Char Dham

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For denomination Himalayan pilgrimage sites, see Chota Char Dham.
Char Dham

Badrinath Rameswaram
Dwarka Puri

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Badrinath
Dwarka
Puri
Rameswaram

Char Dham
Char Dham (literally: 'the four abodes/seats') are the names of four pilgrimage sites in India that
are widely revered by Hindus. It comprises Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram. It is
considered highly sacred by Hindus to visit Char Dham during one's lifetime. The Char Dham
defined by Adi Shankaracharya consists of three Vaishnavite and one Shaivite pilgrimages.[1][2]
The other pilgrimages sites in the Indian state of Uttarakhand viz. Yamunotri, Gangotri,
Kedarnath, and Badrinath were known as Chota Char Dham to differentiate them from the bigger
circuit of Char Dham sites, but after the mid-20th century they have been also referred to as the
Char Dham.[3][4][5][6]

Contents

1 Historical description

2 The four associated places of the Char dhaams

3 Pilgrimage details
o 3.1 1. Puri
o 3.2 2. Rameswaram
o 3.3 3. Dwarka
o 3.4 4. Badrinath

4 See also

5 References

Historical description
According to Hindu mythology, Badrinath became prominent when Nar-Narayan, an incarnation
of Vishnu did Tapasya there. At that time that place was filled with Plum trees. In Sanskrit
language they are called Badri, so the place was named Badrika-Van i.e. the forest of Plums. The
particular spot where the Nar-Narayan resided was therefore called Badri-Nath i.e. the Lord of
Plum forest. This all happened in the Sat-Yuga. So the Badrinath came to be known the first
Dham.

The second place, the Rameshwram got its importance in the Treta-Yug when Lord Rama built a
Shiv-ling here and worshiped it to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. The name Rameshwram
means "the God of Lord Rama". Rama himself is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The third Dhaam Dwarka got its importance in Dwapar Yug when Lord Krishna another
incarnation of Lord Vishnu, made Dwarka his residence instead of Mathura, his birthplace.[7]
The Four Shankaracharya Peeth (Seats) at the Chaar Dham school of Hinduism, created at least
four Hindu monastic institutions. He organised the Hindu monks under four Mat has(Sanskrit:
) (monasteries), with the headquarters at Dvrak in the West, Jagannatha Puri in the East,
Sringeri Sharada Peetham in the South and Badrikashrama in the North.[8]
The table below gives an overview of the four Amnaya Mathas founded by Adi Shankara, and
their details.[9]
Shishya
(lineage)
Padmapda
Surevara
Hastmalakcrya
Tot akcrya

Direction

Mat ha

Mahvkya

Veda

Prajnam brahma
(Consciousness is
Rig Veda
Brahman)
Sringeri rada Aham brahmsmi (I am Yajur
South
Pt ham
Brahman)
Veda
Dvraka
Sama
West
Tattvamasi (That thou art)
Pt ham
Veda
Jyotirmat ha
Ayamtm brahma (This Atharva
North
Pt ham
Atman is Brahman)
Veda
East

Govardhana
Pt ham

Sampradaya
Bhogavala
Bhrivala
Kitavala
Nandavala

The four associated places of the Char dhaams

In Hindu Puranas Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiv) are referred as eternal friends. It is said wherever
there resides Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva also resides nearby. Chaar Dhaams are also not exception
of this. So the Kedarnath is considered as the pair of Badrinath, Rangnath Swami is considered
the pair of Rameshwaram. Somnath is considered as the pair of Dwarka. However one thing is
also to be noted here that according to some traditions the Char Dham are Badrinath, RangnathSwami, Dwarka and Jagannath-Puri all the four of which are Vaishnav sites and their associated
places are Kedarnath, Rameshwaram, Somnath and Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar (or may be
Gupteshwar) respectively.

Pilgrimage details
Geographically speaking the char Dham make a perfect square with Badrinath and Rameswaram
falling on the same longitude and Dwarka (old) and Puri on the same latitude, representing the
farthest north, east, west, and south points of India (at that time, before coastlines changed).[citation
needed]

1. Puri

Jagannath Temple, Puri

Puri located at the east, is located in the state of Odisha, India. Puri is one of the oldest cities in
the eastern part of the country. It is situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. The main deity is
Shri Krishna, celebrated as Lord Jagannatha. It is the only shrine in India, where goddess,
Subhadra, sister of Lord Krishna is worshipped along with her brothers, Lord Jagannatha and
Lord Balabhadra. The main temple here is about 1000 years old and constructed by Raja Choda
Ganga Deva and Raja Tritiya Ananga Bhima Deva. Puri is the site of the Govardhana Matha,
one of the four cardinal institutions or Mathas established by Adi Shankaracharya. Brahma,
Vishnu & Maheswara three are together in all-time every place. In Kali yuga Sreemandir as
jagannath temple in Puri. Jagannath-Vishnu, Balabhadra-Maheswara & Subhadra-Brahma. This
is the plume for Oriya people to celebrate a special day in this Dham which is known as Ratha
Yatra ("Chariot Festival").[10][11]

2. Rameswaram

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Rameswaram located in the South is in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated in the Gulf
of Mannar at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. According to legends, this is the place from
where Lord Rama, built a bridge Ram Setu to Lanka. The Ramanatha Swamy Temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva occupies a major area of Rameswaram. The temple is believed to have been
consecrated by Shri Rama Chandra. Rameswaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to
Benaras is incomplete without a pilgrimage to Rameswaram. The presiding deity here is in the
form of a Linga with the name Sri Ramanatha Swamy, it also is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Brahma, Vishnu & Maheswara three are together in all-time every place. Rama-Vishnu, LaxmanBrahma & Hanuman-Maheswara.[citation needed]

3. Dwarka

Dwarakadheesh Temple, Dwarka

Dwarka located in the west is in the state of Gujarat, India. The city derives its name from the
word "dvar" meaning door or gate in the Sanskrit language. It is located close to where the
Gomti River merges into the Gulf of Kutch. However, this river Gomti is not the same Gomti
River which is tributary of Ganga River The city lies in the westernmost part of India. The
legendary city of Dwaraka was the dwelling place of Lord Krishna. It is believed[who?] that due to
damage and destruction by the sea, Dvaraka has submerged six times and modern day Dwarka is
the 7th such city to be built in the area.[citation needed]

4. Badrinath

Badrinath Temple, Badrinath

Badrinath is located in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is in the Garhwal hills, on the
banks of the Alaknanda River. The town lies between the Nar and Narayana mountain ranges
and in the shadow of Nilkantha peak (6,560m).

Dwarkadhish Temple
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dwarkadhish temple

The temple sikhars with the entrance in front

Dwarkadhish temple

Location in Gujarat
Name
Other names Jagat Mandir
Proper name Dwarkadheesh Mandir
Devanagari
Sanskrit
Dvrakdh mandir
transliteration
Tamil
Marathi
Bengali
Geography
221416.39N
Coordinates 68583.22ECoordinates:
221416.39N 68583.22E
Country India
State Gujarat
Locale Dwarka
Culture
Primary deity Dwarkadheesh Krishna
Important Janmastami

festivals
The Dwarkadhish temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir and occasionally spelled
"Dwarakadheesh" (Gujarati: ; Sanskrit and Hindi: ), is a Hindu
temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here by the name Dwarkadhish, or 'King
of Dwarka'. The main shrine of the 5-storied building, supported by 72 pillars, is known as Jagat
Mandir or Nija Mandir, archaeological findings suggest it to be 2,200 - 2,000 years old.[1][2][3]
Temple was enlarged in the 15th- 16th century.[4][5] The Dwarkadhish Temple is a Pushtimarg
temple, hence it follows the guidelines and rituals created by Shree Vallabhacharya and Shree
Vitheleshnathji.
According to tradition, the original temple was believed to have been built by Krishna's
grandson, Vajranabha, over the hari-griha (Lord Krishna's residential place). The temple became
part of the Char Dham pilgrimage considered sacred by Hindus in India, after Adi
Shankaracharya, the 8th century Hindu theologian and philosopher, visited the shrine. The other
three being comprising Rameswaram, Badrinath and Puri. Even today a memorial within the
temple is dedicated to his visit. Dwarakadheesh is the 108th Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu on the
subcontinent, glorified in the Divya Prabandha sacred texts.

Contents

1 History

2 Features of the temple

3 References

4 Notes

5 External links

History
The town of Dwarka in Gujarat has a history that dates back centuries, and mentioned in the
Mahabharat epic as the Dwaraka Kingdom. Situated on the banks of river Gomti, the town is
known of being the capital of Lord Krishna. Archaeological excavations have uncovered
underwater stone structures which have been described as showing settlement during protohistoric times. Evidence such as a stone block with script, the way the stones were dressed
showing that dowels had been used, and an examination of anchors found on the site suggest that
the harbour site dates only to historical times, with some of the underwater structure being late
Medieval. Coastal erosion was probably the cause of the destruction of what was an ancient port.
[6]

Features of the temple

Stairs leading up to the Main Entrance, of Dwarakadheesh temple, Dwarka

The flag atop the temple shows the sun and moon.[7]

The flag is changed from 5 times a day, but the symbol remains the same.

The temple is a five-story structure built on seventy-two pillars.

The temple spire is 78.3m high.[7][8]

The temple is constructed of limestone which is still in pristine condition.

The temple shows intricate sculptural detailing done by successions of dynasties that
ruled the region. The structure was not expanded much by these works.

Lord Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha, is said to have built the original temple of
Dwarkadhish over the hari-griha (Lord Krishna's residential place).

There are two entrances to the temple. The main entrance (north entrance) is called
"Moksha Dwara" (Door to Salvation). This entrance takes one to the main market. The
south entrance is called "Swarga Dwara" (Gate to Heaven).

Outside this doorway are 56 steps that leads to the Gomati River.

[9]

The temple is open from 6.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 9.30 pm.

Dwarka
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about a city in Gujarat. For the sub-city in Delhi, see Dwarka (Delhi). For the
ancient city in Indian epic literature, see Dvrak. For the nearby island, see Bet Dwarka.

