Ahmedabad. There is also a lesser-known, though ancient temple,
in Kurseong at Darjeeling. This temple is more than 300 years old.
Outside India, an ancient Jagannath idol can be found in the Besakih
temple in eastern Bali, Indonesia.
Festivals Celebrated at the Jagannath
Temple
Several traditional festivals are observed at the Jagannath Temple at
Puri. The most important festivals are as follows:
- The Rath Yatra, which is the most
significant
- Niladri Mahodaya
- Snana Yatra or Sri Gundicha
- Sri Hari Sayan
- Uttapan Yatra
- Parswa Paribartan
- Dakhinayan Yatra
- Prarbana Yatra
- Pusyavishek
- Uttarayan
- Basantika Dola Yatra
- Damanak Chaturdasi
- Chandan Yatra
The Rath Yatra at the Puri Jagannath
Temple
Jagannatha of Puri - Book
Annually, during the month of Asadha (around June/July), the Jagannath
triad, which is normally housed only inside the sanctum sanctorum of
the temple, is brought out onto the Bada Danda or the main high street
of Puri. The deities travel 3kms to the Shri Gundicha Temple, in huge
Raths (chariots), thereby allowing the public to have their Darshan.
This festival, known as the Rath Yatra, is the most famous in Orissa.
The Raths are huge wooden structures with great big wheels, which are
built anew every year. The heavy Raths are pulled by the devotees for
the entire distance.
The chariot for Jagannath is about 45 feet high and 35 feet square and
takes about 2 months to construct. The artisans of Puri assemble to
decorate the cars and paint elaborate designs on them. This Rath Yatra
is also termed as the Shri Gundicha Yatra.
The most important aspect of the Rath Yatra is the chhera pahara. In
this ritual, the Gajapati King wears the costume of a sweeper and
sweeps all around the deities and chariots. He cleanses the road with a
gold-handled broom and sprinkles sandalwood water and powder all along
the route the Rath is scheduled to take. This ritual indicates that all
are of equal status in front of the Lord and are humble servants of
his.
The ritual of Chera pahara is held on two days. On the first day of the
Rath Yatra, the deities are taken to the garden house at the Mausi Maa
Temple. On the final day, the deities are ceremoniously brought back to
the Shri Mandir. During the Rath Yatra, the three deities are housed
for seven days at the Gundicha Temple.
There is another interesting ritual that takes place during the Rath
Yatra. When the deities are taken out from the Shri Mandir to the
Chariots in Pahandi Vijay, devotees are allowed to offer derogatory
remarks and slaps to the images - Lord Jagannath is treated like a
commoner in this ritual.
The ritual of the Rath Yatra has been mentioned right from the time of
the Puranas. Several ancient Puranas talk about this elaborate ritual
in great detail. While the original Rath Yatra at Puri is a sight one
cannot afford to miss, there are similar processions organised all over
the world, at the same time that this festival takes place in Orissa.
A Word about Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Gaur Nitai Singing Praises of Radha Krishna - Brass Statue
Here, we would like to introduce to you an influential figure of
Vaishnavism, who is also closely associated with the Jagannath Temple.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a Vaishnava saint and social reformer, who
came from eastern India. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who was also
referred to as Krishna Chaitanya, was a notable proponent for the
Vaishnava school of Bhakti yoga, based on the philosophy of the
Bhagavata Purana and
Bhagavad Gita.
Krishna Chaitanya especially worshipped the forms of Radha and Krishna
and popularised the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha mantra, which is
most prevalent at ISKCON centers, all over the world. A renowned
scholar and composer, he also composed the Siksastakam in Sanskrit. His
line of followers, known as Gaudiya Vaishnavas, revere him as an actual
avatar of Krishna in the mood of Radharani, who incidentally, was
prophesied to appear in the later verses of the Bhagavata Purana.
Owing to his light skin complexion, Krishna Chaitanya was also referred
to as Gaura. Since he was born under a neem tree, he was also called
Nimai. Out of all the biographies available, giving details on
Chaitanya's life, the most prominent ones are the Chaitanya Bhagavata
of Vrindavana Dasa and the later Chaitanya Charitamrita of Krishnadasa
Kaviraja Goswami. Both these were originally written in Bangla, but now
they are available in English and other languages. One other work
portraying Chaitanya's life and times, is the Chaitanya Mangala written
by Lochana Dasa.
Sri Chaitanya's Birth and Life
According to the Chaitanya Charitamrita, Nimai was born on the full
moon night of February 18, 1486, at the time of a lunar eclipse. His
parents named him Vishwambhar. Sri Chaitanya was the second son of
Jagannath Mishra and his wife Sachi Devi who lived in the town of
Nabadwip in Nadia,
West Bengal. Chaitanya's ancestry is still a
mystery, as he had family roots both in Jajpur and Orissa. His
grandfather, Madhukar Mishra had later emigrated to Bengal.
