Daily Rituals at Jagannath Temple
The mode of worship at the Jagannath Temple is an unusual blend of Vedic, Puranic and Tantric rituals. Generally system of daily rituals are as follows. (These are only in general, but on the special occasions the rituals are differently honoured every day and month). For information about the timings, the visitor can ascertain the details from the Temple reception counter (Tel. - 06752-220901)
1. Mangal Arti - Offering of perpetual lamp in the early morning (generally 5.00 to 6.00 A.M.)
3.00 A.M. to 4.00 A.M. - During December 16th to January 14th (Dhanu Sankaranti to Makar Sankranti)
2. Mailama - Change of Dress of the Gods.
3. Abaksh - Brushing of teeth and bath.
4. Sahana Mela - Public Darshan, allowed upto Garvagriha (Generally 9.00 to 10.00 A.M.)
5. Vesha - Dressing of Deities.
6. Gopalla Ballav - Break Fast.
7. Sakhala Dhupa - Morning Puja, with sixteen upacharas.
8. Bhoga Mandapa - Bhoga being offered at Bhoga Mandap. Then the Bhog is taken for selling in the prasad market (Ananda Bazar about 2.00 P.M.)
9. Madhyan Dhupa - Midday Puja with sixteen Upacharas.
10. Sandhya Dhupa - Evening Dhupa Puja with Sixteen Upacharas.
12. Chandan Lagi - Application of Sandal paste to sacred deities.
13. Bada Singar Vesha - Dressed with flower ornaments before retiring to Bed.
14. Pahuda - Retiring to Bed and closure of the Temple (about midnight).
DARSHAN FACILITIES
The Temple is kept open from early morning to late night. But to get darshan inside Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Griha), the specific time is alloted as follows in general.
i. Sahana Mela (Public Darshan) : At this time one can go very near to the Deities without paying any fees. Generally except some specific days it is facilitated after Abakasha Puja in the morning around 9.00 A.M. to 10.00 A.M.
ii. Special Darshan : It is allowed after every Dhupa Puja, at the time of Mangala Aarati. Abakash, Sandhya Aarati and Chandan Lagi, At this time, the devotees are required to pay a special Darshan fee for getting in to the sanctrum.
GETTING INSIDE (Parikrama)
Now let us enter the Temple from lion’s gate (Eastern Gate) with Aruna Stamba which is 34 ft. high and one single stone pillar. Aruna the charioteer of Sun God is found on the top. This pillar was originally in the front of the Konark Temple, brought to Puri by Marathas in 17th century AD. There is a Temple reception office to attend to your queries. The entrance is designed like piddha deul foxed with Navagrahas and Dasavatara images and decorated side walls. Now, entering into the Fumuta, one can find the image of Lorf Jagannath known as Patitapavana. Patitpavana can be viewed by anybody from outside even Non-Hindus as they are not allowed to enter in to the Temple. Other images like Narsimha and Hanumana are also seen.
As you enter, the Baisipahacha or 22 steps revered by Hindu community as sacred confronts and you have to walk on it. The ‘Sradha’, annual rites of Hindus are usually performed here. Many Brahamanas sit here for these sacred rituals. On the left, you find the Kasiviswanath Temple which is equivalent to Viswanath Siva of Kasi having a darshan.
Then, smaller Temples of Ramchandra and Narsimha known as Chaitanya Narsimha and image of Ganesh can be seen. At the end of Baisipahach, one has to cross the second entrance i.e. Kuruma Vedha. Now one usually takes to left with Agniswar Mahadeva and cross the gangway to reach the Satyanarayan Temple.
SHRI SATYANARAYAN (THE VISHNU AVATAR)
Satyanarayan-The life size standing image of Vishnu having four arms, holding ayudhas of Sankha (Counch), Chakra (Wheel), Gada (Mace) and Padma (Lotus), is an unique sculptural representation of Vishnu-Madhava. This is one of the finest specimens of Orissan images of Vishnu of the medieval period. The Satyanarayan “Vrat Katha” comprises five chapters, with a clear message that the followers of Sri Satyanarayans Bhagavan must lead the life of truthfulness both in ded and word. The Katha guides the followers to treat everyone with equality, love and compassion and remain free from pride and arrogance. “The story goes that a King, who out of arrogance, refused to pray to God in the company of poor shepherds. He ignored their prasad and consequently lost his empire, family and wealth which he regained only upon performing the puja together with the poor shepherds.” The Satyanarayan puja performed with clear understanding and ‘bhaav’ channels our mind to good thoughts helping us overcome negative thoughts, and deeds.