Dwarka

Dvarka, Dwaraka, Dvaraka

city

Dwarka coast

Dwarka

Coordinates:

22.23N 68.97ECoordinates:
22.23N 68.97E
India
Gujarat
Devbhoomi Dwarka district
0 m (0 ft)

Country
State
District
Elevation
Population (2001)
Total
33,614
Languages
Official
Gujarati, Hindi
Time zone
IST (UTC+5:30)

Dwarka ( ) is a city and a municipality of Devbhoomi Dwarka district in the Gujarat state in
India. It is located on the western shore of the Okhamandal Peninsula on the right bank of the
Gomti creek. Dwarka, is one of the foremost Chardham, four sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, and
is one of the Sapta Puri, seven most ancient religious cities in the country. Dwarka is often

identified with the Dwarka Kingdom, the ancient kingdom of Krishna and is believed to have
been the first capital of Gujarat.
The Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Krishna, located in Dwarka was originally built around
2,500 years ago but was destroyed by the Mughal rulers, and then was rebuilt in the 16th century.
The temple is also the location of Sharada Peeth, one of the four peeths (religious centers)
established by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple town famous as pilgrimage centre for Hindus
has important temples, such as the Rukmini Devi temple, the Gomti Ghat and its temples, and
the Beyt Dwarka. There is also a lighthouse at the land end point of Dwarka.
Dwaraka has been chosen as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development
and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India.

Contents

1 Geography
o 1.1 Climate

2 Demographics

3 Ancient history
o 3.1 Archaeological investigations

4 Early history

5 Recent history

6 Economy
o 6.1 Industries

7 Landmarks
o 7.1 Dwarakadhisa temple
o 7.2 Rukmini Devi temple
o 7.3 Gomti Ghat
o 7.4 Bet Dwarka
o 7.5 Hanuman Dandi temple

o 7.6 Nageshwar Mandir

o 7.7 Lighthouse
o 7.8 Other places

8 Festivals

9 References

10 Bibliography

11 External links

Geography
Dwarka, at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch, on the western shore of the Okhamandal Peninsula,
is on the right bank of the Gomti creek which rises from the Bhavda village at a place known as
Mul-Gomti, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east. It is now under the newly formed district of
Devbhoomi Dwarka district in the western extremity of the Saurashtra peninsula, also known as
the Kathiawar peninsula, facing the Arabian Sea.[1] Gomti creek was a harbour till the 19th
century AD.[2]
Dwarka is well connected by air, rail and road transport. It is 131 kilometres (81 mi) by a State
Highway from Jamnagar where there is a Domestic Airport.[3] Dwarka railway station is on the
Broad Gauge railway line that runs from Ahmedabad to Okha at a distance of about 137
kilometres (85 mi) from Jamnagar. Rajkot is 217 kilometres (135 mi) away from Rajkot and 378
kilometres (235 mi) from Ahmedabad. The road link is by the state highway that links with
Jamnagar and Okha.[4]

Climate
According to the Kppen-Geiger classification, Dwarka has a subtropical desert/low-latitude arid
hot climate. The Holdridge life zones system of bioclimatic classification identifies Dwarka in or
near the subtropical thorn woodland biome.[5] On the basis of 40 years of climatic data:[6] The
average annual rainfall is 310 millimetres (12 in) spread over a rainy period of 29 days with
rainfall limited to the months of June to September; the average maximum temperature is 31 C
(88 F) with a maximum of 42 C (108 F) and an average minimum temperature is 15 C
(59 F) with a minimum of 5 C (41 F); the average annual relative humidity is 72%, with a
maximum of 80%.

[hide]Climate data for Dwarka

Month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

Record high C 33 35 38 41 42
37
(F)
(91) (95) (100) (106) (108) (99)

35
(95)

31
39
39 37 33 42
(88) (102) (102) (99) (91) (108)

Average high C 25 26 27 29 31
31
(F)
(77) (79) (81) (84) (88) (88)

30
(86)

29
29
30 30 27 28.7
(84) (84) (86) (86) (81) (83.7)

Average low C 15 17 21 24 27
27
(F)
(59) (63) (70) (75) (81) (81)

27
(81)

26
25
24 20 16 22.4
(79) (77) (75) (68) (61) (72.5)

Record low C 5 8
7
17 20
22
(F)
(41) (46) (45) (63) (68) (72)

21
(70)

21
22
17 9 8
5
(70) (72) (63) (48) (46) (41)

Average
precipitation
mm (inches)

0
(0)

0
(0)

11

Average relative
53 65
humidity (%)

71

79

80

79

81

82

80

74

64 53 71.8

Average rainy
days

0 0
(0) (0)

0
50 170 60
30
0
(0) (1.97) (6.69) (2.36) (1.18) (0)

0 0 310
(0) (0) (12.2)

24

Source: Weatherbase[6]

Demographics
As of the 2001 Census of India,[7] Dwarka had a population of 33,614 (as per Census 2011, the
population reported is 38,873[8]). Males constitute 53% of the population, and females constitute
47%. Dwarka has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; the
male literacy rate is 72%, and the female literacy rate is 55%. 13% of the population is under six
years of age.[7] Dwarka is dominated by people from Ahir community.

Ancient history
Main article: Dvrak

A painting depicting Krishna's Dwarka made during Akbar's reign from the Smithsonian
Institution.
Dwarka literally means the "gateway".[9] 'Dwar' means "gate" and 'Ka' means "Brahma" meaning
"gateway to heaven". It is also called as "Mokshapuri", "Dwarkamati" and "Dwarkavati".[4]
Dwarka finds mention in the ancient prehistoric epic period of the Mahabharata.[9] According to
legends, Krishna had settled down here after he defeated and killed his uncle Kamsa at Mathura,
after Jarasndha attacked Mathura.[10] It is believed to have been the first capital of Gujarat.[3]
According to another version, in the Puranaic era, Dwarka was established as the capital in
Saurashtra by the Aryans. The Yadavas, who had migrated from Mathura, established their
kingdom here when the town which was known as Kaushathali was remodeled and named
Dwarka.[11] In the mythical times Lord Krishna migrated from Mathura and settled in Dwarka,
which fact is in ingrained in the culture of Gujarat.[12] Dwarka was then also known as the city of
gold. A friendly population of Ahirs (who were settlers from the Central Asian region) also
prompted Krishna to settle at Dwarka when he decided, after fighting Jarasandha, the king of
Magadh to retreat from Mathura. The kingdom established by Krishna flourished and extended
its domain. It was also known as the Ahir empire or the Yadav empire.[13] It is also inferred that
Krishna had reclaimed 12 yojanas or 96 kilometres (60 mi) (8 kilometres (5.0 mi) per yojana) of
land from the sea to create Dwarka.[2]
It is also said that Krishna used to conduct the administration of his kingdom from Dwarka while
he resided with his family in Bet Dwarka.[14]

Archaeological investigations
Archaeological investigations at Dwarka, both on shore and offshore in the Arabian Sea, have
been conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India. The first investigations carried out on
land in 1963 revealed many artifacts.[15]
The Marine Archaeology Unit of the National Institute of Oceanography and the Government of
Gujarat was to reconstruct the history of maritime trade, shipbuilding and cultural status of
ancient city of Dwarka of the prehistoric times. Excavations done at two sites on the seaward
side of Dwarka brought to light submerged settlements, stone-built jetty of large size and
triangular stone anchors with three holes. The settlements are in the form of exterior and interior
walls, and fort bastions. The nearby Bet Dwarka island is a religious pilgrimage site and the
important archaeological site of Late Harappan period, with one thermoluminescence date of
1570 BC.[16]
Dwarka is mentioned in the copper inscription dated 574 AD of Simhaditya, the minister of
Vallabhi under Maitraka. He was the son of Varahdas, the king of Dwarka. The nearby Bet
Dwarka island is a religious pilgrimage site and the important archaeological site of Late
Harappan period. Archaeological excavations have uncovered underwater stone structures which
have been described as showing settlement during proto-historic times. Evidence such as a stone
block with Gujarati script, the way the stones were dressed showing that dowels had been used,
and an examination of anchors found on the site suggest that the harbour site dates only to
historical times, with some of the underwater structure being late medieval. Coastal erosion was
probably the cause of the destruction of what was an ancient port.[17]
From the typological classification of the anchors it is inferred that Dwarka had flourished as a
useful port resulting in maritime activities in the medieval period.[2]

Early history
In 200 A.D, king Vasudev II of Dwarka was defeated by Mahakshatriya Rudradama. When
Rudradama died his wife queen Dheeradevi invited his brother Pulumavi seeking guidance to
rule. Rudradama had embraced Vaishnavism religion and worshiped Krishna at Dwarka.
Vajranabha, his successor, had built a chhattri (an umbrella type monument) and deified an idol
of Krishna in it.[18]
An epigraphic reference inscribed on a copper plate, dated 574 AD found in Palitana, ascribed to
Garulaka Simhaditya, the son of Varahdas, the king of Dwarka, was the minister of Vallabhi
under Maitraka, refers to Dwarka. The Greek writer of the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea has
also referred to a place called Baraca, which is interpreted as the present day Dwarka. A
reference made in Ptolemys Geography identified Barake as an island in the Gulf of Kanthils,
which has been inferred to mean Dwarka.[2]
One of the four dhams (religious seats) founded by Adi Shankaracharya (686-717) at the four
corners of the country, as a monastic center when the mainstream Hinduism had not been

accepted, is also a part of Dwarka temple complex.[19][3] In 885 AD, the then pontiff of Shreemad
Jagatguru Shankaracharya peeth got the temple refurbished.[18]

