Holy Pilgrimage – 17 (Panchavati, Pandharpur, Pithapurem and PUri) at 2:54 AM

  

58. Panchavati

Panchavati is a place of religious significance and a pilgrimage spot,  near the city of Nashik in Maharashtra, western India. In Hindu theology and epic Ramayana, Panchavati was the place in the forest of Dandakaranya (Danda Kingdom), where Rama built his home along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman during their exile period. And also it is known
that the Panchavati is  one nearer to Bhadrachalam (Sri Kodanda Rama Chandra Swamy) Temple in Khammamm Dt. Andhra Pradesh  (The Panchavati is also on the banks of Sacred River, Godavari ) where Lord Sri Rama including Sitadevi and brother Lakshmanaswamy lived in his Vanavasa period.

Etymology

The name is derived from the Sanskrit pañca five vata Banyan Tree. The area of five Banyan trees is situated on the banks of River Godavari in Nasik, Maharashtra, India.

 

Overview

It has been proposed to identify it with the modern Nasik, because Lakshmana cut off Surpanakha's nose (nasika) at Panchavati.
In Panchavati today, there are five trees marked, one of which is an Ashoka tree. There is also a cave here called Sita Gupha. Sita, Ram and Lakshman prayed here to Lord Shiva. The ancient Shivalinga still exists in the small temple in the cave and is visited by devotees.
According to Hindu legends and Ramayana Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, stayed in Panchavati during their Vanvasa period. The Laxman Rekha is located in Panchavati about a kilometre away from Sita Gupha. It was from here that Ravana abducted Goddess Sita. Today this area is a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction.
Panchavati has many temples like Kalaram Temple, Goraram Temple, Sita Gumpha. There are also many temples in Tapovan which is very close to Panchavati.Panchavati is spread across 500 acres of land.
Its people are proud of its culture and its five thousand year old tradition. Festivals such as Ganesh Utsav, Gokul Ashtami and Rangpanchami are celebrated with full enthusiasm by the people.Previously it was under the rule of Ashish Padhye.
On auspicious occasions like Mahashivratri, Rangapanchami, Makar Sankranti people take baths in river Godavari at Ramkund which is considered to be one of the most important places in Indian theology. According to Hindu theology, it is believed to be the place where a few drops of 'amrut' fell while the kalash was carried to the devatas

Rangapanchami

Description

Every year, thousands of Hindus participate in the festival Holi. The festival has many purposes. First and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season, spring. Originally, it was a festival that commemorated good harvests and the fertile land. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying farewell to winter. It also has a religious purpose, commemorating events present in Hindu mythology. Although it is the least religious holiday, it is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence. During this event, participants hold a bonfire, throw colored powder at each other, and celebrate wildly.
Rangapanchami occurs a few days later on a Panchami (fifth day of the full moon), marking the end of festivities involving colors.
The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli in Sanskrit, or Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing scented powder and perfume at each other. Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi), after which holika dahan prayers are said and praise is offered. The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his devotion. Holika Dahan is referred to as Kama Dahanam in South India.
Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month Phalguna (February/March), (Phalgun Purnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March. In 2009, Holi (Dhulandi) was on March 11 and Holika Dahan was on March 10. In 2010, Holi was on March 1 and Holika Dahan was on February 28. In 2011, Holi was on March 20 and Holika Dahan was on March 19. in 2012, Holi was on March 8.
In most areas, Holi lasts about two days. Holi lowers (but does not remove completely) the strictness of social norms, which includes gaps between age, gender, status, and caste. Together, the rich and poor, women and men, enjoy each other’s presence on this joyous day. No one expects polite behavior; as a result, the atmosphere is filled with excitement, fun and joy.
Though there have been references in Sanskrit texts to similar festivals, like ratnavali where people sprayed coloured waters using bamboo syringes, the origin of the modern Holi festival has been traced to ancient Bengal. It was a Gaudiya Vaishnav festival, in accordance to Vaishnaviya Tantra. People went to Krishna temples, applied red color to the icon and then distributed the red coloured powder or Abir along with malpua prasad to family and friends. Red signified the colour of passion and Lord Krishna is the king of desires. The ritual signified that all our desires should be diverted for the attainment of Krishna and for the well being of society.
In some cultures though, the ritual of burning wood and leaves on the full moon night already existed. This ritual was to signify the end of winter and full advent of spring. Old wood and leaves that had fallen were burnt to signify that it was time for new leaves and flowers. People then smeared their bodies with ash. Later, however, the story of Holika Dahan became associated with this ritual.

Rituals

The earliest textual reference to the celebration of Holi is found in the 7th century Sanskrit drama, Ratnavali.^[2] Certainly there are perennial rituals attached to Holi: the first is smearing of coloured powder on each other, and throwing coloured and scented water at each time. On the first day of this festival, Hindus participate in a public bonfire. Prior to the event, men prepare for this by collecting extra wood. The fire itself is lit near midnight, as the moon rises. The main custom of Holi is the use of the colored powders and water on others. This is why Holi is given the name “Festival of Colors.”
n Maharashtra, Holi is mainly associated with the burning of Holika. Holi Paurnima is also celebrated as Shimga. A week before the festival, youngsters go around the community, collecting firewood and money. On the day of Holi, the firewood is arranged in a huge pile at a clearing in the locality. In the evening, the fire is lit. Every household makes an offering of a meal and dessert to the fire god. Puran Poli is the main delicacy and children shout "Holi re Holi puranachi poli". Shimga is associated with the elimination of all evil. The colour celebrations here traditionally take place on the day of Rangapanchami, 5 days after Holi, unlike in North India where it is done on the second day itself. During this festival, people are supposed to forget about any rivalries and start new healthy relations with all.

