Puri - The Jagannath temple

Puri, was my recent destination. Known for both its beach and the Jagannath temple, it is part of the lesser known triangle including Konark (the sun temple and a wonderful beach) and Bhubaneshwar (Lingraj temple, Nandankanan zoo and nothing else). Puri is about 60 kilometres and about 90 minutes by road from Bhubaneshwar.

I will restrict myself to the temple this time around – though I spent five days in Puri and two trips to the temple, I was able to see the beach only for about tem minutes on the solitary day that I was able to go for my morning walk.

Some interesting facts about the Jagannath temple are:

1. Kitchen and its Prasad
2. Diety and Body changing
3. Flag changing atop the 214 feet spire
4. Sevaka and the seva – 36 types
5. History, of course
6. Rath Yatra
7. Queen’s special ritual
8. Animal sacrifice
9. Water scarcity
10. Wheelchair compliant
11. Puri and ISKCON
12. Madala Panji and Mukti Mandap
13. Other interesting places in the vicinity
14. Web-links

The Kitchen and its Prasad
Sri Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe. His Kitchen is considered as the largest and the biggest Kitchen in the world. It is situated south-east direction of the outer compound of Srimandir. The length of the Kitchen is 150 feet, breadth is 100 feet and height is about 20 feet. It consists of 32 rooms with 250 to 752 earthen ovens within these. Around 600 cooks (Suaras) and 400 assistants serve here every day for preparing the Lord's food. The Lord is offered with 56 different items.

These are three types of hearths (fireplace) in the Kitchen of Srimandir known as

1. Anna Chuli,
2. Ahia Chuli and
3. Pitha Chuli.

The dimension of hearths where rice is prepared are 4' x 2.5' x 2'. The rectangular space created between two rice hearths is called Ahia. All types of Dal and Curry items are cooked in Ahia Chuli. There are only ten numbers of Pitha Chuli in the temple Kitchen which are made of cement. The fire of this Kitchen is Known as Vaishnava Agni, because it is the fire in the Kitchen of Lord Jagannath and used to serve Vishnu Himself. It is never put out.

It is believed that Mahalaxmi cooks in the Kitchen Herself; all are felt to be her servants. As she is not attentive to the cooking on the days when Lord Jagannath is said to be sick before Rath Yatra, the food is less tasty. During Rath Yatra when Lord Jagannath is in Sri Gundicha Temple. She is said to have no zeal to cook and so the food is tasteless.

It is also said that if mother Laxmi is displeased with the preparations by the cooks, a dog will appear mysteriously on the temple grounds. If the dog is seen, all the food must be buried and prepared again. As no dog is allowed to enter the temple, this dog is said to be Kutama Chandi, a tantric goddess in change of purification of food.

Four types of cooking are prepared in the Kitchen of Srimandir. These are

1. Bhimapaka,
2. Nalapaka,
3. Souripaka and
4. Gouripaka.

The items of Bhimapaka consists Badatiana, Gudakhuara, Pakala Nadia Rasa, Purapitha,Biripitha and Gudakanji. In Nalapaka, items like Sakara, Tianlapara, Adanga and different types of sweet drinks are prepared. Souripaka items include Mahura, Deshialubhaja, Kadalibhaja, Adapachedi, Ghialabanga and varieties of cakes. In Gouripaka, Mugatiana, Leutia, Kosala and Madhura Lalita Saga items are cooked.

In the Kitchen of Srimandir, four types of rice are prepared. These are

1. Salianna,
2. Khiraanna,
3. Dadhianna and
4. Sitalaanna.

Sunakhila rice cooks along with ghee and Phalatabha Kharada Lavana to get Salianna. For getting Khiraanna alongwith Basumati rice, cow milk, ghee and Kharada Lavana are mixed and cooked. Similarly plain rice mixed with curd, Dahianna is prepared and Sitalaanna is prepared with rice mixed with Tabharasa and Kharada Lavana.