Recent history
In 1241, Mohammad Shah invaded Dwarka and damaged the temple. During this battle five
Brahmins, Virajee Thakar, Nathu Thakar, Karasan Thakar, Valjee Thakar, and Devasee Thakar,
who fought against him, died and were honoured as martyrs. The shrine built in their honour,
located near the temple, now has a Muslim name "Panch Peer".[18] During the Muslim rule, the
Mughal emperors invaded Dwarka in 1372 and destroyed its ancient temples but the Jagat
Mandir or the Dwarakadhisa temple was rebuilt later.[20]
Vallabha Acharya retrieved an idol of Dwarkadhish, which was revered by Rukmini, in a
stepwell known as Savitri vav, which was hidden there during Muslim invasion. He installed it at
Ladva village and in 1551 when Turk Aziz invaded Dwarka, the idol was shifted to Bet Dwarka
island.[18]
Dwarka, along with Okhamandal region, was under the rule of Gaekwad of Baroda state during
Indian rebellion of 1857. Later by joint offensive of the British, the Gaekwads and other princely
states troops ousted the rebels and recaptured the region in 1859. A war occurred at Okhamandal
in 1858 between the local Vaghers and the British. The Vaghers won the battle and ruled till
September 1859. Later by joint offensive of the British, the Gaekwads and other princely states
troops, Vaghers were ousted in 1859. During these operations led by Colonel Donovan, the
temples, both in Dwarka and Bet Dwarka, suffered damages and the temple treasures were also
looted. A complaint was made by the local people of Jamnagar, Porbander and Kutch, which was
supported by the merchants of Bombay who were devotees of Vishnu, and there was wide spread
publicity to the atrocities committed by the British. They sought restoration of the temples. The
temples were restored and the looted properties returned.[21][22][23] In 1861, the temple was
renovated by Maharaja Khanderao, when the British refurbished the shikara of the temple.
Maharaja Gaikwad of Baroda got a golden pinnacle fixed on the shikara of the temple in 1958
when the then Pontiff Shankaracharya got the temple refurbished. Since 1960, the temple is
maintained by the Government of India.[18]
Dwarka is one of 12 heritage cities across the country selected under the "HRIDAY Scheme or
National Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana" scheme of Government of India to
develop civic infrastructure.[24] Sudama Setu was constructed in 2015 to connect mainland
Dwarka with Panchkui island.

Economy
Most of the revenue of Dwarka is derived from its pilgrimage status.[20] Its agricultural produce
such as millets, ghee (clarified butter), oilseeds, and salt are transported from its port.[20] A long
term development plan was proposed in 2011 with investment of Rs 830 million to refurbish the
city of Dwarka and also build a bridge connecting the city with Okha and Bet Dwarka, and
improve the sunset point.[25]

Industries
A wind farm power generation of 39.2 MW, operated near Dwarka by the AES Saurashtra
Windfarms Pvt Ltd (ASW), is now run by Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL).[26]
Dwarka's industrial development is concentrated in its cement factories.[20]

Landmarks
The holy town is a well known pilgrimage centre for Hindus as it has numerous temples with in
the city and in close proximity. Some of the important temples and monuments are the
Dwarakadhisa temple, the Rukmini Devi temple, the Gomti Ghat and its temples, the Beyt
Dwarka, the Nageshwar Mandir and the Lighthouse.[27]

Dwarakadhisa temple

The Dwarakadheesh temple at Dwarka

The Dwarakadhisa temple, located in the heart of Dwarka, is also known as Jagat Mandir
(meaning Temple of the World). It is a Vaishnava temple.[3] It was built by Raja Jagat Singh
Rathore, hence it is called Jagat Mandir.[28] The temple is at an elevation of 12.19 metres (40.0 ft)
above mean sea-level. It faces west. The temple layout consists of a garbhagriha (Nijamandira or
Harigraha) and an antarala (an antechamber).[29] It is conjectured that this temple location is
2,500 years old where Lord Krishna had built his city and a temple. However, the existing temple
is dated to 16th century. It is a five storied edifice built over 72 pillars (sandstone temple with 60
pillars is also mentioned[20]).[3][27] The original temple had been built by Krishnas grandson over
the Harigraha, the palace of Krishna. The temple has an assembly hall or audience hall.[27] There
are two important entrances to the temple, one is the main entry door which is called the Moksha
Dwar (meaning "Door to Salvation") and the exit door which is known as the Swarga Dwar
(meaning: "Gate to Heaven").[27]
The main deity deified in the sanctum is of Dwarkadeesh, which is known as Trivikrama form of
Vishnu and is depicted with four arms.[27] On the chamber to the left of the main altar is the deity
of Balarama, elder brother of Lord Krishna. The chamber to the right houses the images of
Pradyumna and Aniruddha, son and grandson of Krishna. In several shrines surrounding the
central shrine there are images of Radha (Krishna's companion), Jambavati, Satyabhama,
Lakshmi,[27] Devaki (Krishnas mother), Madhav Raoji (another name for Krishna), Rukmini,
Jugal Swaroop (name for Krishna), Lakshmi Narayana, and Sita.[28]

The temple spire rises to a height of 78 metres (256 ft) and a very large flag with symbols of Sun
and Moon is hoisted on it.[27] The flag, triangular in shape, is of 50 feet (15 m) length. This flag is
changed four times a day with a new one and Hindus pay a huge sum of money to hoist it by
purchasing a new flag. The money received on this account is credited to the trust fund of the
temple to meet the operation and maintenance expenses of the temple.[28]
According to a legend, Meera Bai, the princess cum saint, a staunch devotee of Krishna merged
with the deity at this temple.[3] It is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven holy cities of India.[27]
The temple is also the location of Sharda Peeth, one of the four peeths (religious centers)
established by Adi Shankaracharya (686-717) who pioneered unification of Hindu religious
beliefs in the country. It is a four storied structure representing four peeths established by
Shankaracharya in different parts of the country. There are paintings on the walls here depicting
the life history of Shankaracharya while the dome has carvings of Lord Shiva in different
postures.[3][28]

Rukmini Devi temple

Rukmini Devi Temple

The Rukmini Devi temple, dedicated to Rukmini, Krishnas chief queen, is located in Bet
Dwarka, 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) away from Dwarka. The temple is said to be 2,500 years old but
in its present form it is inferred to belong to the 12th century. It is a richly carved temple
decorated with sculptures of gods and goddesses on the exterior with the sanctum housing the
main image of Rukmini. Carved naratharas (human figures) and carved gajatharas (elephants)
are depicted in panels at the base of the tower. An interesting legend is narrated to justify
separate dwelling temples, far away from each other, for Rukmini and her husband Krishna. It is
said that at the request of sage Durvasa (who was renowned for his short temper and bestowing
curses) Krishna and Rukmini pulled a chariot taking sage Durvasa to their house for dinner. On
the way, when Rukmini asked for water to quench her thirst, Krishna drew Ganges water, by
prodding the ground with his toe, for her to drink. Rukmini quenched her thirst with the Ganges
water. But Durvasa felt insulted as Rukmini did not have the courtesy to offer him water to drink.
He, therefore, cursed her that she would live separately from her husband.[30]

Gomti Ghat

Gomti Ghat consists of steps leading to the Gomti creek, which is also a holy place for pilgrims
to take a dip in the river to get rid of sins. The ghat has a number of small shrines dedicated to
the Samudra (God of the Sea), Saraswati and Lakshmi.[3] Other notable temples in the ghat area
are: The Samudra Narayana temple (also known as Sangam Narayana temple), which is at the
confluence of the Gomti creek with the sea; the Chakra Narayana temple where there is stone
with imprint of a chakra as a manifestation of Vishnu; the Gomati temple which has an idol of
the river goddess Gomati said to have been brought to earth by sage Vasishta.[27]

Bet Dwarka

Bet Dwarka Coast

Bet Dwarka, an island to the north of Dwarka, considered the original residence of Krishna is off
the coast of Dwarka. It was the old port during the ancient times of Krishna before the Okha port
was developed in Dwarka. The temple built here is credited to the religious Guru Vallabhacharya
of the Pushtimarg Sampradaya. Rice is a traditional offering here to the deity as it is believed
that Lord Krishna offered rice to his childhood friend Sudama. There are also smaller shrines
here which are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Hanuman and Devi. [31] According to a legend Vishnu
killed the demon Shankhasura on this island. There are temples of Vishnu in the incarnation of
matsya or fish. Other shrines here are of Rukmini, Trivikrama, Devaki, Radha, Lakshmi,
Satyabhama, Jambavati, Lakshmi Narayan, and many other gods.[32]

Hanuman Dandi temple

Hanuman Dandi temple is another notable temple located 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) away from
Dwarka. The temple is deified with many images of Hanuman and his son Makardhwaja. The
legend associated with the birth of a son to Hanuman, who is considered celibate, is that the
sweat of Hanuman was consumed by a fish which then gave birth to a son named as
Makardhwaja.[31]

Nageshwar Mandir

Nageshwar Mandir
Nageshwar Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas
(meaning radiant sign of The Almighty) is deified here in a subterranean cell.[33]

Lighthouse
There is a lighthouse at the Dwarka Point on the Dwarka peninsula, which provides a panoramic
view of the city. It is a fixed light situated 70 feet (21 m) above the sea level and the light is
visible over a distance of 10 miles (16 km). The lighthouse tower square in shape is 40 feet
(12 m) in height and is 117 yards (107 m) away from the high water level in the sea.[32][34] The
radio beacon provided on this lighthouse tower is powered by a solar photovoltaic module.[35]

Other places
In Dwarka, there is a lake or tank called Gopi Talab on the western part of the city. A similar lake
known as Gopi Chandan meaning "sandal paste from Gopi" is situated in Bet Dwarka; this mud
is found in the bed of the lake. This fragrant mud is applied as a sanctity symbol by devout
Hindus on their forehead.[14]

Festivals
Janmashtami is the main festival that is celebrated during August/September[36] with great fervor
and piety as it was in the prehistoric times the abode of Lord Krishna. The festival is marked by
night long celebrations to celebrate the birth of Krishna. Bhajans and sermons are part of the
festivities. At midnight there is reenactment of Krishna's childhood in the form of Garba and
Raas dances. On this occasion, the local boys create a pyramid and a young boy in the costume
of Krishna climbs up this pyramid to strike a pot holding butter, an act which Krishna
mischievously performed with the gopis.[3]
Jagannath Temple, Puri
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Jagannath Temple" redirects here. For other uses, see Jagannath Temple
(disambiguation).