Traditional Holi

The spring season, during which the weather changes, is believed to cause viral fever and cold. The playful throwing of natural coloured powders has a medicinal significance: the colours are traditionally made of Neem, Kumkum, Haldi, Bilva, and other medicinal herbs prescribed by Āyurvedic doctors.

Transportation

Roads

Nashik is on the intersection of 2 National Highways. The Mumbai - Agra Highway NH3 and the Nashik - Pune Highway NH50. Apart from these, other major cities like Aurangabad are connected via a state highway. Nashik is easily accessible by road from Gujarat state in western India. There are other numerous State Highways which offer very good Road connectivity to Nashik.

Railways

Nashik has principally only one train station which is Nashik Road which is around 10 km from the central area of the city. Also, there is a separate railhead at Deolali which serves the military cantonment area. It can be also used to travel to Nashik.
Nashik Road falls on the Mumbai - Manmad route of the Central Railways and over 50 trains make a stop here. Nashik is directly connected to various major cities in India like Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Nagpur, Kanpur, Guwahati etc. For travelling to the south or the western part of India, one might have to change trains either at Manmad or Mumbai. Although there are a few trains connecting Southern and Northern parts of India which travel via Nashik.

Airways

Nashik's Ozar Airport is located at a distance of 24 km from the city center. Kingfisher Airlines and Deccan Airways used to operate flights to Mumbai from a couple of years ago which were later taken off due to lack of passengers. Nashik has another airport at Gandhinagar with a shorter runway and hence unfit for modern-day passenger aircraft. The government run Vayudoot used an operate a service to Mumbai from this Gandhinagar Airport during the 1980s. A new Passenger Terminal at Ozar is under construction. Also there is a cargo airport at ozar.A Military Airport is present in Deolali Cantonment.

59. Pandharpur

Pandharpur (Marathi:   is an important pilgrimage city on the banks of Bhimā river in Solāpur district, Maharashtra, India. Pandharpur is situated on the 1711 north axis and 7511 the east longitude in Solapur District. Pandharpur is the India's 3rd Largest Tahsil and ninth largest population city. The Vithoba temple attracts about half a million Hindu pilgrims during the major yātrā (pilgrimage) in the month of Ashadh (June–July).

Geography

Pandharpur has an average elevation of 458 metres (1502 feet). Pandharpur is 3rd largest Tahsil in India and ninth largest population city in Maharashtra.

Religious importance

Pandharpur is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. It is located on the banks of the Bhimā river, which is alternatively known as Chandrabhāgā because of its half-moon-like shape. The city is named after a merchant, Pandarika, who achieved self-realization there.^[1]
Pandharpur, also known as Pandhari, hosts the renowned Vitthal temple on the banks of Bhimā. "Vithoba", "Pāndurang", and "Pandharināth" are the popular alternate names of the deity, Viththal, who is regarded in Hinduism as a form of Lord Krishna, who, in turn, is considered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rakhumāi or Rukmini is Viththal's consort in the temple.
The worship of Vitthal in the Pandharpur temple is based mainly on the contents of the Puranas, and the contributions of the Vaishnav saints of Maharashtra and Karnataka during the 13th through the 17th centuries, namely, Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Gora Kumbhar, Chokhamela, Eknath, Tukaram, Purandara Dasa, Vijaya Dasa, Gopala Dasa, and Jagannatha Dasa, have augmented the worship.
The Pandharpur temple covers a large area, and has six gates. The eastern gate is known as the "Namdev Gate".
Pandharpur hosts four annual pilgrimages ("yātrās") of Hindu devotees. Among them, the pilgrimage in the month of Āshādh (June–July) in the Hindu calendar attracts the largest number of pilgrims—around 0.5 to 0.7 million people. The pilgrimages in the months of Kārtik (October–November), Māgh(January–February) and Shrāvan(July–August) attract the second, third and fourth largest numbers of pilgrims respectively.
This has been a great place to visit for devotees all over India. There are some other important holy places around Pandharpur. The deities include Goddess Tulja Bhavani (Goddess of family - KulDevata of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) at Tuljapur, Saint Shri Swami Samarth (God Form of Dattatreya) at Shri Kshetra Akkalkot, Lord Dattatreya at Ganagapur etc. All these places are located in or near Solapur District. Famous Devi Temples in Pandharpur include Padmavati, Emayi –Tukai, Ambabai, and Lakhubai.
Milk and all other cow products for Pooja in Pandharpur temple are supplied from Shri kesavgoshala of Pandharpur, which belongs to Nagoriya Math.

Transportation

Pandharpur Pandharpur comes under solapur district, maharashtra. Kurdwadi railway station which is 50 kms from pandharpur connects the whole of India to reach pandharpur. Pandharpur railway station is very ancient.
A total of around 25 to 30 trains from various destinations hault at Kurdwadi which is 50 kms from pandharpur. Kurdwadi is connected to pandharpur by road and rail.There is a direct train from Pandharpur to shirdi weekly 3 times. The railway station enquiry phonme number is 02186 223227. These include passenger, express, mail, trains. Pandharpur is directly connected to mumbai by train weekly 3 days.
The city solapur is the Divisional Head Quarters for the central railway. it is 75 kms from pandharpur. People from kerala andhra tamilnadu and karnataka are well connected in solapur to reach pandharpur. This pilgrim centre has plenty of lodges and mutts for all classes of people and the Gajanan Maharaj mutt consists of plenty of cottages for which prior reservation is required. The telephone number will be available in the website. Eating places are numerous serving all types of maharashtrian and south indian food. The railway station also has retiring rooms on demand showing a valid reservation ticket. You should be very careful with the hawkers and brokers who raise the prices and cheat you.
Pandharpur is connected to all parts of Maharashtra by bus. Pandharpur Bus depot is the largest Bus depot in maharashtra.