The unique feature is that, clay pots are placed in a special earthen oven, five in numbers, one on the top of another. Yet the one on the top is cooked first.

There are two wells in the temple complex for the purpose of supplying water to the Kitchen. These are named as Ganga and Jamuna and both are near the kitchen itself. The radius of the well is more that 10 feet and depth is 100 feet each.

All the necessary commodities for the temple Kitchen are brought from Mahalaxmi Bhandar, which is run by Suara Nijoga Cooperative Society. The earthen pots used for cooking foods are provided by Kumbhakara and nearby areas supply these pots to the temple Kitchen. The required timber for the kitchen was previously supplied from different forests of the State. But after nationalisation of forests, these State Forest Corporation is providing timbers for cooking purpose.

Daily 5-10,000 persons may be fed, but on big festival days up to one million may be accommodated. The temple Kitchen of Lord Jagannath is therefore considered to be the biggest kitchen in the World, serving all without reservation or previous notice.

The mahaprasd can be eaten within the temple or ordered to any of the hotels you stay in, with the only compulsion being that you have to eat, seated on the floor. The dry prasad can be preserved for over a month and is actually very tasty.

The diety and Body changing

Vishnu and Vishwakarma appeared in the form of artistes and prepared images of Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra from the tree. Interestingly, the wooden images being worshipped are renewed during special occasions. Nava Kalebara is a local festival of an immensely significant religious ritual, held every 12 to 19 years. The three temple deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra change their external forms, when new idols are carved out of specially sanctified sandalwood trees. New images have been installed in 1863, 1893, 1931, 1950, 1969, 1977 and 1996. The next is expected in 2014. This is normally done in the year which has two months of “ashad”. The town overflows with people, so if you are interested, start booking for 2014.

Flag changing atop the 214 feet tall temple

Flag atop the temple

The temple is one of the tallest monuments in the country, standing at an imposing height of about 214 ft atop an elevated platform of stone measuring about 10 acres.

A fine example of Kalingan architecture, the temple is crowned with Lord Vishnu's chakra (wheel) made of an alloy of eight different metals giving it a blue color. With a circumference of about 36 ft and 11 feet 8 inches high, a new flag is tied daily to the wheel.

The red flag fluttering atop the Jagannath Temple, signifyies that 'the Lord is within and not out as part of the Rath Yatra”.

If you have time in the evening witness the change of the flags on the top of the temple. The way two persons climb up the sheer face of the temple and bring down the old flags and put up the new ones is a sight to be witnessed to be believed. If you are lucky you could get hold of one of the temple priests to give you a piece of Jagannath’s dhwaja, or flag, for luck and well being. A new 20' long triangular flag is prepared everyday by a male member of the family who were given the rights for hoisting the flag 800 years ago by the king who built the Puri Jagannath Temple. At sunset every evening the designated member the family climbs up the tower with his back to the wall, the new flag tied to his stomach - removes the previous day's flag and hoists the new flag in its place. The new flag flying westward in the sea breeze is one of the most thrilling sights ever. Then he climbs down with the old flag tied to his stomach with his back to the tower walls.

This ritual is being performed by male members of the same family in an unbroken succession for over 800 years. It is common practice for this family to intiate the young boys in the practice of climbing the temple tower at an age of 10-12, so as to overcome fear. You can watch this from most parts of the temple and if you can’t don’t’ worry, just listen to the roar from the crowd assembled to watch this as the person appears and when he finally changes the flag. I have been told that this happens five times a day, but have seen it happening only once – so would love to hear more about this.

Sevaka and the seva – 36 types

It is estimated that there are 6,000 priests and 14,000 employees. After a lot of discussions, I got to learn that there is a requirement of at least 36 priests who perform different activities on a daily basis. This is largely hereditary in nature and now you have families which specialize in a certain activity like adorning the lord with flowers (See the table below). These families, a priest gets his turn once in 45 days which means you have at least 36 times 45 priests = 1,620 – some of these activities need multiple people and that is how this 6,000 figures is arrived at. Regarding the 14,000 – that is anybody’s guess.