The Jagannath Temple at Puri

The Jagannath Temple at Puri

The Jagannath Temple at Puri

Location in Odisha
Name
Other Shri Mandira ( ), Bada
names Deula ( )
Devanagari
Marathi
Oriya
Bengali

Malay Jaganntha serpihan

Geography

194817N
Coordinates 85496ECoordinates:
194817N 85496E
Country

India

State/provin
Odisha
ce
District Puri
Locale Puri
Elevation 1 m (3 ft)
Culture
Primary
Jagannath
deity

Important
festivals

Ratha Yatra

Chandan Yatra

Snana Yatra

Nabakalebara

Architecture
Architectura
Kalinga Buddhist Architecture
l styles
Number of
31
temples
History and governance
Date built 1161
Creator Anantavarman Chodaganga
Temple Shree Jagannath Temple
board Managing Committee, Puri
Governing Shree Jagannath Temple Office,
body Puri

Website http://jagannath.nic.in/

The Jagannath Temple of Puri is a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath and
located on the eastern coast of India, at Puri in the state of Odisha.
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 is
expected to make in one's lifetime.[1]
Even though most Hindu deities that are worshiped are made out of stone or metal, the image of
Jagannath is wooden. Every twelve or nineteen years these wooden figures are ceremoniously
replaced by using sacred trees, that have to be carved as an exact replica. The reason behind this
ceremonial tradition is the highly secret Navakalevara ('New Body' or 'New Embodiment')
ceremony, an intricate set of rituals that accompany the renewal of the wooden statues.[2]
The temple was built in the 12th century atop its ruins by the progenitor of the Eastern Ganga
dynasty, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.[3] [4] 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 temple cars. Since medieval times, it is also associated with intense
religious fervour.[5]
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.[6]
Contents

1 Deities

2 Origins of the temple

o

2.1 Legends

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

2.1.2 Legend surrounding the Temple Origin

3 Invasions and Desecrations of the Temple

4 Ranjit Singh's will

5 Entry and Darshan

6 Cultural Integrity
o

6.1 Acharyas and Jagannatha Puri

6.2 Char Dham

7 Structure
o

7.1 Nila Chakra

7.2 The Singhadwara

7.3 Other Entrances

7.4 Minor Temples

7.5 The Mandapas

8 Daily Food Offerings

9 Festivals
o

9.1 Rath Yatra at Puri

9.2 Chandan Yatra

9.3 Snana Purnima

9.4 Anavasara or Anasara

9.5 Nava Kalebara

9.6 Niladri Bije

9.7 Gupta Gundicha

10 The name Purushottama Kshetra and Its Significance

11 Culture and Tradition of Puri

12 Management

13 Security

14 References

15 Notes

16 External links

Deities

The central forms of Jagannath, Balabhadra and the goddess Subhadra constitute the trinity of
deities sitting on the bejewelled platform or the Ratnabedi in the inner sanctum. The Sudarshan
Chakra, deities of Madanmohan, Sridevi and Vishwadhatri are also placed on the Ratnavedi.[7]
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.[8]
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 the recently[when?] discovered copper plates from the Ganga dynasty,[9] the
construction of the current Jagannath temple was initiated by the ruler of Kalinga,
Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev.[10] The Jaga mohan 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
Oriya ruler Ananga Bhima Deva rebuilt the temple to give a shape in which it stands today.[11]

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 Orissa, the temple was consecrated and the deities reinstalled.[10]
Legends

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

Legendary account as found in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma Purana and other Puranas and later
Oriya works state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Lord Neela Madhaba by a
Savar king ( tribal chief ) named Viswavasu. Having heard about the deity, King Indradyumna
sent a Brahmin priest, Vidyapati to locate the deity, who was worshipped secretly in a dense
forest by Viswavasu. Vidyapati tried his best but could not locate the place. But at last he
managed to marry Viswavasu's daughter Lalita . At repeated request of Vidyapti, Viswavasu took
his son-in-law blind folded to a cave where Lord Neela Madhaba was worshipped.
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 Orissa 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 Indradyumna put up for Jagannath the tallest monument of the world. It was 1,000 cubits
high. He invited Lord Brahma, the cosmic creator, consecrate the temple and the images.[12]
Brahma came all the way from Heaven for this purpose. Seeing the temple he was immensely
pleased with him. Brahma asked Indradyumna as to in what way can he (Brahma) fulfill the
king's desire, since was very much pleased with him for his having put the most beautiful Temple
for Lord Vishnu. With folded hands, Indradyumna said, "My Lord if you are really pleased with
me, kindly bless me with one thing, and it is that I should be issueless and that I should be the
last member of my family." In case anybody left alive after him, he would only take pride as the
owner of the temple and would not work for the society.
The episode of the Lord's grace during a war with Kanchi
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Jagannath and Balabhadra leading the army of King Purushottama on the expedition
to Kanchi

At one time, a king of Kanchi in the down south remarked that the king of Orissa was a chandala
(a man of very low caste or status) because, he performs the duties of a sweeper during the Car
Festival.[13] When this news reached the ears of the king of Orissa, he led an expedition to
Kanchi. Before that, he implored the mercy of Lord Jagannath. The soldiers of Orissa marched
towards Kanchi from Cuttack (earlier capital city of Orissa, 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 (yogurt)
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 Orissa 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.[14]
Legend surrounding the Temple Origin

The vimana of the main temple

The traditional story concerning the origins of the Lord Jagannath temple is that here the original
image of Jagannath (a deity form of Vishnu) at the end of Treta 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.[15] When this log, radiant with light was seen floating in the sea, Narada told the king to
make three idols out of it and place them in a pavilion. Indradyumna got Visvakarma, the
architect of Gods, to build a magnificent temple to house the idols and Vishnu himself appeared
in the guise of a carpenter to make the idols on condition that he was to be left undisturbed until
he finished the work.
But just after two weeks, the Queen became very anxious. She took the carpenter to be dead as
no sound came from the temple. Therefore, she requested the king to open the door. Thus, they

went to see Vishnu at work at which the latter abandoned his work leaving the idols unfinished.
The idol was devoid of any hands. But a divine voice told Indradyumana to install them in the
temple. It has also been widely believed that in spite of the idol being without hands, it can watch
over the world and be its lord. Thus the idiom.

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

The temple annals, the Madala Panji records that the Jagannath temple at Puri has been invaded
and plundered eighteen times.[16] The invasion by Raktabahu has been considered the first
invasion on the temple by the Madalapanji
Ranjit Singh's will

Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, had donated massive amounts of gold to the Jagannath temple.
In his last will, he also ordered that Koh-i-noor, 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 Koh-i-noor was theirs. It is currently a part of British crown jewels and is
located in the Tower of London.
Entry and Darshan

Temple has 4 entrances in all directions.Temple security is selective regarding who is allowed
entry. Practicing Hindus of non-Indian descent are excluded from premises,[17] as are Hindus of
non-Indian origin. Visitors not allowed entry may view the precincts from the roof of the nearby
Raghunandan Library and pay their respects to the image of God Jagannath known as
Patitapavana at the main entrance to the temple.[18] 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.[19] 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.[20]
The temple remains open from 5 am to 12 midnight. Unlike many other temples devotees can go
behind the idols(go round the idols).All devotees are allowed to go right up to the deities during
the Sahana Mela without paying any fees . The Sahana mela or the public darshan is usually
following the abakasha puja between around 7 to 8 am in the morning.[21] Special darshan or
Parimanik darshan is when devotees on paying 50 Rupees are allowed right up to the deities.
Parimanik darshan happens after the dhupa pujas at around 10 am, 1 pm and 8 pm . At all other
times devotees can view the deities from some distance for free. The rathyatra occurs every year
some time in the month of July. 2 or 6 weeks before Rathyatra (depending upon the year) there is
a ritual of Lord undergoing "Bhukaar" (sick) hence the idols are not on "Darshan". Devotees to
make a note of this before they plan to visit the lord.
Cultural Integrity

The Jagannath temple at night

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
Sabar people, as a symbol of Narayan. Another legend claims him to be Nilamadhava, an image
of Narayana made of blue stone and worshipped by the aboriginals. He was brought to Nilagiri
(blue mountain) or Nilachala and installed there as Shri Jagannath in company with Balabhadra
and Subhadra. The images made of wood are also claimed to have their distant linkage with the
aboriginal system of worshipping wooden poles. To cap it all the Daitapatis, who have a fair
share of responsibilities to perform rituals of the Temple, are claimed to be descendants of the
aboriginals or hill tribes of Orissa. So we may safely claim that the beginning of the cultural

history of Shrikshetra is found in the fusion of Hindu and Tribal Cultures. This has been accepted
as a facet of our proud heritage. The three deities came to be claimed as the symbols of Samyak
Darshan, Samyak Jnana and Samyak Charita usually regarded as Triratha (of the Jain cult), an
assimilation of which leads to Moksha (salvation) or the ultimate bliss...
Jagannath is worshipped as Vishnu or Narayana or Krishna and Lord Balabhadra as Shesha.
Simultaneously, the deities are regarded as the bhairava with Vimala (the devi or the consort of
Shiva) installed in the campus of the temple. So ultimately we find a fusion of Saivism, Shaktism
and Vaishnavism of the Hindu religion 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

The Singhadwara, the main entrance to the temple

All of the renowned acharyas including Madhvacharya have been known to visit this kshetra.
Adi Shankara established his Govardhana matha here. There is also evidence that Guru Nanak,
Kabir, Tulsidas, Ramanujacharya, and Nimbarkacharya had visited this place. Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu of Gaudiya Vaishnavism stayed here for 24 years, establishing that the love of god
can be spread by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. Srimad Vallabhacharya visited Jagannath
Puri and performed a 7-day recitation of Srimad Bhagvat. His sitting place is still famous as
"baithakji." It confirms his visit to Puri.[22] A famous incident took place when Vallabhachrya
visited. There was a discourse being held between the Brahmins and 4 questions were asked.
Who is the highest of Gods, What is the highest of mantras, What is the highest scripture and
What is the highest service. The discourse went on for many days with many schools of thought.
Finally Shri Vallabh said to ask Lord Jagannath to confirm Shri Vallabh's answers. A pen and
paper were left in the inner sanctum. After some time, the doors were opened and 4 answers were
written. 1) The Son of Devaki (Krishna) is the God of Gods 2) His name is the highest of
mantras 3) His song is the highest scripture (Bhagavat Geeta) 4) Service to Him is the Highest
service. The king was shocked and declared Shri Vallabh the winner of the discourse. Some of
the pandits who participated became jealous of Shri Vallabh and wanted to test Him. The next
day was Ekadashi, a fasting day where one must fast from grains. The pandits gave Shri Vallabh
rice Prasad of Shri Jagannathji (The temple is famous for this). If Shri Vallabh ate it, He would

break His vow of fasting but if He did not take it, He would disrespect Lord Jagannath. Shri
Vallabh accepted the prasad in his hand and spent the rest of the day and night explaining slokas
of the greatness of Prasad and ate the rice the next morning.
Char Dham
Char Dham