• Sangola (32.0 km)
• Kurduvadi (52.0 km)
• Mohol (40.0 km)
• Solapur (72.0 km)
• Miraj (128.0 km
• Ahmednagar (196.0 km)

• By Road

Pandharpur is well connected to all the major cities in Maharashtra by state transport buses. Also it is connected to major cities/places in North karnataka & North-West Andra Pradesh.

Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur

Vithoba temple, Pandharpur is the main centre of worship for the Hindu deity Vithoba, believed to be a local form of god Krishna or Vishnu and his consort Rakhumai. It is the most visited temple in Maharastra. The Warkaris start marching from their homes to the temple of Pandharpur in groups called Dindi to reach on Aashadhi ekadashi and Kartiki ekadashi. A dip in the holy river Chandrabhaga on whose banks Pandharpur resides, is believed to have power to wash all sins.
All the devotees are allowed to touch the feet of the idol of Vithoba.

Legend of Pundalik

The saga of Pundalik is one of the most important Mahima legends about Vithoba. How Vithoba came to Pandharpur is a story in which Pundalik is vital. Pundalik is a devoted son to his parents Janudev and Satyavati, who lived in a forest called Dandirvan. But after his wedding, Pundalik begins ill-treating his parents. Tired with their son’s misbehavior and ill treatment, the elderly couple decide to leave for Kashi. Legend holds that people who die in the city of Kashi attain salvation and emancipation from the cycle of birth and death; so, many pious Hindus in the bygone era would relocate to Kashi as their end drew near.
However, the elderly couple are not destined to escape their suffering so easily. Upon hearing his parents' plans, Pundalik and his wife decide to join them on pilgrimage. The ill treatment continues. While the youthful son and his wife ride on horseback, the frail old couple walk in bad weather. Pundalik even makes his old parents work to make his own journey comfortable. Every evening, when the party camps for the night, the son forces his parents to groom the horses and do other jobs.
On the way to Kashi, the group reaches the ashram (hermitage) of a pious and venerable sage, Kukkutswami. Exhausted, the family decides to spend a few days there. That night, when all were asleep, Pundalik by chance is awake and sees a remarkable vision. Just before dawn, a group of beautiful young women, dressed in soiled clothes, enter the ashram; they clean the floor, fetch water and wash the venerable sage’s clothes. After finishing their chores, they go to the prayer-room. When they reappear after prayer, their clothes are spotlessly clean. Then, they vanish as inexplicably as they had appeared.
Pundalik is not moved to raise an alarm, but feels a deep sense of peace witnessing the scene. It remains on his mind the whole day and he resolves to remain awake the next night, and confirm it was not merely a dream. This time, however, Pundalik is very curious. He approaches the beautiful women and asks details.
They reply, they are the Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and other holy rivers of India—revered for their holiness. Pilgrims wish to take a dip in their holy waters to wash away their sins, which in fact are soiling their clothes.
Then, the women say: "But O Pundalik, you, with your ill-treatment of your parents, are the greatest sinner of them all!"
Pundalik is utterly shocked and his consciousness transforms. He realizes his misdeeds, becomes entirely devoted to his parents and ensures their comfort, even risking his own.
Devotion in any form reaches God swiftly. Impressed by Pundalik's devotion to his parents, Lord Visnu plans to bless Pundalik immediately. So, He leaves Vaikuntha (His abode) for Pundalik’s ashram.
Visnu knocks at Pundalik’s door, when he is busy serving his parents food. Pundalik does realize God is at his door. But such was his devotion to his parents, he wants to complete his duties and only then attend the visitor. Then, Pundalik does something strange but out of real devotion. He throws a brick outside for God to stand on and wait for him until he finishes attending to his parents.
Seeing this act, Visnu is extremely impressed and the ever-loving God waits for his devotee. When Pundalik comes out, he begs for pardon but far from being displeased, Visnu is taken over by Pundalik's love for his parents and grants a boon. Pundalik requests Visnu to stay back on Earth and bless all his true devotees. He agrees to take the form of Vithoba, or God who stood upon a brick, and a temple comes up there. Along with Vithoba, Rakhumai (Mother Rukmini, the consort of Krishna, one of avatars of Visnu) is also worshipped here.

Namdeva Chi Payari

An interesting tale is that of the temple's first step called “Namdev Chi Payari” (step of Namdev). The child and future saint, Namdev was an ardent devotee of Vithoba. One day his mother asks him to complete the ritual of “naivedya” (any food made in the house is first offered to God, the ritual comprises placing the offering plate before the idol and sprinkling water around the plate and with a prayer to God). Namdev faithfully does “naivedya” and waits for God to appear and take the offering. But he is disheartened. He keeps praying and requests God to come in person and accept the offering. With no answer, the child starts banging his head at the feet of God. Seeing this utmost devotion and innocence of a child, God appears, eats the offering and blesses Namdev. Namdev asks for being present in the "first step" at His temple, so that he could innumerable devotees will touch him before having the “darshan” (view). So, this first step is called “Namdev Chi Payari”.

Movement against Untouchability

In the pre-1947 period untouchables were not allowed to enter the temples, against this communal attitude Gandhian freedom fighter Sane Guruji went on to fast-unto-death, supported by others of the Gandhian movement. He succeeded in getting temple doors opened for all worshipping communities.