Sevaka or the one who performs the service Seva or Service
Raja (king) of PuriSuperintendent and at present one of the Members of the Temple Committee

Mudiratha or Mudirasta He officiates for the Raja in Cherapahara and other functions when the Raja is prevented from performing them for some reason or the other.

Chatisa Nijoga Nayak He had vast power and functions in the past but many have disappeared at present. He is of the puspalak class and had the key of the Bhandara till 1930.He is to execute all orders of the temple authorities and to see that all the sevakas do their duty properly. He performs the Sari Bandha ceremony.

Bhandar Mekap In charge of Bahar Bhandar containing all the jewellery etc., required for the daily use of the Deities.

Parichas Parichas were at one time managing the temple whose work is now reduced at present to hold a gold cane at the Sakala Dhupa Patuara and in certain festivals.

Deul Karana He keeps accounts of the Bhandar,Changada Gharas, transfer of Seva and distributes Parvani Kheis.

Tadau Karana He keeps accounts of the Bhandar and as Tadau puts seals in functions when required and puts dates about all Niti.

Charchiat Charchiat sees that the nitis are performed regularly.

Brahmins or Purohits Brahmins or Purohits,including Deul purohits make Ratha Anukula,Abhisek,etc. Sri
Bimala Pujak performs puja in Shola-puja and Shrotriya. Brahmins are deputed for Navakalebar to perform as Acharyas and various other ceremonies.

Pujakas Pujakas consisting of Puja Pandas perform puja i.e., Naivedya for the deities. Bada-panda is also a puja panda appointed to see that other puja pandas perform their duties regularly.

Daitas Daitas work on special occasions like Navakalebar, Car festival, Anabasar etc.

Patis Patis work with Daitas but who have got other special functions, being Brahmin Sevakas

Duttas Duttas work for Shrimukh Simhar

Khuntias Khuntias of various kinds like Palia Khuntia, Behera Khuntia, Bilaijaga Khuntia, Rukuna Harana
Khuntia etc., their main duty being to pronounce Manima Daka, etc., and watch the Deities.

Changada Mekap Changada Mekap is in charge of deities clothes and other Mekaps like Palia Mekaps have specific duties to perform. Akhanda Mekap is to light Ratna Dipa of the Deities from Dwarafita to Pahuda.

Padhiaris Padhiaris guard the Deities,go to call for Bhogas and are to look after the safety of the pilgrims.

Gochikars Gochikars belong to padhiari class who watch Jaya-Vijaya Dwara.

Binakar Binakar plays Bina to the deities before thay go to sleep.

Bhitara Gayeni Bhitara Gayeni sings songs at the time of pahuda and at other festivals.

Samprada Nijoga Samprada Nijoga, i.e., dancing girls who dance at the time of patuara. - i doubt this very much!

Madeli Madeli plays Madala at the time of patuara.

Sankhua Sankhua plays with Sankha with Baijayantries.

Kahalia Kahalia blows Vije Kahalia.

Ghantua and Ghanta Nijoga Ghantua and Ghanta Nijoga work with Bells daily and on festivals

Gitagovinda Sevaka Gitagovinda Sevaka recites Gitagovinda before the Lord at Chandan Lagi.

Chakra Dihuri and Chamu Dihuri Chakra Dihuri and Chamu Dihuri carry masalas (spices) at festivals,etc.

Simharis or pasupalakas The Simharis or pasupalakas dress the Lord in clothing and adorn them with
flowers at all times and perform their Avakasha Puja.

Suara Badus Suara Badus(Bhoga Saita Suara Badu,Behera Suara Badu) wash the pokharia several times,supply Khata,Chauki etc.

Patri Badus Patri Badus supply Puja Upakarans throughout the day.

Garabadu Garabadu serves the Gods by supplying water at times of Pujas and other nitis.