Badrinath Rameswaram
Dwarka Puri

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The temple is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham (four divine sites) sites comprising
Rameswaram, Badrinath, Puri and Dwarka.[23] Though the origins are not clearly known, the
Advaita school of Hinduism propagated by Sankaracharya, who created Hindu monastic
institutions across India, attributes the origin of Char Dham to the seer.[24] The four monasteries
lie across the four corners of India and their attendant temples are Badrinath Temple at Badrinath
in the North, Jagannath Temple at Puri in the East, Dwarakadheesh Temple at Dwarka in the
West and Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram in the South. Though ideologically the
temples are divided between the sects of Hinduism, namely Saivism and Vaishnavism, the Char
Dham pilgrimage is an all Hindu affair.[25] There are four abodes in Himalayas called Chota Char
Dham (Chota meaning small): Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri - all of these lie at
the foot hills of Himalayas [26] The name Chota was added during the mid of 20th century to
differentiate the original Char Dhams.[citation needed] The journey across the four cardinal points in

India is considered sacred by Hindus who aspire to visit these temples once in their lifetime.[27]
Traditionally the trip starts at the eastern end from Puri, proceeding in clockwise direction in a
manner typically followed for circumambulation in Hindu temples.[27]
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. This 20 feet (6.1 m) high wall is known as Meghanada
Pacheri.[28] Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.[29] It contains at least
120 temples and shrines. With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple
architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.[30] The temple has four
distinct sectional structures, namely 1. Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities
are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
3. Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience
Hall/Dancing Hall), and
4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall).[31]

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.[32] Among the existing temples in Orissa, the temple of Shri Jagannath is
the highest. The temple tower was built on a raised platform of stone and, rising to 214 feet
(65 m) above the inner sanctum where the deities reside, dominates the surrounding landscape.
The pyramidal roofs of the surrounding temples and adjoining halls, or mandapas, rise in steps
toward the tower like a ridge of mountain peaks.[33]
Nila Chakra

The Nila Chakra atop Jagannath Temple

The Nila Chakra (Blue Discus) is the discus mounted on the top shikhar of the Jagannath
Temple. As per custom, everyday a different flag is waved on the Nila Chakra. The flag hoisted
on the Nila Cakra is called the Patita Pavana (Purifier of the Fallen) and is equivalent to the
image of the deities placed in the sanctum sanctorum [2].
The Nila Chakra is a disc with eight Navagunjaras carved on the outer circumference, with all
facing towards the flagpost above. It is made of alloy of eight metals (Asta-dhatu) and is 3.5
Metres (11 feet and 8 inches) high with a circumference of about 11 metres (36 feet). [3]. During
the year 2010, the Nila Chakra was repaired and restored by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The Nila Chakra is distinct from the Sudarshana chakra which has been placed with the deities in
the inner sanctorum.
Nila Chakra is the most revered iconic symbol in the Jagannath cult. The Nila Chakra is the only
physical object whose markings are used as sacrament and considered sacred in Jagannath
worship. It symbolizes protection by Shri Jagannath.
The Singhadwara

The Bada Danda or the Grand Avenue

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

The Singahdwara, which in Sanskrit means The Lion Gate, is one of the four gates to the temple
and forms the Main entrance. The Singhadwara is so named because two huge statues of
crouching lions exist on either side of the entrance. The gate faces east opening on to the Bada
Danda or the Grand Road.[34] 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.[35] 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. One significant thing about Arun stambha is that prior it was located in the
Konark Sun temple,[36][37] later, the Maratha guru Brahmachari Gosain brought this pillar from
Konark.[38] The Puri Jagannath Temple was also saved by Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj from being plundered at his times from the Mughals.
Other Entrances

The Ashwadwara Gate

Apart from the Singhadwara, which is the main entrance to the temple, there are three other
entrances facing north, south and west. They are named after the sculptures of animals guarding
them. The other entrances are the Hathidwara or the Elephant Gate, the Vyaghradwara or the
Tiger Gate and the Ashwadwara or the Horse Gate.[39]
Minor Temples

Cluster of minor temples in the southern part of Jagannath temple complex,

including the Vimala Temple (extreme right). c. 1890.

There are numerous smaller temples and shrines within the Temple complex where active
worship is regularly conducted. The Vimala Temple (Bimala Temple) is considered one of the
most important of the Shaktipeeths marks the spot where the goddess Sati's feet fell. It is located
near Rohini Kund in the temple complex. Until food offered to Jagannath is offered to Goddess
Vimala it is not considered Mahaprasad.
The temple of Mahalakshmi has an important role in rituals of the main temple. It is said that
preparation of naivedya as offering for Jagannath is supervised by Mahalakshmi. The Kanchi
Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Uchhista Ganapati. Tradition says the King of Kanchipuram
(Kanchi) in ancient times gifted the idol, when Gajapati Purushottama Deva married Padmavati,

the kanchi princess. There are other shrines namely Muktimandap, Surya, Saraswati,
Bhuvaneshwari, Narasimha, Rama, Hanuman and Eshaneshwara.
The Mandapas

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

There are many Mandapas or Pillared halls on raised platforms within the temple complex meant
for religious congregations. The most prominent is the Mukti Mandapa the congregation hall of
the holy seat of selected learned brahmins.[40] Here important decisions regarding conduct of
daily worship and festivals are taken. The Dola Mandapa is noteworthy for a beautifully carved
stone Torana or arch which is used for constructing a swing for the annual Dol Yatra festival.
During the festival the idol of Dologobinda 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
Daily Food Offerings
Main article: Mahaprasad (Jagannath Temple)

Daily offerings are made to the Lord six times a day. These include:
1. The offering to the Lord in the morning that forms his breakfast and is called
Gopala Vallabha Bhoga. Breakfast consists of seven items i.e. Khua, Lahuni,
Sweetened coconut grating, Coconut water, and popcorn sweetened with
sugar known as Khai, Curd and Ripe bananas.
2. The Sakala Dhupa forms his next offering at about 10 AM. This generally
consists of 13 items including the Enduri cake & Mantha puli.
3. Bada Sankhudi Bhoga forms the next repast & the offering consists of Pakhala
with curd and Kanji payas. The offerings are made in the Bhog Mandapa,
about 200 feet from the Ratnabedi. This is called Chatra Bhog and was
introduced by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century to help pilgrims share
the temple food.

4. The Madhyanha dhupa forms the next offering at the noon.

5. The next offering to the Lord is made in the evening at around 8 PM it is
Sandhya Dhupa.
6. The last offering to the Lord is called the Bada Simhara Bhoga. [41]

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

Mahaprasad (Large)

The temple's kitchen is considered as the largest kitchen in the world.[30] [42] [43] [44] 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, then, promptly buried and a new
batch cooked.[45] All food is cooked following rules as prescribed by Hindu religious texts, the
food cooked is pure vegetarian without using onions and garlic.[46] Cooking is done only in
earthen pots with water drawn from two special wells near the kitchen called Ganga and
Yamuna. There are a total of 56 varieties of naivedhyas offered to the deities, near Ratnabedi as
well as in Bhoga Mandap on five particular Muhurta. 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 in reasonable portions as Mahaprasad, which is
considered to be divine by the devotees in the Ananda Bazar (an open market, located to the
North-east of the Singhadwara inside the Temple complex).
Festivals
Main article: List of festivals observed at Jagannatha Temple, Puri

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
millions of people. The most important festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot festival in June.
This spectacular festival includes a procession of three huge chariots bearing the idols of
Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra through the Bada Danda meaning the Grand Avenue of
Puri till their final destination the Gundicha Temple.[47]

Suna Vesha or Golden Attire of Lord Jagannath

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. Many festivals like Dol Yatra in spring and Jhulan Yatra in
monsoon are celebrated by temple every year.Pavitrotsava and Damanaka utsava are
celebrated as per panchanga or panjika.There are special ceremonies in the month of Kartika and
Pausha.
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.

Pana Sankranti: Also known or Vishuva Sankranti and Mesha Sankranti:

Special rituals are performed at the temple. [48]

Rath Yatra at Puri

Main article: Ratha-Yatra (Puri)

The Jagannath triad are usually worshiped in the sanctum of the temple at Puri, but once during
the month of Asadha (Rainy Season of Orissa, usually falling in month of June or July), they are
brought out onto the Bada Danda (main street of Puri) and travel (3 km) to the Shri Gundicha
Temple, in huge chariots (ratha), allowing the public to have darana (Holy view). This festival is
known as Rath Yatra, meaning the journey (yatra) of the chariots (ratha). The Rathas are huge
wheeled wooden structures, which are built anew every year and are pulled by the devotees. The
chariot for Jagannath is approximately 45 feet high and 35 feet square and takes about 2 months
to construct.[49] The artists and painters of Puri decorate the cars and paint flower petals and other
designs on the wheels, the wood-carved charioteer and horses, and the inverted lotuses on the
wall behind the throne.[50] The huge chariots of Jagannath pulled during Rath Yatra is the
etymological origin of the English word Juggernaut.[51] The Ratha-Yatra is also termed as the Shri
Gundicha yatra.