Dindi Yatra

Ashadi Ekadasi is a religious procession and is celebrated during the months of June- July (Aashaadh Shukla paksha). It consists of a beautifully decorated Palkhi having the “padukas” of the lord and the Palkhi procession consists of people collectively walking, singing and dancing the glory of the Lord in what are called as ‘Dindis’. This custom of taking out a holy procession is said to have started in 1810.
Tradition has it that two of the greatest devotees of Lord from the Maharashtra state, Sant Jnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram had set out on a pilgrimage to Lord Vittala from their respective places and reached the Divine Abode in fifteen days time on the auspicious day of Ashadi Ekadasi. Following this set tradition by these great souls, even after their merger with the Divine, devotees from the entire length and breadth of the state and even from outside the state set out for Pandharpur, wearing basil beads and singing His glory on a pilgrimage to reach on this auspicious day to have Divine Darshan. This pilgrimage is traditionally called Dindi Yatra. Commemorating this maiden Dindi Yatra undertaken by these great saints even today people from the state traditionally carry Padukas (divine sandals) of these great souls in palanquins on their procession to Pandharpur. Upon reaching Pandharpur on Ashadi, these devotees take a holy dip in the sacred River Chandrabhaga before proceeding for the Darshan of Lord Vittala.
Myth has it that Pundalik, an earnest devotee of Vithoba, placed the service of his parents higher than to that of God. He commanded the violent Bhima River not to disturb his sleeping parents. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Vishnu blessed him with a boon, and the river mellowed and now flows silently as the Chandrabhaga in Pandharpur. On appearing at Pundalik's doorstep, Vithoba found Pundalik with his parents sleeping with their heads on his lap. So as his parents do not get disturbed, Pundalik slipped a brick forward. Till date one finds Vithoba standing on that brick, waiting to be entertained by his 'host', at Pandharpur.
The Palkhi procession has remained unbroken since it began despite wars, famines and floods. More than Fifty Palkhis of saints assemble at Pandharpur every year. In Maharashtra “Varkaris” (predominantly simple farmers) is a big community. They usually undertake 21-day walk after they have completed the sowing process in their fields. In the Ashadi Ekadasi festival, people from every faith and religion participate. Learned sages also come for it. Jnyaneshwar preached the Gita which is considered the highest religious text in Maharashtra.
The 'Bhakti Marg' (the path of devotion) as propounded by Sant Jnyaneshwar, teach us to forget the physical self in pursuit of the Lord. When the Varkaris sing and dance during the pilgrimage, they forget the material world around them.
Along with the Dindi procession, seva to the poor and needy is done reflecting that Lord is in all forms. This is called ‘Seva Dindi’. During the Seva Dindi, the people on pilgrimage undertake selfless service to the poor and needy like Amrut Kalash (Annadhan), Narayan seva, Medical seva, Building & repairing rural infrastructure etc.
Participation in Ashadi Dindi and Seva Dindi helps an individual in many ways by bringing good health, peace & prosperity in his life. Chanting the continuous glory of the God in the Ashadi Dindi procession and Seva Dindi purifies an individual, there is an inner cleansing that takes place in Mind, Body and Spirit and the participants tend to lose their individual identities and experience bliss. It develops all aspects of human personality and helps us understand the true purpose of Life

Rukmini

In Hinduism, Rukmini also pronounced as "Rukhmani" is the principal wife and queen of Krishna at his city of Dwaraka. Krishna heroically eloped with her to prevent an un-wanted marriage at her request (described in the Bhagavata Purana). Of Krishna's 16,108 queens, Rukmini is the first and most prominent. Rukmini is also considered to be an Avatar of Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune.

Birth

According to traditional accounts Princess Rukmini is believed to have been born on Vaishakha 12^{[citation needed]}. Although born of an earthly king, her position as an incarnation of goddess Lakshmi is described throughout Puranic literature:

• O hero among the Kurus, the Supreme Lord Himself, Govinda, married King Bhishmaka's daughter, Vaidarbhi, who was a direct expansion of the goddess of fortune [Sriyo maatraam]. (Bhagavata Purana 10.52.16)

• Dwaraka's citizens were overjoyed to see Krishna, the Lord of all opulence, united with Rukmini, the goddess of fortune Ramã. (SB 10.54.60)

• Lakshmi by Her portion took birth in the earth as Rukmini in the family of Bhismaka. (Mahabharata Adi 67.156)

• Rukminidevi, the Queen Consort of Krishna is the Swarupa-shakti (mulaprakriti), the essential potency of Krishna (krsnatmika) and She is the Queen of the Divine World (jagatkatri), Dwaraka/Vaikuntha.

The Śrutis which are closely associated with the narrations of the pastimes of the Vraja-gopis with svayam-rupa Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the Parabrahma, have declared this truth (Gopala-tapani Upanisad 57). They cannot be separated. As Lakshmi is Vishnu's Shakti(power or strength) so even as Rukmini is Krishna's strength.

