Toshali Sands

The Places Places

Keonjhar, Kondhamal, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Koraput, Ganjam and Sundergarh Koraput, Ganjam and Bolangir. Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Koraput and Bolangir. Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Keonjhar Koraput, Kalahandi and Sundergarh. Koraput, Nowrangapur and Malkangiri Malkangiri and Koraput Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Gunupur and Bonai Mayurbhanj, Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Balasore and Pallahara Koraput and Malkangiri Keonjhar and Dhenkanal back to the pre-Vedic period and Purusottam Kshetra, the sacred
abode of Sri Jagannath, has been described in various Sanskrit works, such as the ‘Padma Purana ” ‘Narada Purana’, ‘Matsya Purana’ etc.

The Purusottam Kshetra Mahatmyam of the Skanda Purana depicts the glory of the Purusottam dham and its presiding deities, Jagannath ( Purusottam) Balabhadra and Subhadra. The ‘ primitive deit of Lor Jagannath was worshipped for’ years as Nilamadhab by the Savaras in the dense forest Viswavasu was their chieftain. Lalita was his only daughter and Vidyapati was the priest of King Indradyumna of Malab. Taking these characters there is a beautiful narration in Skanda Purana. According to this legend Indradyumna is the builder of the first temple of Jagannath. After Savaras Lord Jagannath was gradually embraced by all the religious sects like Jains, Buddhists, Saivas, Saktas, Vaisnavas, Ganapatyas, Sauras, Nathas etc. Consequently, the cult of Jagannath came.to be regarded as the religion of masses ‘Gana Dharma ‘.