Pahandi bije during Ratha Yatra at Puri

The most significant ritual associated with the Ratha-Yatra is the chhera pahara." During the
festival, the Gajapati King wears the outfit of a sweeper and sweeps all around the deities and
chariots in the Chera Pahara (sweeping with water) ritual. The Gajapati King cleanses the road
before the chariots with a gold-handled broom and sprinkles sandalwood water and powder with
utmost devotion. As per the custom, although the Gajapati King has been considered the most
exalted person in the Kalingan kingdom, he still renders the menial service to Jagannath. This
ritual signified that under the lordship of Jagannath, there is no distinction between the powerful
sovereign Gajapati King and the most humble devotee.[52]

Chera pahara is held on two days, on the first day of the Ratha Yatra, when the deities are taken
to garden house at Mausi Maa Temple and again on the last day of the festival, when the deities
are ceremoniously brought back to the Shri Mandir.
As per another ritual, when the deities are taken out from the Shri Mandir to the Chariots in
Pahandi vijay.
In the Ratha Yatra, the three deities are taken from the Jagannath Temple in the chariots to the
Gundicha Temple, where they stay for nine days. Thereafter, the deities again ride the chariots
back to Shri Mandir in bahuda yatra. On the way back, the three chariots halt at the Mausi Maa
Temple and the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a kind of baked cake which are generally
consumed by the Odisha people only.
The observance of the Rath Yatra of Jagannath dates back to the period of the Puranas. Vivid
descriptions of this festival are found in Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana.
Kapila Samhita also refers to Rath Yatra. In Moghul period also, King Ramsingh of Jaipur,
Rajasthan has been described as organizing the Rath Yatra in the 18th Century. In Orissa, Kings
of Mayurbhanj and Parlakhemundi were organizing the Rath Yatra, though the most grand
festival in terms of scale and popularity takes place at Puri.
Moreover, Starza[53] notes that the ruling Ganga dynasty instituted the Rath Yatra at the
completion of the great temple around 1150 AD. This festival was one of those Hindu festivals
that was reported to the Western world very early. Friar Odoric of Pordenone visited India in
1316-1318, some 20 years after Marco Polo had dictated the account of his travels while in a
Genoese prison.[54] In his own account of 1321, Odoric reported how the people put the "idols"
on chariots, and the King and Queen and all the people drew them from the "church" with song
and music.[55] [56]
Chandan Yatra
Main article: Chandan Yatra

In Akshaya Tritiya every year the Chandan Yatra festival marks the commencement of the
construction of the Chariots of the Rath Yatra.
Snana Purnima
Main article: Snana Purnima

On the Purnima of the month of Jyestha the Gods are ceremonially bathed and decorated every
year on the occasion of Snana Yatra.
Anavasara or Anasara

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

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 Alarnath a form of Vishnu.[57] 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 special servants named,
Daitapatis for 15 days. During this period cooked food is not offered to the deities.[58]
Nava Kalebara
Main article: Nabakalevara

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 millions of 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.Next ceremony will be held on 2015.[59]
More than 3 million devotees are expected to visit the temple during the Nabakalevara of 2015[60]
making it one of the most visited festivals in the world.
Niladri Bije

Golden Attire of the God Balabhadra on his chariot

Celebrated on Asadha Trayodashi.[61] Niladri Bije is the concluding day of Ratha yatra. On this
day deities return to the ratna bedi.[62] [63] Lord Jagannath offers Rasgulla to goddess Laxmi to
enter in to the temple.[64] [65]
Gupta Gundicha

Celebrated for 16 days from Ashwina Krushna dwitiya to Vijayadashami.[66] As per tradition, the
idol of Madhaba, along with the idol of Goddess Durga (known as Durgamadhaba), is taken on a
tour of the temple premises. The tour within the temple is observed for the first eight days. For
the next eight days, the idols are taken outside the temple on a palanquin to the nearby Narayani
temple situated in the Dolamandapa lane. After their worship, they are brought back to the
temple.[67]
The name Purushottama Kshetra and Its Significance

Puri Shri Jagannath Temple from a lane nearby

Lord Jagannath is the Purushottama as per the scripture, Skanda Purana. In order to teach human
beings how to lead a life full of virtue, he has taken the form of Saguna Brahman or
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 aspect is still in the month of
Margashirsha, on three consecutive days during amavasya he does Shraddha to his parents
(Kashyapa-Aditi, Dasharatha-Kaushalya, Vasudeva-Devaki, Nanda-Yashoda), along with the
king Indradyumna and queen Gundicha. As a master he enjoys every comfort daily and in

various festivals. He grants all wishes to his subjects, and those who surrender before him he
takes the utmost care of.
Culture and Tradition of Puri

A sketch of the Jagannath temple dating back to 1815

Jagannath temple, viewed from the Puri Light House

Puri is one of the fascinating littoral districts of Orissa. The Cultural heritage of Puri with its long
recorded history has its beginnings in the third century B.C. The monuments, religious sanctity,
and way of life of the people with their rich tradition is the cultural heart of Orissa. Indeed, Puri
is considered the cultural capital of Orissa. The culture here flourished with its manifold
activities.
The District has the happy conglomerate of different religions, sects and faith. In the course of
history, Hindu, Buddhist, Jaina, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh are found here in the District.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, appeared 500 years ago, in the mood of
a devotee to taste the sublime emotions of ecstasy 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.
Especially King Prataparudra became His great admirer and ardent follower. Thus all cultures
and religion became one in Puri after his teachings were given to all with no consideration of
caste and creed.

Management

After independence, the State Government, with a view to getting better administrative system,
passed " The Puri Shri Jagannath Temple (Administration) Act, 1952.[68] It contained provisions
to prepare the Record of Rights and duties of Sevayats and such other persons connected with the
system of worship and management of the temple. Subsequently Shri Jagannath Temple Act,
1955 " was enacted to reorganize the management system of the affair of the temple and its
properties.
Security

The security at the 12th century Jagannath Temple is increased ahead of Ratha Yatra, the
homecoming festival of the deities of Jagannath temple. In the wake of terror alert on 27 June
2012, the security forces were increased to ensure smooth functioning of the crowded Ratha
Yatra and Suna Besha.[69

Mahaprasad (Jagannath Temple)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about Prasad of Jagannath temple. For other uses, see Prasad.

Mahaprasad ready for devotees

Mahaprasad (Odia: ) is the term applied to the 56 food items offered to Lord
Jagannath in the holy Temple of Puri, located in Odisha, India.The "Prasad" offered to him and
later to Maa Bimala in the Grand Temple(SriMandir)is known as 'Mahaprasad'.

Contents

1 Mahaprasada and Meaning

2 Daily food offerings

o 2.1 Gopal Vallabh Bhog (Breakfast at 8.30 am)
o 2.2 Sakala Dhupa (Morning meal at 10.00 am)
o 2.3 Bhoga Mandapa Bhoga (Supplementary to breakfast at 11.00 am)
o 2.4 Madhyanna Dhupa (Midday meal at 12.30 to 1.00 pm)
o 2.5 Sandhya Dhupa (Evening meal at 7.00 to 8.00 pm)
o 2.6 Bada Singhara Bhoga (Late night Meal at 11.00 pm)

3 References

4 External links

Mahaprasada and Meaning

'Mahaprasad' is of two types. One is Sankudi mahaprasad and the other is Sukhila mahaprasad.
Both the types are available for sale in Ananda Bazaar of the Grand Temple.

Sankudi mahaprasad includes items like rice, ghee rice, mixed rice, cumin seed and
asaphoetida-ginger rice mixed with salt, and dishes like sweet dal, plain dal mixed with
vegetables, mixed curries of different types, Saaga Bhaja', Khatta, porridge etc. All these
are offered to the Lord in ritualistic ways. It is said that every day 56 types of Prasad are
offered to the Lord during the time of worship and all of these are prepared in the
kitchens of the temple and sold to the devotees in Ananda Bazaar by the Suaras who are
the makers of the Prasad.

Sukhila mahaprasad consists of dry sweetmeats.

Besides Sankudi and Sukhila mahaprasad another type of dry mahaprasad is Nirmalya. This is
also known as Kaibalya. In spiritual recognition Nirmalya is equally important as Mahaprasad.
There is a belief among Hindus that if Nirmalya is given to a person on his death bed, he is
certain to find a place for himself in the heaven after his death following atonement of all his
sins. Nirmalya is commonly understood as dry-rice i.e. rice dried up in hot sun in Kaibalya
Baikuntha. As laid down in the Skanda Purana things like flowers, sandal paste, garlands, etc.
which are treated with reverence on the Lord including the other divine deities seated on

Ratnasinmhasan (throne) in the temple are also know as Nirmalya after they are taken out from
the deities. It is thus clear to mention that any of the divine accompaniments or components that
is taken out of the Lord and his divine associates is known as Nirmalya.
Four hallowed shrines located at cardinal points of the Indian sub-continent i.e. Puri, Rameswar,
Dwarika and Badrinath are believed to have been liked by Lord Vishnu intimately. It is said and
believed that He takes His bath at Rameswaram, meditates at Badrinath, dines at Puri and retires
at Dwarika. Hence, the temple food "Mahaprasad" (not simply prasad) at Puri is held to be of
supreme importance.
According to " Skanda Purana" Lord Jagannath redeems the devotees by permitting them to
partake his Mahaprasad, to have His darshan and to worship him by observing rituals and by
offering of gifts. Mahaprasad is treated here as 'Anna Brahma'. The temple kitchen has got the
capacity to cook for a lakh of devotees on a day. Mahaprasad is cooked only in earthen pots and
medium of food is fire wood only. The steam-cooked food is offered to Lord Jagannath first and
then to Goddess Vimala after which it becomes Mahaprasad. This Mahaprasad is freely partaken
by people of all castes and creeds without any discrimination. The items offered include cooked
rice, dal, vegetable curry, sweet-dishes, cakes etc. Dry confectioneries are prepared of sugar, gur,
wheat flour, ghee, milk and cheese etc.
When the steam cooked food is carried to Lord in slings of earthen pots no flavour comes up
from the food but when the same is carried back to the sale point after being offered to the Lord a
delicious smell spells along in the breeze to the pleasant surprise of the devotees. Now the food
is blessed.
Mahaprasad consolidates human bond, sanctifies sacraments and grooms the departing soul for
its journey upwards.
Mahaprasad are sold in Anand Bazar or the Pleasure Mart of the temple which is situated on the
north east corner of the outer enclosure of the temple. It is the biggest open-air hotel in the world
where every day thousands of devotees purchase and eat together forgetting their caste, creed and
status.
Most of the residents in and around Puri depend upon this Mahaprasad to entertain their guests
during social functions such as threading and weddings. In all auspicious occasions in Odia
Hindu families Mahaprasad is taken first.
The tourists prefer to carry a particular type of dry Mahaprasad known as" Khaja" (made of
maida, sugar and ghee) which stays fresh for days together.
Mahaprasad is ceased to be offered during the 21 days preceding the Ratha Yatra, as the lord is
said to be having fever in that period.
Dried rice Mahaprasad known as Nirmalya is also used by devotees and tourists for different
sacred occasions.