Marriage

Rukmini was the daughter of Bhishmaka, the king of Vidarbha. Bhismaka was the vassal of King Jarasandha of Magadha. She fell in love with and longed for Krishna, whose virtue, character, charm and greatness she had heard much of. Rukmini's eldest brother Rukmi though was a friend of evil King Kamsa, who was killed by Krishna, and was set against the marriage.
According to the Mahabharat and the Puranas, Draupadi was regarded as the most beautiful and virtuous of all women at the time. It is said that if there was any one woman just as beautiful and virtuous as she was, it was Rukmini.
Rukmini's parents wanted to marry Rukmini to Krishna but Rukmi, her brother strongly opposed Bhishmaka and changed his father's mind. Rukmi was an ambitious prince and he did not want to earn the wrath of Emperor Jarasandha,who was ruthless.Instead, he proposed that she be married to his friend Shishupala, the crown prince of Chedi. Shishupala was also a vassal of Jarasandha and hence an ally of Rukmi.
Bhishmaka gave in but Rukmini, who had overheard the conversation was horrified and immediately sent for a brahmana, Sunanda, whom she trusted and asked him to deliver a letter to Krishna. She asked Krishna to come to Vidarbha and kidnap her to avoid a battle where her relatives may be killed. She suggested that he do this when she was on her way to the temple or back. Rukmini asked that he claim her to marry her. Krishna, having received the message in Dwarka, immediately set out for Vidarbha with Balarama, his elder brother.
Meanwhile, Shishupala was overjoyed at the news from Rukmi that he could simply go to Kundina (present day Koundanyapur) Amravati district and claim Rukmini. Jarasandha, not so trusting, sent all his vassals and allies along because he felt that Krishna would certainly come to snatch Rukmini away.
Bhishmaka and Rukmini received the news that Krishna was coming by their respective spies. Bhishmaka, who secretly approved of Krishna and wished he would take Rukmini away had a furnished mansion set up for him.
He welcomed them joyfully and made them comfortable. Meanwhile, at the palace, Rukmini got ready for her upcoming marriage. She went to the shrine to pray but was severely disappointed when she did not see Krishna there. Inside the shrine, she prayed to goddess Parvati that Krishna would arrive and wed her. As she stepped out, she saw Krishna and he soon swept her into his chariot with him. They both started to ride off when Shishupala noticed them. All of Jarasandha's forces quickly started chasing them. While Balarama occupied most of them and held them back Rukmi had almost caught up with Krishna and Rukmini.
Krishna and Rukmi duelled with the inevitable result of Krishna's victory. When Krishna was about to kill him, Rukmini fell at the feet of Krishna and begged that her brother's life be spared. Krishna, generous as always agreed but as punishment, shaved Rukmi's head and let him go free. There was no greater shame for a warrior than a visible sign of defeat.
According to folklore, Lord Krishna came to the village of Madhavpur Ghed after kidnapping Rukmini and got married to her at this very place. In the memory of that event, there is a temple built for lord Madhavrai. A celebration of this event is held at Madhavpur in memory of this marriage every year in a cultural fair.
A few days later at Dwaraka, Krishna was married to Rukmini with great pomp and ceremony.

Tulabharam (weighing by scale)

The Tulabharam is an incident in the life of Rukmini, that reveals the extent to which humble devotion is worth more than material wealth.
Satyabhama, another queen of Krishna, prides herself about the love Krishna has for her and her grasp over his heart. Rukmini, on the other hand is a devoted wife, humble in her service of her Lord. Her devotion is her real inner beauty. On one occasion, the sage Narada arrived in Dwaraka and in the course of conversation hinted to Satyabhama that the love that Krishna exhibits towards her is not all that real and in fact it is Rukmini who has real control over his heart. Unable to bear this, Satyabhama challenges Narada to prove it. Narada, with his way with words, tricked her into accepting a Vrata (ritual) where she has to give Krishna away in charity to Narada and reclaim him by giving the weight of Krishna in wealth. Narada lures her into accepting this vrata by telling her that Krishna’s love to her will increase many folds if she succeeds in performing this Tulabharam. He also instigates her ego by hinting that her wealth may not be sufficient to equal the weight of Krishna. With Satyabhama's ego duly raised, she tells Narada that she can mobilize so much wealth that it is a child’s play for her to outweigh Krishna. Narada warns her that if she is not able to do this, Krishna will become his slave to be done with as he pleases.
The scene is soon set for the vrata. Satyabhama gives Krishna away in charity in spite of the other wives’ pleadings. Krishna, always the mischievous cowherd, meekly submits to this drama. After donating Krishna to Narada, Satyabhama arranges for a big scale to be put up and sends with all assurance for her huge treasure of gold and jewellery. All that she has is soon put on the scale, but it doesn’t budge. Narada starts taunting her and threatening her that if she can’t put enough gold or diamonds, he will be forced to auction Krishna as a slave to someone else. Satyabhama, in frantic panic, swallows her pride and begs all the other wives to give their jewels. They agree out of love for Krishna but alas, it is of no use.
Krishna remains a mute witness to all this drama and rubs salt into the open wounds of Satyabhama’s ego that he has now to become a slave to some cowherd and will have to suffer the separation from his dear wife. Narada suggests to Satyabhama that Rukmini may be able to get her out of the predicament. She finally swallows her pride and appeals to the devoted first wife of Krishna. Rukmini comes and with a prayer to her husband puts a single leaf of the sacred Tulasi on the scale (tula). The scales then become all at once so heavy that even after removing all the jewels, the scales are weighed down on the side of the Tulasi leaf.
While there are different versions in different texts as to why the weighing was arranged, the story of the Tulsi leaf placed by Rukmini being worth more in weight than that of Satyabhama's wealth is a common ending. This story is often repeated to enunciate the significance of Tulsi and how a humble offering to God is greater than any material wealth.

Glorification

Rukmini or Rakhumai is worshipped as the consort of Vithoba (a form of Krishna) in Pandharpur, Maharashtra.
In 1480, Rukmini devi's servant messenger is believed to have appeared in this world as Vadiraja Tiirtha (1480–1600), the greatest saint in the Madhva tradition. He composed a famous work Rukminisa Vijaya glorifying Rukmini and Krishna in 1240 verses spread over 19 chapters.

Children

The first son of Queen Rukmini was Pradyumna, and also born of her were Charudeshna, Sudesna and the powerful Charudeha, along with Sucharu, Charugupta, Bhadracharu, Charuchandra, Vicharu and Charu, the tenth (SB 10.61.8-9). Of them, Pradyumna was the crown prince of Dwaraka.

60. Pithapuram

Pithapuram is a town and a municipality in East Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Pithapuram railway station is on the Chennai-Howrah Railway line. Pithapuram is famous for its Ancient Hindu temples. Pithapuram was previously known as Puruhoothika puram and later known as Pithikapuram. Pithapuram is also known as Dakshina Kasi.

Geography

Pithapuram is located at 17.1167°N 82.2667°E.   It has an average elevataion of 10 meters (36 feet). It is located near several beaches though not one in particular. It is in between 2 major cities; Kakinada and Rajahmundry. Pitapuram though is landlocked town and most of the economic activity takes place in Kakinada.