Sudha Suara and Anasara Sudha Suar Sudha Suara and Anasara Sudha Suar make preparations for puja (pujathan at Ballav Bhoga etc.)

Muduli Muduli keeps charge of puja utensils and other daily puja Upakarans and supplies to Mekaps.
Hadapa Nayak,Bidia and Tambul Sevak Hadapa Nayak,Bidia and Tambul Sevak serve to prepare and carry betel to the Lords.

Ghatuaris Ghatuaris to prepare and serve Anjana,Chandan and Mahadipa for daily and parbajatra nitis.

Tulasia Tulasia supplies Tulasi leaves every day.

Dayanamalis Dayanamalis supply scented flowers every day.

Mahabhoi Mahabhoi supplies curd and other milk products every day.

Pani-apata Pani-apata supplies water required in the temple throughout the day.

Balita Sevak Balita Sevak supplies Arati Balita.

Kumbhar Bishoi Kumbhar Bishoi supplies Handi and Kudua and other pottery required daily.

Doudia Doudia supplies rope to draw water from Shri Bimala Well.

Malacula Sevak Malacula Sevak supplies Chula,etc.,for some festivals.

Mulia Suansia Mulia Suansia supplies Khata Pidha,etc.

Joganias Joganias for Kotha Bhoga,Parvajatra,Ballav and Bahar Deuli to carry articles and Ballav and supply them at required places.

Bimanabadus Bimanabadus carry all Bije Bimans,etc.

Chapa Behera and Dolias Chapa Behera and Dolias work to prepare Chapas.

Ratha Bhois Ratha Bhois work and supply labourers for construction of cars.

Kalabethias Kalabethias drag the cars.

Karatias or Sawers Karatias or Sawers work for car Construction.

Tamra Bishoi Tamra Bishoi works as copper-smith in the car festival

History, of course

The temple was originally built by the Kalinga ruler Anantavarman Chodaganga (1078 - 1148 AD). Much of the present structure was built by King Ananga Bhima Deva in the year 1174 AD. It took 14 years to complete and was consecrated in 1198 AD. It is believed that the image of Jagannath was buried thrice in the Chilka lake for protection from invaders.

The Singahdwara, which in Sanskrit means The Lion Gate, is one of the four gates to the temple and forms the Main entrance. The Singhadwara is so named because two huge statues of crouching lions exist on either side of the entrance. The gate faces east opening on to the Bada Danda or the Grand Road.The Baisi Pahacha or the flight of twenty two steps leads into the temple complex. An idol of Jagannath known as Patita Pavana, which in Sanskrit, means the "Saviour of the downtrodden and the fallen" is painted on the right side of the entrance.

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.

                                                     A distant view of the temple

Of course there are a number of temples in the town of Puri
Long before one reaches Puri, the 214 feet (65 meters) spire of the temple can be seen towering over the countryside. This visual dominance is symbolic of the influence which the temple commands over almost every aspect of life in Puri. The huge temple compound, each side of which measures 650 feet (some 200 meters), is surmounted with a 20 foot (6 meters) wall. Within the compound is a city, or, more accurately, a universe unto itself. With 6000 direct temple servitors, a temple kitchen which feeds 10,000 people daily (and some 25,000 on festival days), and a central deity who has become the focus of religious life throughout Orissa, the Jagannath temple is truly an institution unique in the world.

Until recently, almost the entire temple was covered in white plaster, so much so that European sailors in previous centuries used it as a navigation point, referring to it as the 'white pagoda' (in contrast to the 'black pagoda' of Konark, further up the coast). Scholars, however, were long puzzled by the plain facade on this holiest of holy temples, and wondered why it was untouched by Orissa's rich sculptural heritage. The answer was found in 1975, when archaeologists first began removing the plaster, and found that the sculpture underneath indeed rivals that of the other masterpieces of Orissan temple art. The best guess as to the reason for applying the plaster originally is that an eighteenth century ruler decided that this would be a way to protect the temple from the ravages of the salty sea air. Succeeding rulers continued the practice. As the old plaster is being removed, archaeologists are also repairing the corroded iron dowels in the original structure, and replacing broken stones with new ones. Finally, a clear, thin coating is being applied to the entire structure, to preserve it for the centuries to come.