During his youth, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was primarily known as a
scholar, whose learning and skills in debating were unparalleled. From
a very tender age, Chaitanya was always chanting and singing the name
of Krishna. However, this was perceived as being secondary to his
interest in acquiring knowledge and studying Sanskrit.
While traveling to Gaya to perform the shraddha (annual death ceremony)
of his departed father, Chaitanya met his Guru, the ascetic Ishvara
Puri. The Guru initiated him to chant the Gopala Krishna mantra. This
meeting was the turning point in Mahaprabhu's life. Upon his return to
Bengal the local Vaishnavas, headed by Advaita Acharya, were stunned at
his sudden change, from scholar to devotee. Very soon, Chaitanya became
the leader of their Vaishnava group within Nadia.
Chaitanya took up sanyasa, in accordance of Keshava Bharati's order. He
then journeyed for several years, covering the length and breadth of
India, constantly chanting the divine names of Krishna.
He spent the last 24 years of his life in Puri, Orissa, dearly
worshipping the Jagannath idol in the Puri temple. The Suryavanshi
Hindu emperor of Orissa, Gajapati Maharaja Prataparudra Dev, was an
enthusiastic patron of Chaitanya's sankeertan party. It was during
these years that Lord Chaitanya is believed to have attained various
samadhi states, through his utter Bhakti and love for the Lord. He is
also believed to have performed several lilas (miracles) during this
period.
Nitai Gaur in Front of Radha Krishna - Poster
According to his followers, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu united in himself two
aspects of divinity - as the ecstatic devotee of Krishna and Krishna
himself in inseparable union with Radha. On many occasions, he is also
believed to have exhibited his Universal Form, which was identical to
that of Krishna. This form, he has revealed mostly to Advaita Acharya
and Nityananda Prabhu.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is believed by many to have been merged into the
idol of Jagannath in the Puri temple, thus uniting his soul with his
deity.
Teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
In his Siksastakam or "eight verses of instruction", Chaitanya talks
about the Das Mula or the ten root maxims of leading life. These can be
summarized as follows:
- Krishna is the Supreme Absolute
Truth.
- Krishna is endowed with all
energies.
- Krishna is an ocean of rasa or
theology.
- The jivas or individual souls are
all separated parts of the Lord.
- The jivas, in the material state,
are under the influence of matter, due to their tatastha nature.
- In the liberated state, the jivas
are free from the influence of matter.
- The jivas and the material world
are both different from and identical to the Lord.
- Pure devotion is the practice of
the jivas.
- The ultimate goal is pure love for
Krishna.
- Krishna is the only lovable
blessing to be received.
Krishna Chaitanya's Cultural Heritage
Though Chaitanya had been initiated into the Madhvacharya sect and took
sannyasa in accordance with the Shankara tradition, Chaitanya went on
to develop his own philosophy and tradition, in spite of being in the
Vaishnava framework. Both his Gurus, Isvara Puri and Kesava Bharathi,
came from the Sankarite order of Advaita.Hence, one can see some marked
differences in the theology and practice of his followers, as compared
with those of the Madhavacharya sect.
Chaitanya's Sistastakam, which were recorded by one of his close
colleagues, are considered to contain the complete philosophy of
Gaudiya Vaishnavism in condensed form. Chaitanya requested a select few
among his followers (who later came to be known as the Six Gosvamis of
Vrindavan) to present the theology of bhakti he had taught to them.
These six saints, who were responsible for systematizing the Gaudiya
Vaishnava theology, were Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswami, Gopala Bhatta
Goswami, Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami, Raghunatha dasa Goswami and Jiva
Goswami.
Later, Narottama Dasa Thakur, Srinivasa Acarya and Syamananda Pandit,
who trained under Jiva Goswami, were among the stalwarts of the second
generation of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. They spread the teachings of the
Goswamis throughout Bengal, Orissa and other regions of Eastern India.
Through festivals such as Kheturi, the leaders of the various branches
of Chaitanya's followers assembled together and exchanged notes about
their particular traditions and theologies. They then started family
lineages to further spread the teachings of Chaitanya among the masses.
From the very beginning of Chaitanya's bhakti movement in Bengal, both
Hindus and Muslims were allowed to participate. This openness received
a boost from Bhaktivinoda Thakura in the late 19th century and was
institutionalized by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in his Gaudiya Matha in
the 20th Century.
Prabhupada Samadhi Mandir - Acrylic Framed Table Top Picture
Further, in the 20th Century, the teachings were taken to the West by
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a representative of
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura branch of Chaitanya's tradition.
Bhaktivedanta Swami founded his movement known as the "ISKCON" or "The
International Society for Krishna Consciousness" to spread Chaitanya's
teachings throughout the world.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is much revered by Saraswat Gurus and Acharyas,
members of the Goswami lineages and several other Hindu sects. His
followers span major Vaishnava holy places, such as West Bengal, Orissa
and Mathura. The movement has also established several temples
dedicated both to Krishna and Chaitanya outside India. What is more,
the concept of Vaishnava Bhakti is now being studied academically, as a
subject termed as Krishnology, in many academic institutions
internationally.