Temples

( Temple is called as Gudi in Telugu)

• Kukkuteshwara Swamy temple - The most famous temple at Pithapuram is that of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is known as Kukkuteshwara Swamy here. The consort of Kukkuteshwara Swamy is known as Raja Rajeswari. There is the temple of Puruhutika Devi inside the campus of this temple. It is one of the Asta Dasa Shakti Pithas. Maha Shivaratri, Sarannavarathri and Kaartika Masam are the main festivals celebrated at this temple.SRI VASAVI KANYAKAPARAMESWARI TEMPLE (KOTAGUMMAM)

This complex has a Sarovar after taking bath people offer prayers to their ancestors, as this temple complex is called Pada Gaya. It has Gayasura's Padas(Feet) and Vishnu Padas (Feet).
Gayasura's body was cut in three portions and out of that Head has fallen at Siro Gaya (Called Gaya in Bihar) Below chest (Nabhi) portion has fallen in Nabhi Gaya, Biraja Temple Jajpur in Orissa and the Legs (Padas) have fallen here hence called Pada Gaya.
Swayambhu Sri Dattatreya Swamy is also in the Temple Complex. Sripada Srivallbha Swamy's idol is worshipped separately in the same complex. It is the only place where an idol of Sri Datta incarnation is worshipped. Rest of the two places Kurugadda and Ganaga puram Swamy's padukas are being worshipped.
Recently in April 2008, another temple Akhanda Datta Brundavan has been constructed as Saibaba is the main Idol with his earlier incarnations namely Sri Pada Srivallbha Swamy(Pithapuram), Sri Nrusimha Saraswathi Swamy (Ganagapur in Karnataka, near Gulbarga), Shri Swami Samarth (Akkalkot Maharaj)in Maharashtra, Sri Manik Prabhu (Humanabad, Bidar in Karnataka) (near to Hyderabad). This temple was inaugurated with the pious hands of Guruji Chandra Bhanu Satpathy Ji of Chatrapur, New Delhi near to famous Qutub Minar.

• Sripada Sri Vallabha Samsthanam (dated around 14th century). It is the birthplace of Sripada Sri Vallabha, the first incarnation of Dattaatreya swamy, the divine Guru. It is believed that even today he seeks bhiksha in various forms during the noon time at Pithapuram.
• Venu Gopala Swamy temple
• Kunthi Madhava Swami Temple – It is one of the pancha madava skathra (others being one at Prayaga (U.P), Sundara Padmanabha in Kerala, Sethu Madhava at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.) This temple was established by Lord Indra and was worshipped by Sri Rama in Treta Yuga and Kunthi and Pandavas in Dwapara Yuga From then on this Madhava Kshetra is known as Kunthi Madhava Kshetra. Maharshi Vedavyasa visited this temple.

• Sripada Vallabha Anagha Datta Kshethram (Constructed by Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashram)
• Nukalamma Temple (Grama Devatha)
• Kukka Pamu Gudi ( Seethayyagari thota)
• Ramakovela (Mangayamma Rao Peta)
• Venkateswaraswami Temple (near Kukkuteshwara Swamy temple)
• Kothi Gudi (near market)
• Sanyasiralla Gudi (near market)
• Vinayakudi Gudi (near Kota gummam)
• Sai baba Gudi (near Chinna Post Office)
• Gali gangalamma temple (near old bus stand)
• Puruhutika ammavaru (near old bus stand )
• Kota Sattemma Talli Gudi (Seethayyagari thota)
• Sri Kodanda Ramalayam (Pakshula Marri Street)
• Sri Viswa Viznana Vidya Adhyatmika Peetham, Near Old Bus Stand - Established in 1472 AD in India,working for National Integration and Communal Harmony.

61. Puri

 (Jagannadha  Temple)

Puri  pronunciation (help·info) (Oriya ) is a city and the district headquarters of puri district, situated on the Bay of Bengal 60 kilometres (37 mi) south of the state capital Bhubaneswar in the Indian state of Orissa. It is also known as Jagannath Puri after the 11th century Jagannath Temple located in the city. Puri is a holy city of the Hindus as a part of the Char Dham pilgrimages. According to Hindu teachings, a pilgrimage of the temples of India is not considered complete without a journey to Puri.
Puri is endowed with one of the best beaches for swimming in India and is therefore also a popular beach resort, especially as it is positioned geographically so that both sunset and sunrise can be viewed from the beach.

Name

Puri, the holy land of Lord Jagannath, has many names. It is mentioned in Puranas as Srikshetra, Shankhakshetra, Neelāchala, Neelādri, Purusottama Dhāma, Purusottama Kshetra, Purusottama Puri and Jagannath Puri. The word "Puri" in Sanskrit means 'town', or 'city'^[1] and is cognate with polis in Greek. It is possible that Puri is a shortened name for Jagannath Puri or Purusottama Puri. In some records pertaining to the British rule, the word 'Jagannath' was used for Puri.^[2] It is the only shrine in India, where Radha, along with Lakshmi, Durga, Sati, Parvati, and Shakti abodes with Krishna, also known as Jagannath

History

Puri is the site of the Govardhana matha, one of the four cardinal institutions established by Adi Shankaracharya, the others being those at Sringeri, Dwaraka and Jyotirmath.
Puri is also famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or "Festival of Chariots", when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and placed in a chariot procession.^[3] This festival occurs on various dates of the Gregorian calendar, typically in the month of July.^[4]
The town is famous for its many Mathas (Monasteries of the various Hindu sects). It also houses the relics of many Hindu figures as traditionally it is seen as a holy place to die in or to be cremated. As a result, it has had a disproportionate number of widows. Like other old Hindu religious towns it has a lot of character that is difficult to be glimpsed or picked up on easily by a casual visitor.
In 1903, Sri Yukteswar established an ashram in the sea-side town of Puri, naming it "Kararashram". From two ashrams, Yukteswar taught students, and began an organization named "Sadhu Sabha." Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur, founder of 64 Sri Gaudiya Maths performed the final past-times of his life in Puri.