Because of the temple's intense religious importance and hallowed traditions, entrance is forbidden to non-Hindus.To have a good view of the temple and its compound, visitors are welcome to ascend to the roof of the Raghunandan Library which is across the street.

Rath Yatra

There are 62 festivals which are performed and celebrated at the Puri temple – Imagine at more than a rate of one a week. But the mother of them all – The Juggernaut – the car festival or the chariot festival – or more appropriately for all thos god minded is the Rath Yatra.

                                                           The making of the RATH

The biggest and the grandest of all festivals, the highlight is the sacred journey of the statues of the Lord Jagannath of Puri with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from main temple to Gundicha Temple, where they remain for nine days. The mammoth wooden chariots carrying the three deities pulled by thousands of devotees, present a spectacular scene. The yatra (journey) begins on the second day of the lunar month (asadha). An annual festival, it commemorates the journey of Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. It also symbolizes a journey to light from the dark, which commences on the 2nd day of the bright fortnight in the month of Asadha (June/July). Lakhs of devotees converge to the city to join festivities lasting for nine days. In this journey, thousands haul the three huge rathas (chariots) carrying statues of Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, down Grand road to the Gundicha Temple--just 2 – 3 km away in Puri, Orissa. The chariots are estimated to move an inch at a time.

                                        A struggle to get ot the Charriot

                            Even more difficult to haul up the walkaway

In the first phase of the rituals, the Chandan Yatra, the Chalanti Pratimas (moving statues) of the deities take a ceremonial ride in a boat in Narendra Tank for 21 consecutive days, after a refreshing bath in fragrant sandal wood (chandan) scented water.

                                  Subhadra is lighter and easier to carry

This is followed by Snana Yatra, literally the festival of bath, in which the three are taken to Snana Badi, a bathing platform where the deities are ceremonially bathed with 108 pitchers of water. After which the gods are believed to convalesce inside the sanctum sanctorum and undergo treatment in which special ayurvedic medicine and some special liquid diet (sarapana) is offered to them. Closed to public view, during this period of 15 days, the pilgrims have to be satisfied with a darshan of images of the Pattachitra paintings kept there. Sometimes the chariots do not reach the Gundicha temple on time by sunset and therefore start their journey the next day morning.

                                 Even kids help in the making of the cart

The Ratha Yatra in Puri actually takes place during the full moon of the following month, Asadha (June/July) in a spectacular riot of colur and noise. Designed like a temple sanctuary, the immense chariots are draped with brightly colored clothes. Lord Jagannath's chariot, 13 m, is the tallest and has 16 wheels each 2 m in diameter. Subhadra has a yellow face and rides in a red chariot. Balabhadra has a white face and rides in a chariot with 14 wheels and 4 horses.

Loud gongs announce the boarding of the deities onto the chariots with the arrival of the Raja of Puri accompanied by bejeweled elephants. The Raja sweeps the chariot with a golden bloom, fulfilling his role as the sevaka (servant) of the gods, a gesture symbolizing humility and equality with all castes.

                                                              Jagannath

The procession is led by Balabhadra's chariot, followed by Subhadra’s with the Lord Jagannath's bringing up the rear, dragged by about 4000 honored devotees to their garden house, the Gundicha Ghar. On the way, deities are treated to special Cake, Podapitha offered at the shrine of goddess Aradhamsini (aunt or masi) of Lord Jagannath.

                                                         Balarama / Balabhadra

Once the chariots reach Gundicha Ghar of Mandir, the deities give darshan to devotees every day. After a rest of eight days, they return to Jagannath Temple with a similar procession. The festivities attract about 5-6 lakhs devotees to Puri each year.