Beyond that there are a number of Temples found in a cluster around the Banyan tree (Kalpa Bata) or wish full filment tree. People regard it very auspicious and tie strings with a hope to fullfil their wishes. It is also said that Lord Vishnu was floating in a leaf of this Tree during Mahapralaya or begining of this Kalpa Age. A small image of Bala Mukunda (Child Krishna) is also seen enshrined. Next, the Bata Ganesh, Hari Sahedeva, Sarb Mangala and five Siva Temples such as Lokanath, Shree Jambeswar, Shree Nilakantheswar, Shree Markandeya and Shree Kapalmochan are found. Here, one can find the amalgamation of religious faiths of Siva Shakti and the Krishna Cult.
Next to it, is the Southern Gate of Jagannath Temple which is known as Aswa Dwara or Horse Gate. Here on the outer Bedha, an entrance for the Kitchen is located. The traditional Kitchen hall is meant for preparation of Mahaprasad in about 240 hearths. There are about 500 Supakars engaged at a time for preparation of Prasad (Abhada). The traditional use of earthen pots and its cooking system is unique in its character. The Mahaprasad can be served for about 5000 people. One can buy the Mahaprasad from Ananda Bazar, located inside the Temple complex.
Here again in the Kuruma Bedha (Inner Circle) the Temples of Ananta Vasudev; Kutmachandi and Surya are located.
MUKTIMANDAP
In front of the southern door of the main Temple, there is a beautiful structure called Mukti Mandapa where its roof is supported by sixteen pillars. Each of these pillars are alloted to one Brahmin Sasana Village of the famous sixteen Sasanas(sola sasana) of Puri. In this Mandapa, the Sanyasis of Sankaracharya Matha and sixteen Pandits of these sixteen Sasanas, established by the Gajapati Kings of Orissa, are allowed to sit here and take part in the learned discourses on Dharmasastras. This Pandit Sabha is the judicial body of the Hindu community and they prescribe Prayascita (remedy) for the sinners (Papi). They also approve the year Panjika by which the Vratas, fasts of the people, festivals and rituals of the lords and the goal of the life of the Hindus are regulated.
NARASIMHA TEMPLE
The Narsimha Temple, architecturally, is a full fledged Pancha Rath Temple.It is near to the Mukti Mandap which is regarded as one of the earliest shrines in the premises of the Lord Jagannath Temple. There are many ganga inscriptions found engraved on the wall of this temple. Narasimha or Man-Lion is one of the ten incarnations of Vishnu. It is stated in the Skandapurana, Vaisnavakhanda, that the Nrusimha image was there in Purusottama Kshetra before King Indradyumna arrived.
ROHINIKUNDA
Behind the Narasimha Temple, on the way from Muktimandapa to the Temple of Goddess Vimala, there is Rohini Kunda, very scared in character. It is described in the Puranas that in ancient days a crow, named Bhusanda, fell down in that tank (Kunda). Then immediately the crow assumed the form of God Vishnu with four arms holding Sankha, Chakra, Gada and Padma. After that it directly went to Vishnu-Loka with divine diginity. So keeping this in mind, now a days the devotees take some water from this tank and sprinkle it on their own heads for purification. Here the devotees can see the reflection of the Temple and get the sacred ‘Darshan’ of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra and image of “Kaka Chaturbhuja”.
JALAKRIDA MANDAP
There is a high platform towards the side of the Rohinikunda known as the Jalakrida Mandap. During Chandan Yatra which is observed for 42 days. Out of 42 days the Yatra performed here for 21 days and observed outside i.e. in the Narendra Pond for 21 days.
NRUTYA GANAPATI
At the side of the Jala Krida Mandap there is aTemple of Lord Ganesha facing south with a dancing pose. The elaborately carved Rekha Temple houses the dancing image of Ganesh with eight arms. The Temple seems to have been erected some time in the 13th century A.D.
TEMPLE OF GODDESS VIMALA
The shrine of Goddess Vimala located in the South-Western corner of the Temple facing the east. This Temple appears to have been built during the Ganga period. Madalapanji, states that the Temple of Vimala was also constructed by Yayati Kesari. The Temple has Sanctum, Jagamohana, Natamandira and Bhoga mandap. At the entrance we can find Ganesh and Karikeye flanked on either side. Here the Nata Mandir is elongated. The Nata Mandir has depictions of Dasamahavidya and cult images. The image of Goddess Vimala is four armed and holds a Akshyamala (Rosary), a human figure, a Kalasa (Jar), while the fourth hand is in varada pose. Matsyapurana, refers Vimala as the presiding deity in Purusottama Kshetra.”Vimala Purusottama” being conceived as Durga, it is only thrice in a year during Mahastami of Asvina Durga Puja, the animal sacrifice is offered as a part of ritual. From Saptami to Navami she is also offered fish. The visitors pay regard to godess Vimala while visiting the Jagannath Temple. Vimala is basically a form of Parvati worshipped with great veneration and considered as one of the Adisakti pithas.