Among seven holy sites of India

Puri is one of seven most holy places for Hindus in India where Varanasi is considered as the holiest of the seven holy cities.

Ayodhyā Mathurā Māyā Kāsi Kāñchī Avantikā I

Purī Dvārāvatī chaiva saptaitā moksadāyikāh II - Garuḍa Purāṇa I XVI .14  A 

Kṣetra is a sacred ground, a field of active power, a place where Moksha, final release can be obtained. The Garuda Purana enumerates seven sites as giver of Moksha, They are Ayodhya, Mathura, Māyā, Kāsi, Kāñchī, Avantikā, Purī and Dvārāvatī.

Culture and tradition of Puri

Puri is one of the fascinating littoral district of Orissa. The Cultural heritage of Puri with its long recorded history beginning from third century B. C till present day, The monuments and religious sanctity, way of life of the people with their rich tradition possess emphatically to be the cultural heart of Orissa. In deed Puri is considered cultural capital of Orissa. The culture here is flourished with its manifold activities.
The District has the happy conglomerate of different religions, sects and faith in course of history, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim, Christian, Sikh found here in the District.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, appeared 500 (five hundred) years ago, in the mood of a devotee to taste the sublime emotions of ecstasy by chanting the holy name of Krishna. Stalwart scholars of Puri like Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya (head priest and great Sanskrit pandit) and others followed His teachings. Even kings and ministers of His period became His disciples. One famous King, Prataparudra, became His great admirer and ardent follower.

Traditional fairs and festivals

The festivals are celebrated in a calendar year relating to Lord Jagannath are:

Festival	When celebrated	Notes
Car Festival (Ratha Yatra)	July
Chandan Yatra	April
Gosani Yatra	September/October	Dasahara
Sahi Yatra	March/April	for 7 days from Rama Navami
Maha Shiva Ratri	February/March	in all the Saiva Pithas
Magha Mela	January	Konark
Boita Bandan	October/November	Konark
Harirajpur Melan	March	Harirajpur
Jhamu Yatra Kakatapur	May
Dayana chori		Ghorodia in Pipil Block
Aunla Navami	November	Sakshigopal
Makar Mela	January	Chilika
Bali Harachandi Mela	during the Raj Festival in June	Brahmagiri
Anabasar Yatra Alaranath Pitha		Brhamagiri
Siruli Mahavir Mela		Panasankranti- Siruli, Sadar Block
Julana Purnima	August	Raksha Bandhan

Other festivals for tourists

• Konark festival – Department of Tourism – Government of Orissa – 1st week of December
• Konark Music & Dance Festival – Konark Natya Mandap – February
• Basant Utshav – Parampara Raghurajpur – February
• Puri Beach Festival at Puri – Organised by Hotel & Restaurant Association of Orissa Bhubaneswar – November
• Sriksetra Mohoshav, Puri – Organised by Srikshetra Mahoshav committee – April
• Gundicha Utshav at Puri – Organised by Urreka, Puri – June

In all the festivals Odissi folk dances from different party of the country are staged.
CULTURAL PROGRAM ON SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH:
With the objective to encourage the young artist and to display our rich performing art form, Cultural programmee for two hours, in the evening of 2nd Saturday of each month is organized at the collector's conference Hall C (Near Sea bech Police Station) Puri by District Council of culture. The majestic Odissi dance, the lucid Odissi Song and enchanting folk dances are staged in this programmes.
Puri is also famous for its 'Sahi Jatras' which represent the spirit of 'Sahis' (Sahi: Geographical barriers based on occupation) Every year, strong young men dresees as mythological characters like Ravaan, Durga Madhab, Naga Sanyassi go around the town after seeking blessings from the Shri Jagannath Temple.

Monuments

The important monuments of the district are:

• Jagannath Temple, Puri
• Gundicha Temple, Puri
• Shyamakali Temple, Puri
• Siddha Mahavir Temple, Puri
• Swetaganga Tank, Puri
• Lokonath Temple, Puri
• Jambeswar temple, Puri
• Karar Ashram, Kriyayoga Teaching & Meditation Centre, Puri
• Sapta Matruka images near Markandeswar tank Puri
• Sun Temple, Konark
• Barahi Temple, at Chourasi, in Nimapara Block.
• Mangala Temple, Kakatpur
• Sakhigopal Temple, at Sakhigopal
• Amareswar Temple, at Amareswar, Nimapara Block
• Sculpture shed at Bishnupur, Nimapara
• Gramswar Temple, Terundia, Nimapara
• Alarnath Temple, Brahmamgiri
• Baliharachandi Temple, Brahmagiri, Block
• Kunteswar Temple, Araorh, Pipil Block
• Harihar Temple, near Pipil
• Shiva Temple, Jagadalpur at Delang Block
• Tara image at Badatara, Gop
• Bayalisbati Temple, near Gop
• Mohabir Temple, Siruli Sadar Block
• Gopaljeeu Temple, Ganeswar Pur, Gop
• Nilakantheswar Temple, Dighalo, Nimapara
• Daskhina Kali Mandir, Biragovindpur, Puri
• Nilachala Kutir (Swami Nigamananda Ashram), Swargdwar, Puri

The grandeur of architecture and the crafts maintop of the sculptures speak high of the cultural history of Puri District.

Excavated archeological sites

The following are the Excavated archeological Sites of Puri District.

• Kurum is 80 km away from Konark. The excavation work conducted here reveal the remains at Buddhists artifacts at 10th century AD
• Manikapatana – It is in Krushnaprasad block from which the remains at mediaeval period are found.
• Klkha patana on Puri-Konark Marine drive road where the remains of 15th century was found.