                                                                         Subhadra

After the festival, the raths are broken and bits are used for firewood in the kitchens or sold to pilgrims as relics. New chariots are made each year to rigid specifications of make laid down in temple's ancient manuals. The assembled multitudes from all over India, the cacophony of music and percussion and the decorated chariots provide an unforgettable experience. Stories from ancient times, about some fanatics throwing themselves under the massive wheels of the chariots to die a death in hope of attainment of eternal bliss, abound.

                                                               Jagannatha

In 2009, 66 special trains were arranged to transport people to and from Puri across the country and 16 towns of Orissa to watch the Rath yatra. The other fascinating part is that this festival is replicated across many parts of India and outside.

Queen’s special ritual

According to tradition, the queens of Puri kings, who are considered incarnations of Lord Jagannath, can perform the special worship only once in their lives. This ritual when the Queen of Puri makes a private visit, is known as "Gahan Bije." Lilabati Pattamahadei, the current queen performed this special worship in 2007 and her mother-in-law Suryamani Pattamahadei had performed it in 1966. In 2007, 22 royal families from Orissa and outside had been invited to the event. Of course the common women / man has to forsake the right of visitng the temple for that day – but so be it.

Animal sacrifice

After having read about the kitchen and how several vegetarian dishes are made, one would assume that the temple would have nothing to do with bloodshed and animal sacrifice. But to one’s surprise, this does happen, despite a specific ban from the High court of Orissa.

The Jagannath temples also houses the Bimala Temple besides about a 120 others and the godess Bimala requires her share of blood. So every Dusshera, for three days, lambs are slaughtered to appease Goddess Bimala and this is done under the cover of darkness and is an accepted practice, though it breaks the legal convention.

Water scarcity

Ganga and Jamuna – the two wells within the temple used for cooking th Mahaprasad have faced with water scarcity in the recent years. The added problem is that the Mahaprasad cannot be cooked without stored water. What has added to the problem is the unregulated pumping of water for domestic and other purposes in the neighbouring area of Puri. So the temple administrators are still working on ways and means to ensure availability of sufficient water. The lord has not been spared the problem faced by the common man.

 Wheelchair compliant

                          Wheelchairs in the temple - When ? How soon?

If you are handicapped enough to necessitate the need of use of a wheelchair, you are out – no way you can get into the temple and you are on par with a non-hindu – who could still smuggle him/herself into the temple. Currently there is a case filed against the temple to remove the ban on use of wheelchairs within the temple – will be interesting to see how the case proceeds. I am sure the Lord did not mean it – but his followers have some confusion and hopefully the law will clarify on that soon. The ignorant followers have issued statements about people using wheelchairs and wanting to enter the temple – one such is mentioned here - "A priest told me that my disability was due to the sins I committed in my last birth and I should not sin more by entering the temple. It will be better if I go back." This is even more interesting as the Lord himself is limbless - Every human being passes through phases in his life where he or she is dependent on someone else. But the anomaly is that wheelchair-bound limbless devotees can't have access to the Lord. The temple will need to build ramps for the wheelchairs – the world is waiting and watching as the ancient temple needs to adapt to the present day needs – will it or will it not? Can a few ignorant followers prevent rights of the deserving.

Puri and ISKCON
It is estimated that there are 3029 jagannath temples in Orissa, 400 more in the rest of India and about 600 more overseas, all totaling to more than 4000 temples. Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, who is also chairman of the Jagannath Temple Management Committee, said on Saturday has initiated a process whereby there is uniformity of rituals conducted in all these temples run across the world. A bulk of these temples built overseas and therefore the Rath Yatras performed are by the ISKCOnites, if I can call them that, members of ISKCON. Interestingly, ISCKCON (International Society for Krishna Consiousness) and the ISKCON followers have a love hate relationship with the Puri Jagannath temple.

