Shri Satyanarayan (The Vishnu Avatar) at Jagannath Temple
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.