To the North side of th Temple of Vimala, there are Temples of Benumadhab, Yogeswar, Sakhigopal, Kanchiganesh and Khirachora Gopinath. Kanchiganesh is a significant image which was brought from Kanchi. It is now worshiped here. The iconography of the image is unique.
After that the western gate of the Temple is located where two tigers are to be seen on the both sides of the outer entrance. At the down Rameswar Mahadev, Sri Jagannath, Dwarikanath, Badrinath are worshipped. These Temples are later additions over the historical period. Flower and Basil (Tulasi) gardens can be seen in this side. On the right side, the Museum (Niladrivihar) is located. Here one can see different sculptural representations of the Jagannath cult.
PANCHASAKTI OR BHUBANESWARI TEMPLE
The Pancha-Shakti are the five Adi Matrukas. They are Bhubaneswari, the main deity and Gayatri, Saraswati, Sathi and Savitri, these are Adi Matrukas up holding Sakti cult.
NILAMADHABA
Close to the above Temple, there is the Temple of Nilamadhaba. It is believed that Nilamadhaba was worshipped by the Sabara chief Viswavasu which is the original deity, before installation of Lord Jagannath in the Temple.
BHADRAKALI AND LAXMI NARAYAN
To the northern side of the Temple of Nilamadhava, there is the Temple of Bhadrakali. Bhadrakali is regarded as Bedhakali who is incharge of guarding the Temple. Close to that Temple there is the Temple of Laxmi Narayan.
MAHALAXMI (THE GODDESS OF WEALTH)
Next to that is the famous Temple of Mahalaxmi, the spouse of the Lord Jagannath who is regarded as Vishnu. The Temple is a beautiful one with magnificent carvings. Historians are of the opinion that this Temple was buily by Chodagangadeva along with the main temple of Lord Jagannath. Here Mahalaxmi is a four armed deity sitting on a lotus and holding a lotus by upper hands and the right lower hand is in Varada Mudra, the left lower hand is in Abhaya Mudra. The visitors pay respect to the Goddess of wealth. They offer large lotus garlands and Deepas (Lamps) in order to worship her. Laxmi being the consort of Vishnu, is highly regarded and almost all the visitors pay a visit. The Temple of Mahalaxmi is again three fold with shrine or deul, Jagamohan and Bhoga Mandap. The Bhoga Mandap is elongated and decorated with wall paintings of various saints and preachers. It is customary to sit for a few minutes here after having a darshan of Mahalaxmi.
NABAGRAHA
Besides the Temple of Mahalaxmi, there is the Temple of nine plantes called Nabagraha. The nine planets are carved from one single stone.
THE SUN TEMPLE
To the east of the Nabagraha temple there is the Temple of Suryanarayana. The Sun is worshiped here with great veneration and the first ritual of the day starts with this Temple in connection with Lord Jagannath’s niti. This is the only Temple having the Saptaratha style.
RAMACHANDRA TEMPLE
Next we can see the Temple of Gopinath and Ram Chandra which combines the era of the Ramayan and the Mahabharat.
From here generelly the visitor prefers to enter into the Nata Mandir of Jagannath Temple through Sata Pahacha (Seven Steps) to have the darshan of Lord Jagannath.
GARUDA STAMBHA
Inside the Temple there is a pillar known as Garuda Stambha. Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu is seated with folded hands. Garuda on this pillar is just at the level of Ratna Bedi. It is the tradition that people offer their prayer for Lord Jagannath behind this pillar. The bathing water of Garuda is supposed to be medicinal.
MUKHASALA
Mukhasala is the only door way to the north leading to a chamber known as “Ratna Bhandar” the main strong room of the Temple.
RATNA VEDI
One who moves straight to the west he has to cross another gate known as “Kalarata Dwar” and then after he finds a raised platform known as “Ratna Vedi” or “Mahavedi”. The image of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra. Lord Jagannath and Lord Sudrashana have been shining on this celebrated platform and they have been serially seated from left to right. The small images of Sridevi, Bhudevi and Madhava are also seated with Lord Jagannath.
MADAN MOHAN TEMPLE
After having the darshan of Lord Jagannath when one moves south after coming out of the Mukhasala be can come across a Temple of Madan Mohan which is the mobile representation of Lord Jagannath.
While coming back one may touch :
ANANDA BAZAR
One can purchase the holy food called Mahaprasad from there. Every day Fifty-six varieties of dishes are prepared and offered to the deitied which are available here for the public.
SNANA VEDI
On the eastern side of Ananda Bazar, there is the Snana Mandap where the deities take a ceremonial bath on Snana Purnima (on the month of Jaista). The above are the places of various Goddess and Gods which one can see during his visit inside the Temple.