History shows that Srila Prabhupada, the Founder Acharya of ISKCON was the person solely responsible for spreading the worship of Sri Jagannatha in the entire world, outside of India. Any academic in the field of religion and eastern philosophy will concur because the facts speak for themselves. Millions of people who were otherwise ignorant of Jagannatha worship have been enlightened about this sacred tradition by this one person’s efforts and his books which are now ubiquitous. Because of his efforts, Jagannatha is now worshiped the world over.”

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness now holds Ratha Yatra parades in London, New York, Moscow, Los Angeles, Durban, Chicago, Sydney, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and several other metropolises.

The logistics behind organizing these parades often require conformity to schedules mandated by city authorities who may not fully understand the sacredness of the festival. But does this mean that Jagannatha’s parade is not appreciated? It wouldn’t seem so.

This is a typical standoff between conventional followers and non-conventional followers – should one say no to the other – is there enough space for each to worship and allow others to do it the way they want to. What makes it even more interesting is a numbe of ISKCONites are foreigners and non-Hindus by birth and though they have the same passion for the Lord as the others, they are not allowed to enter the temple. It has almost reached a state, where the hereditary Sevaks can only make their calim within the 10 acre temple and have no control on what goes on outside the temple. Live and let live.

Madala Panji

Madala Panji is a chronicle of the Jagannath temple in orissa. It describes the historical events of orissa related to the Jagannath temple. It is supposed to have started in the 13th or 14th century AD. Many historians have consulted this chronicle to write the history of orissa.

Mukti Mandap

It is stated in the Madala Panji that Gauri Mahadevi (Gaurarani), a consort of Raja Mansimha of Amera, built the present hall of the Mukti Mandap having sixteen pillars within the Jagannath Temple precincts. Each pilliar is attached to one Sasana. Even now the place is exclusively reserved for the Brahmins of the 16 Sasanas to sit. However now the 16 Sasanas overreached the number and 23 villages have been included in the list to sit on the Mandap. Accordingly to the Vedic practice any sacrifice usually required the services of sixteen priests. Therefore Mukti Mandapa might have originally been conceived as a sacrificial altar. There was a need of 16 Brahmins for the performance of the sacrifice in the temple. Now-a-days, when some sacrifice is necessary to be performed in the temple premises, the Brahmins sitting on the Mukti Mandapa are also invited to take their seats on the sacrificial altar.

It was the usual practice there that the Pandits of Mukti Mandape had to decide the merits of different acts and the sins committed by the people. They always follow the rules laid down in the Hindu Dharmasastras. In addition to this, now they are also approving the Panji of Orissa according to which the marriage ceremony, sacred thread ceremony etc. are to be performed and the Yatras of Jagannath to be celebrated. In the villages also the festivals are celebrated according to this advice of this Panji. approved by Mukti Mandapa. Deula Purohita (The priest of the temple) was in charge of Mukti Mandapa. He has also the right to sit on Mukli Mandapa. At the time of Navakalevara festival of the Lords the Brahmins perform the ‘Pratistha-Homa’ for the new images of the Lords. Every day the Purana is recited here and meaning is explained before pilgrims. Every day two thalis (Big plates) of rice Mahaprasada are supplied to this place which are distributed amongst the Brahmins after the Dhupas (worship-offerings) of the morning and the mid-day are over. Another ‘thali’, known as the ‘Mahadei Thali’ granted by the queen of Athagada becomes available to the Brahmins present there through Ramadasa Matha. The Mahaprasad as at first offered to the Goddess Kali, worshipped near this Mandapa and then it is distributed among the Brahmins on the ‘Mukti Mandapa.

This Mukti Mandapa with Mahanayakas acted like final judiciary in the religious matters. Any dispute arising out of religious matters with regard to worship is reffered to this council of the Pandits and in all cases there verdict is final. This system is also continuing up to now. In the olden days all the disputes pertaining to the temple- administration were first referred to the Raja of Purl who thereupon use to call the assembly of Pandits of Mukti Mandapa to pass the final verdict on religious matters. Regarding the religious matters in the case of dispute arising in the mode of worship of the Lords, the head of the Puja Pandas was consulted while a decision was to be taken by the Mukti Mandapa. The consultation with the Bada Panda represents the prevalence of democratic attitude in the administration of the Jagannath Temple. This system is still in vogue and the Judgement of the Mukti Mandapa is accepted as final even today.