Daily food offerings

Mahaprasad served on a plantain leaf

There are six particular times a day, starting from early morning, when different kinds of Pitha,
vegetables, rice and dal are offered to Jagannath and his sibling deities. Locally the offerings are
called Dhupa when offered through Sodasa (16) Upchars and Bhoga when offered through
pancha upacharas.[1]
The most popular is the midday Naivedhya, which contains the maximum number of food items.
The items are not cooked by any human beings, but rather the ingredients are put in earthen
vessels and kept on a wooden fire. After time has passed, the items are taken away from fire and
taken by supakaras to the Sanctum sanctorum or Garbhagriha for offering. The naivedhya is
thereafter offered to the sibling deities that is again offered to Vimala, a form of Shakti. Then the
prasad becomes Mahaprasad and people partake the mahaprasad.
When the Sun stays in the zodiac Dhanu, during that time an additional naivedhya is given
before sunrise which is called Pahili Bhoga.[2]
Daily offerings to the Lord include:
1. Gopala Vallabha Bhoga: The first offering to the Lord in the morning that forms his
breakfast.
2. Sakala Dhupa: The Sakala Dhupa forms his next offering at about 10 O clock in the
morning. This generally consists of 13 items including the Enduri cake and Mantha puli.
3. Bhoga mandapa bhoga: The next repast and 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.
4. The Madhyanha dhupa forms the next offering at the noon.
5. Sandhya Dhupa: This offering to the Lord is made in the evening at around 8 oclock.
6. Bada Simhara Bhoga: The last offering to the Lord.

Except Gopal Ballav Bhog and Bhog Mandap all other 4 bhogs are offered near the Ratnabedi
inside the frame of Phokaria which is being drawn by the Puja pandas using Muruj. The items
that form the core of offerings to Lord Jagannaths Mahaprasad are:

Gopal Vallabh Bhog (Breakfast at 8.30 am)

The offering is the first one of the daily Prasad to Lord Jagannath. The Bhogs are offered at the
Anabsar Pindi.[3] Breakfast is a seven item treat - Khua, Lahuni, grated sweet coconut, coconut
water, and rice puffs sweetened with sugar known as Khai and curd, and ripe bananas.

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.

Sakala Dhupa (Morning meal at 10.00 am)

This is the first cooked meal Bhog. This bhoga is also called 'Kotha bhoga' or 'Raja bhoga' [4] The
Sevaks offer this Bhoga 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

Kakatua Jhilli - 4 Nos

Ada Pachedi - 4 Sara

Bundia - 1 Sara

Tata Khechudi - 3 Kudia

Tata Kanika - 3 Kudia

Nukhura Khechudi - 4

Sana Khechudi -8 Oli

Mendha Mundia - 1 No

Adha Kania - 2 Kudia

Taila Khechudi - 14 Kudia

Saga - 5 Oli

Majuri Khechudi - 3 Kudia

Bhoga Mandapa Bhoga (Supplementary to breakfast at 11.00 am)

As per the demand of the devotees, the Bhogs are sold for a fee.[5]

Madhyanna Dhupa (Midday meal at 12.30 to 1.00 pm)

Like the Sakal Dhup, this is also performed in 16 Upchars.[6] The Sevayats engaged for the
Sakala Dhupa are only allowed for Madhyana Dhupa and Sandhya Dhupa. 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

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

Bada Singhara Bhoga (Late night Meal at 11.00 pm)

This is the last Bhog of the deities.[7] As per the record of rites of Srimandir, the time has been
fixed for 11.15 pm. Before Dhup, the Palia Puspalaks dress up the deities with silk dresses
(Pata), flower garlands and sing 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

Ratha Yatra (Puri)

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Rathayatra of Puri

Puri Rathayatra, 2007

Puri, Odisha, India

Place

Ratha Yatra (Oriya: or Ratha Jatra or Chariot Festival) is a Hindu festival

associated with the god Jagannath held at Puri in the state of Odisha, India. This annual festival
is celebrated on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Ashadha month).
The festival commemorates Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple
(aunt's home) near Balagandi Chaka, Puri.
As part of Ratha Yatra, the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken out in a
procession to Gundicha Temple and remain there for nine days. Then the deities or Ratha Yatra
return to the Main temple. The return journey of Puri Jagannath Ratha Jatra is known as Bahuda
Jatra.

Contents

1 The festival

2 Description

3 Significance

4 The Chariots
o 4.1 Nandighosha
o 4.2 Taladhwaja
o 4.3 Darpadalana

5 Chandan Jatra

6 Suna Besha

7 The Ratha Yatra of 2014

8 The Ratha Yatra and Pahandi of 2015

9 International Ratha Yatra

10 Service offerings

11 References

12 External links

The festival

From right the Ratha of Lord Jagannath named Nandighosha, the Ratha of Goddess Subhadra
named Darpadalana and the Ratha of Lord Balabhadra named Taladhwaja are parked outside the
Gundicha Temple, Puri before the commencement of the Bahuda Jatra, Nabakalebara 2015.

Ratha Yatra Festival in Puri, India. Painting by James Fergusson

Three richly decorated chariots, resembling temple structures, are pulled through the streets of
Puri called Badadanda. This commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord
Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra to their aunt's temple, the Gundicha Temple which is
situated at a distance of 2 km from their temple. This is the only day when devotees who are not
allowed in the temple premises, such as non-Hindus and foreigners, can get their glimpse of the
deities. During the festival, devotees from all over the world go to Puri with an earnest desire to
help pull the Lords' chariots with the help of other priests pulling the chariots with ropes. They
consider this a pious deed and risk their lives in the huge crowd. The huge processions
accompanying the chariots play devotional songs with drums, tambourines, trumpets etc.
Children line the streets through which the chariot will pass and add to the mass chorus. The
Ratha carts themselves are some approximately 45 feet (14 m) high and are pulled by the
thousands of pilgrims who turn up for the event; the chariots are built anew each year only from
a particular type of tree. Millions of devotees congregate at Puri for this annual event from all
over the country and abroad. It is also broadcast live on many Indian, foreign television channels
as well as many of the websites telecast jagannath ratha yatra live.[1]

Description

The "Bada Danda" or the Grand Avenue

Ratha Jatra, the Festival of Chariot: Chariots of Shri Jagannath is celebrated every year at Puri,
the temple town in Odisha, on the second (dwitiya) day of shukla pakshya (waxing cycle of
moon) of Ashadh Maas (3rd month in Lunar Calendar). The presiding deities of the Jagannath
Temple, Puri's main temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, with the
celestial wheel (Sudarshana Chakra) are taken out from the temple precincts in an elaborate ritual
procession to their respective chariots. The huge, colourfully decorated chariots are drawn by

multitude of devotees on the bada danda, the grand avenue to the Gundicha Temple (Gundicha
King Indradyumna's Queen), two miles away to the North.
On their way back from the Gundicha Temple, the three deities stop for a while near the Mausi
Maa Temple (Aunt's abode) and have an offering of the Poda Pitha, which is a special type of
pancake supposed to be the Lord's favourite. After a stay for seven days, the deities return to
their abode.

Significance

Rath/chariots under construction for the Rath Yatra in Puri

Jagannath being brought out of the Puri temple to the Rath

Jagannath on his chariot

The festival is also known as Gundicha Yatra, Ghosa Yatra, Navadina Ytr, Dasvatra Ytr
and by a variety of other names. Rathe tu vamanam drishtwa punarjanmam na vidyate: A glimpse
of the Vamana, the dwarf form, an incarnation of Lord Jagannatha, is sure to ensure
emancipation, release from the cycle of birth and death. Yatra is an essential part of the ritual of
the Hindu system of worship. Yatra literally means travel or journey. Normally, it is the
representative deities of temples more popularly known as Utsava Murti in south and Chalanti
Pratima or Bije Pratima in Odisha, partake in these journeys. The Yatra for the Ritual Journey

take two forms one involving the short circumbulation around the temple and other involving a
longer journey from the temple to some other destination. The Yatra is considered as an
important part of festivities and ceremonies of each temple and is considered as a special and
sacred occasion. Rath Yatra being unique among all Yatras is the grandest festival of the supreme
divinity who has manifested himself in the Kali Yuga to emancipate humanity and to relieve
them from their sufferings. Lord Jagannatha is identified fully with Krishna. In his original
manifestation as Nilamadhaba, he was worshipped in a sacred Nyagrodha Briksha or banyan
tree. The branches of the tree had spread for several miles and any one entering this area was
instantly emancipated and was relieved of the travails of the birth and rebirth. In fact, the
influence of Yama, the God of Death, is supposed to have been curtailed in the sacred city of Puri
Srikshetra on account of the presence of Lord Jagannatha and therefore it is also called the
Yamanika Tirtha.
A glimpse of Lord Jagannatha on the chariot is considered to be very auspicious and saints, poets
and scriptures have repeatedly glorified the sanctity of this special festival. The sanctity of the
festival is such that even a touch of the chariot or even the ropes with which these are pulled is
considered enough to confer the results of several pious deeds or penance for ages. In fact, there
is a famous Oriya song which says that on this occasion, the chariot, the wheels, the grand
avenue all become one with Lord Jagannatha himself.
The concept of the chariot has been explained in the Kathopanishada in the following wordsAtmaanam rathinam viddhi shareeram rathamevatu Buddhim tu saarathim viddhi manah
pragrahameva cha. The body is the chariot and the soul is the deity installed in the chariot. The
wisdom acts as the charioteer to control the mind and thoughts.
The Skanda Purana glorifies the sanctity of the Rath Yatra in the following wordsGundicha mandapam namam yatrahamajanam pura Ashwamedha sahasrasya mahabedi
tadadvabat.
Those who are fortunate to see the deities of the Srimandira in the Gundicha Temple, the final
destination of the procession of the chariots, derive the benefits of a thousand horse sacrifices, an
immensely pious deed. Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja in his famous Vaidehisa Vilasa mentions
that the Lord comes out from his sanctum for participating in the Gundicha Yatra, another name
of the Festival of Chariots, only for redeeming the fallen, the patita jana who get the opportunity
to behold their dearest god at close quarters on this occasion. Similarly, saint poet Salabega
waxes eloquent in praise of the dark Lord Jagannath and says that the Lord swaying and moving
like a wild elephant arrives at the Grand Avenue and rides his chariot and destroys in a flash all
the sins of his devotees, even if these may be grave or unpardonable.

