King of Puri is regarded as Deity
The most unique pattern again, during the rule of Suryavamsi Gajapatis (1435 to 1568 A.D.) strengthened the cult. The Gajapati Kings regarded Jagannath as the state deity. Purusottama Deva (1467 to 1497 A.D.) built the Bhogamandapa of the Temple. He undertook a series of wars with the Kings of South India such as Karnataka, Kanchi and Kondavidu etc. During his rule the administration was conducted in the name of Lord Jagannath. He was proclaimed that disloyalty to Lord Jagannath was considered as a great Sin or “Mahapataka”. The celebrate saint Sudramuni Sarala Dasa who composed the famous Oriya Mahabharata received patronisation and the Sanskrit work Avinava-gita-govindam was composed and introduced in the Temple.
