Puri: THE ABODE OF LORD SHRI JAGANNATH

The city is known by various names such as Nilanchala, Nilagiri, Niladri, Purusottama Kshetra, Srikshetra, Sankha-Kshetra, Jagannath Kshetra (Dhaam) and Pirisptta, Puri. These names have been mentioned in the Puranas and ancient sacred literature like Mahabharata, Kurma Purana, Narada Puran, Padma Puran and Skand Purana. Similarly, the other literary works like Rudrajamala, Tantrajamala, Kalika Purana etc., also refer to Purusottama Jagannath. It is the seat of Jagannath is worshipped as Lord Vishnu - the most benign among all the deities in the Hindu Pantheon. Puri is thus, the seat of Vishnu, the Purusottama Dhaam and Martya Vaikuntha again is the Home of Vishnu on earth, elaborately described in a literery work called Niladri Mohodaya. The historical evidebces are available with literery works as well as inscriptions and archaeological remains show that Puri has been the seat of Vishnu Kshetra since 9th century A.D., when Sankaracharya (78-820 A.D.) had paid a visit to Puri in the early part of the 9th Century A.D. and established one of his four Pithas here namely Gobardhan Pitha or Matha near Swargadwar. Anargharaghavam Nataka by Murari Mishra, a literery work of 9th century also records the deity of Purusottama Kshetra. Again, in 10th Century A.D., the Mahiar inscription mentioned that one Damodar had undertaken piligrimage to Purusottam Kshetra and drowned in the Sea-Mahodadhi. However, scholars agreed that the present temple of Lord Jagannath was initially started its construction by Somavamsi King Yayati. The Ganga King Ananta Varma Chodaganga Deva (1078-1150 A.D) towards 1147 A.D. rebuilt it with a massive tower and again Ananga Bhima Dev II (A.D. 1170 to 1194) 4th successor to Ganga throne also enhanced it. The Ganga dynasty ruled Orissa from 1078 to 1434 A.D. and made Puri a cultural centre. Puri was regarded a celebrated Pitha, and the saints and seers paid their visit to Puri. In course of time Saint Ramanuja (1056-1136 A.D.) the advocate of Visistadaita philosophy, saints like Nibark, Vishu Swami and Madhabacharya paid their visit to Puri and established their monasteries. The great poet Jaydev of Orissa in 12thy century, composed the famous work Gita-Govindam, dedicated to Lord Jagannath as Krishna - Madhava. In 13th century Narasimha Muni, a follower of Madhavacharya preached Vaisnavisim in Orissa and Puri became the centre of Vaisnavism under the patronage of the Ganga - Kings.