The Chariots
The three chariots of Balarama, Subhadra and Jagannatha are newly constructed every year with
wood of specified trees like phassi, dhausa, etc. They are customarily brought from the exprincely state of Dasapalla by a specialist team of carpenters who have hereditary rights and

privileges for the same. The logs are traditionally set afloat as rafts in the river Mahanadi. These
are collected near Puri and then transported by road.
The three chariots are decorated as per the unique scheme prescribed and followed for centuries
stand on the Bada Danda, the Grand Avenue. Covered with bright canopies made of stripes of red
cloth and combined with those of black, yellow and blue colours, the huge chariots are lined
across the wide avenue in front of the majestic temple close to its eastern entrance, which is also
known as the Sinhadwara or the Lion's Gate.
Lord Jagannatha's chariot is called Nandighosa. It is forty-five feet high and forty-five feet
square at the wheel level. It has sixteen wheels, each of seven-foot diameter, and is decked with a
cover made of red and yellow cloth. Lord Jagannatha is identified with Krushna, who is also
known as Pitambara, the one attired in golden yellow robes and hence the distinguishing yellow
stripes on the canopy of this chariot.

Nandighosa Rath
The chariot of Lord Balarama, called the Taladhwaja, is the one with the Palm Tree on its flag. It
has fourteen wheels, each of seven-foot diameter and is covered with red and blue cloth. Its
height is forty-four feet.

Taladhwaja Rath
The chariot of Subhadra, known as Dwarpadalana, literally "trampler of pride," is forty-three feet
high with twelve wheels, each of seven-foot diameter. This chariot is decked with a covering of
red and black cloth black being traditionally associated with Shakti and the Mother Goddess.

Dwarpadalana or Padmadhwaja Rath

Around each of the chariots are nine Parsva devatas, painted wooden images representing
different deities on the chariots' sides. Each of the chariots is attached to four horses. These are of
different colours dark ones for Balarama, white ones for Jagannatha, and red ones for
Subhadra. Each chariot has a charioteer called Sarathi. The three charioteers attached to the
chariots of Jagannatha, Balarama and Subhadra respectively are Daruka, Matali and Arjuna.
Descriptions of the Chariots

Nandighosha
The chariot of Lord Jagannath is named as Nandighosha or Garudadhwaja or Kapiladhwaja. The
Lord is accompanied by Madanmohan.
Number of wheels: 16
Total Number of wooden pieces used: 832
Height: 44' 2"
Length and breadth: 34'6" x 34'6"
Wrappings: Red, Yellow colour cloths
Guarded by: Garuda
Name of the charioteer: Daruka
The flag: Trailokyamohini
The horses: Shankha, Balahaka, Suweta, Haridashwa
The rope: Sankhachuda Naguni
Presiding Nine Deities: (i) Varaha
(ii) Gobardhan
(iii) Krishna, Gopi Krishna
(iv) Nursingha
(v) Rama
(vi) Narayan
(Vii) Trivikrama
(viii) Hanuman
(ix) Rudra

Taladhwaja
The Chariot of Balabhadra named as Taladhwaja or Langaladhwaja. The Lord is accompanied by
Ramakrishna.
Number of wheels: 14
Total Number of wooden pieces used: 763
Height: 43' 3"
Length and breadth: 33' x 33'
Wrappings: Red, Bluish green colour cloths
Guarded by: Basudev
Name of the charioteer: Matali
The flag: Unnani
The horses: Tribra, Ghora, Dirghasharma, Swornanava
The rope: Basuki Naga
Presiding Nine Deities: (i) Ganesh
(ii) Kartikeya
(iii) Sarvamangala
(iv) Pralambari
(v) Hatayudha
(vi) Mrutyunjaya
(vii) Natamvara
(viii) Mukteswar
(ix) Sheshadeva

Darpadalana

The chariot of Subhadra named as Darpadalana or Devadalana or Padmadhwaja. The Goddess is

accompanied by Sudarshana.
Number of wheels: 12
Total Number of wooden pieces used: 593
Height: 42' 3"
Length and breadth: 31'6" x 31'6"
Wrappings: Red, Black colour cloths
Guarded by: Jayadurga
Name of the charioteer: Arjuna
The flag: Nadambika
The horses: Rochika, Mochika, Jita, Aparajita
The rope: Swarnachuda Naguni
Presiding Nine Deities: (i) Chandi
(ii) Chamunda
(iii) Ugratara
(iv) Vanadurga
(v) Shulidurga
(vi) Varahi
(vii) Shyamakali
(viii) Mangala
(ix) Vimala

CAR Festival

Chandan Jatra

The Kings palace in Puri

The construction of the chariots starts on Akshaya Trutiya, the third day of the bright fortnight of
Vaisakha, with ritual fire worship. This takes place in front of the palace of the King of Puri and
opposite the main office of the Puri temple. On this day, the new agricultural season starts and
farmers start ploughing their fields. This day also marks the beginning of the summer festival of
the deities, also known as the sandalwood festival or Chandan Yatra, which lasts for three weeks.
In this festival, the representative images of the presiding deities are taken out in colourful
processions and given a ceremonial boat ride in the Narendra tank everyday. In an interesting
demonstration of the assimilative character of the Jagannatha cult, Madanmohana and Rama
Krushna, representing Jagannatha & Balarama partake in the festival with the representatives'
images of the presiding deities of five main Shiva temples of Puri. These are curiously known as
Pancha Pandava, the five brothers of the Mahabharata story. Later the deities have a ritual bath in

a small temple in the middle of the tank, in stone tubs filled with water, sandalwood paste, scents
and flowers.

The chariots under construction

This sandalwood festival culminates in the Snana Yatra, the Bathing Festival on the full moon
day of the month of Jestha. On this day, the presiding deities descend from their seats on an
elevated platform in the sanctum sanctorum, the bejewelled throne. They are bathed in 108 pots
of water brought from the suna kua, the golden well and assume the elephant form on the special
bathing platform, close to the Eastern boundary wall of the temple. From that day the deities
remain in symbolic and ritual convalescence for about two weeks. They are barred from view of
the ordinary devotees. Only three special patta chitras, traditional Oriya paintings of natural
colours on cloth stiffened with starch, known as Anasara Pattis, are strung on a bamboo screen
hiding the deities from public view, can be seen by the public. During this period, the deities are
given only roots, leaves, berries and fruits to cure them from their indisposition. This ritual is a
reminder of the strong tribal elements in the genesis and evolution of the Jagannatha cult. The
progeny of Lalita, daughter of the original tribal worshipper Biswabasu, chieftain of hunters, and
the Brahmin priest Vidyapati, are known as daitapatis or daitas. They have almost exclusive
privilege of serving the Lord during the convalescence and through the entire period of Ratha
Jatra or the Festival of Chariots.

Suna Besha

The Suna Besha of Jagannath

After the chariots of the deities return to the main temple from the Gundicha temple, the deities
are attired in gold ornaments and worshipped on the chariots. This celebration is known as Suna
Besha. Tradition maintains that this event was first started by King Kapilendra Deb in 1460,
when after returning victorious from war he donated gold to Jagannath.[2] The deities are adorned

with gold jewelleries weighing nearly 208 kg. In 2014 nearly nine hundred thousand devotees
witnessed this event held on 9 th of July[3]

The Ratha Yatra of 2014

Devotees visiting the Ratha Yatra of 2007

The Ratha yatra in Puri of 2014 started on 29 June amid great fanfare and religious fervor with
tight security arranged by the authorities.[4] The Indian Prime minister Mr Narendra Modi
greeting the people on the occasion of the Ratha Yatra tweeted "My warm greetings to the people
on the occasion of the rath yatras that would be held across India today. We bow to Lord
Jagannath on this auspicious day. Today once again He sets out on His chariot, giving blessings
to the people,".[5] More than a million devotees are expected to throng Puri on the occasion for
the festival that is watched by millions on television.[6] The Bahuda yatra or the return journey of
Jagannath from Gundicha temple occurred on 7 July and was attended by more than 400,000
devotees[7]

The Ratha Yatra and Pahandi of 2015

The Ratha yatra in Puri of 2015 started on 18 July amid great fanfare and religious fervor with
tight security arranged by the authorities.[8]

International Ratha Yatra

Rath Jatra festival in New York City organised by ISKCON

Rath Yatra, Toronto, 2011

The Ratha Yatra festival has become a common sight in most major cities of the world since
1968 through the ISKCON Hare Krishna movement. Its leader A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada successfully transplanted the festival which now happens on an annual basis in
places all over the world in over 100 cities including Lagos Nigeria Dublin, Belfast,
Birmingham, London, Bath, Budapest, Melbourne, Montreal, Paris, New York, Singapore,
Toronto,Suva in Fiji Islands, Antwerp, Kuala Lumpur and Venice, California.[9] The Rathajatra in
Dhamrai, Bangladesh, is one of the most important in Bangladesh.

Service offerings
Jagannath temple employs different kinds of sevakas who offer their services on the Ratha.

Suara:

Mahasuara:

, also "Dahuka gita" (

)) which
Dahuka: Ratha dahuka boli (Odia:
are poetic recitations. Ratha Yatra being a symbolic expression of fertility and Life cycle,
these "boli" sung by the Dahuka contain bawdy songs. It is believed that unless the
Dahuka boli is sung 'Ratha' does not move.[10] These songs are sung publicly without any
kind of hold on the lyrics.[11] Dahuka controls the movement of Ratha during the festival.
[12][13]

Daita pati:

Puspalaka:

Banati Players: Banati is an age-old art, in which a person spins balls set on fire and tied
to the ends of a rope. Every year during the Rath yatra devotees perform "Banati" to
appease Lord Jagannath.[14] Knives and fireballs, which are attached to the Banati add
colour to the procession of the Lord as it reaches its destination