Today we see that 24 Saunas have got right to sit on the Mukti Mandapa and to take part in the discussions. Previously 16 Pandits of 16 Sasanas established by the king of Orissa are allowed to sit and take part in learned discourses of the Muktl Mandapa Gradually the number was increased due to local influence and politics. Who knows, the number may increase higher than the present one in future and all the Brahmins of every village may be allowed to sit on the Mukti Mandapa in course of time?

Other interesting places in the vicinity

Besides the Jagannath temple, Puri is also known for the many other temples like Gundicha, Lokanath, Sunaragauranga, Daria Mahabir and Tota Gopinath which are lesser known and visited only by locals or highly religious people or people who end up there accidentally. Not only within the temple town, are there other temples, but within a few kilometers of Puri is located the temple of Sakhshigopal. The other places, which you would normally not hear about and are probably worth a dekjo when you have the time are:

Balighai (8 kilometres) The Casuarina fringed Balighai beach is a famous picnic spot. This right at the mouth of the river Nuanai and both the sunrise and sunset are unforgettable.

Brahmagiri (25 kilometres) Brahmagiri is known for the living shrine of Alarnath. Streams of pilgrims visit Alarnath during Anabasara of Lord Jagannath. Nearby is the shrine of Baliharachandi on the solitary sand dunes.

Satyabadi (20 kilometres) Satyabadi or Sakshigopal is known for the shrine of Lord Sakshigopal. It is believed that the visit to Puri is incomplete without a visit to Sakshigopal. The temple is only 2 km away from the main road leading to Puri and is convenient to visit.

Baliharachandi (27 kilometres) 27 km to the south-west of Puri is the temple of Baliharichandi. Situated on a sandy hill near the sea and adjacent to the mouth of the river Bhargavi, Goddess Durga is worshipped here as Baliharachandi. The scenic beauty of this place is ideal for group picnic.

Raghurajpur (16 kilometres) One of the most famous artists village in Orissa, the village of Raghurajpur boasts not only of the exquisite pattachitra's and talapattachitra's, but also of being the native place of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the famed Odissi dancer. Under the tutelage of the renowned Guru's, innumerable young boys have learnt the Gotipua dance here. A visit to Orissa would definitely be incomplete without a visit to this little village.

Satapara (52 kilometres) Satapara, a retreat in nature on Chilika Lake, has been thrown open to visitors. Its location near the confluence of the Lake with the Bay of Bengal, and proximity to Puri (52 km), makes it an ideal spot to enjoy Chilika. The thrilling sight of dolphins round the year and abundance of migratory and resident birds in winter make it a preferred place for a vacation with nature.

Web-links

http://www.stephen-knapp.com/ratha-yatra_photos_group_two.htm

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_puri-temple-wants-iskcon-to-follow-rules_1297845
http://www.kalingatimes.com/orissa_news/news3/20080601_Sri_Jagannath_temple_faces_water_scarcity.htm
http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/world-review/444762-animal-sacrifice-appease-goddess-bimala-puri-jagannath-temple.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madala_Panji
http://www.rathyatra.org/land.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagannath_Temple_(Puri)
http://www.templenet.com/Orissa/puri.html
http://jagannath.nic.in/location.asp
http://www.shreekhetra.com/sripillar.html
http://www.shreekhetra.com/sriseva.html
http://www.kalingatimes.com/explore_orissa/news-20080704-Mahaprasad-of-Lord-Jagannath.htm

What better way then to end with a Haiku?

misery and happiness
day and light
today and tomorrow

                                                         Sunrise at the Puri Beach