Opera

Opera is a popular mobile drama troupe is very popular in the state.

Museum

• District Museum Puri: With a view to preserve and project our rich cultural heritage, the district Museum at Puri is functioning since 1997. It is one of the branch museum of Orissa state museum and managed by Govt of Orissa. Different veshas of Lord Jagannath, Sculptures of various Kinds, Patta paintings palm leaf paintings, Handicrafts of numerous varieties are displayed in this museum. It is located at the Station Road, Puri-2. There is no entry fee for visiting this museum.
• Another handicraft museum is situated at Batagaon, 5 km from Puri on Puri Bhubaneswar road. It is managed by a Co-operative Society.
• A museum has been established inside the Jagannath Temple which showcases history of Jagannath Temple as well as the epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Places of interest

• Puri is considered a holy place of pilgrimage in India.
• The beautiful sea beach with its unique and fantastic views of sunsets and sunrises.
• The world famous Jagannath Temple (Bada Deula).
• Hare Krishna Movement, Puri – originally started by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu 500 years back & inspired by His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, preaching the sublime method of purifying heart & soul by chanting the Lord Krishna's (Jagannath) holy name.
• The gateway to heaven (as per Hindu mythology – Swargadwara). Swargadwara means direct gateway to Heaven. Here, there is a Burning Ghat for Hindus. Swarga means Heaven and Dwara means gate.
• One of the four cardinal institutions established by Adi Shankaracharya – Puri matha
• Ratha Jatra.
• Gateway to famous Sun temple (from Puri 36 km.) at Konark from Konark towards north "Kuruma" is the location of a famous Buddhist place. It is possible to walk along the beach from Puri all the way to Konark (or Konarak the name it is also known by) in order to see the Konark Sun Temple.
• Bada Thakura(Lord Jagannath), Bada Danda(Grand Road), Bada Deula(Jagannath temple), Bada Raja(King of puri), Maha Prasada(cooked food from the temple), Maha Dipa(oil candel) etc. are notable persons and things in Puri.
• Tota Gopinatha mandira, Alharanatha mandir at Bramhagiri.
• Jayadeba, the famous Oriya poet who has written "Gita Gobinda" in Sanskrit was born in Kenduli Sasan on the outskirts of Puri.
• Sakhigopala otherwise known as Satyabadi is a very significant religious place and tourist destination of Puri district. Utkalamani Gopabandhu Dasa with his four friends set up Bakula Bana Bidyalaya here, an open air school which played pivotal role in building character of students. Also immensely contributed to the freedom struggle of India.

Jagannath Temple, Puri

The Jagannath Temple in Puri (Oriya: ବଡଦେଉଳ, ଶ୍ରୀମନ୍ଦିର) is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath and located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Orissa, India. The name Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of).^[1][2] and also, the word "Jagannatha" is evolved from "Jagati" (Oriya: ଜଗତି) (as an elevated platform or "Ratnabedi" on which the wooden form of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra are worshiped on or the temple or its precincts inside the "Narendra Pokhari"^[3] ) and "Natha" (Oriya: ନାଥ) (means "Lord").^[4] The temple is an important pilgrimage destination for many Hindu traditions, particularly worshippers of Krishna and Vishnu, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages that a Hindu is expected to make in one's lifetime .^[5] The temple was built in the 11th century atop its ruins by the progenitor of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.^{[6] [7]} The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. Since medieval times, it is also associated with intense religious fervour.^[8]
The temple is sacred to the Vaishnava traditions and saint Ramananda who was closely associated with the temple. It is also of particular significance to the followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism whose founder, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years

Deities

The central forms of Jagannath, Balabhadra and the goddess Subhadra constitute the trinity of deities sitting on the bejewelled platform or the Ratnavedi in the inner sanctum. The Sudarshan Chakra, idols of Madanmohan, Sridevi and Vishwadhatri are also placed on the Ratnavedi.^[10] The deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan Chakra are made from sacred Neem logs known as Daru Bramha. Depending on the season the deities are adorned in different garbs and jewels. Worship of the deities pre-date the temple structure and may have originated in an ancient tribal shrine.^[11]

Origins of the temple

According to recently^[when?] discovered copper plates from the Ganga dynasty^{[citation needed]}, the construction of the current Jagannath temple was initiated by the ruler of Kalinga, Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev.^[12] The Jaga mohan and the Vimana portions of the temple were built during his reign (1078 - 1148 CE). However, it was only in the year 1174 CE that the Oriya ruler Ananga Bhima Deva rebuilt the temple to give a shape in which it stands today.^[13]
Jagannath worship in the temple continued until 1558, when Orissa was attacked by the Afghan general Kalapahad. Subsequently, when Ramachandra Deb established an independent kingdom at Khurda in Orissa, the temple was consecrated and the deities reinstalled.^[12]

Legends

Legendary account as found in the Skanda-Purana, Brahma Purana and other Puranas and later Oriya works state that Lord Jagannath was originally worshipped as Lord Neela Madhaba by a Savar king ( tribal chief ) named Viswavasu. Having heard about the deity, King Indradyumna sent a Brahmin priest, Vidyapati to locate the deity, who was worshipped secretly in a dense forest by Viswavasu. Vidyapati tried his best but could not locate the place. But at last he managed to marry Viswavasu's daughter Lalita . At repeated request of Vidyapti, Viswavasu took his son-in-law blind folded to a cave where Lord Neela Madhaba was worshipped.
Vidyapati was very intelligent. He dropped mustard seeds on the ground on the way. The seeds germinated after a few days, which enabled him to find out the cave later on. On hearing from him, King Indradyumna proceeded immediately to Odra desha (Orissa) on a pilgrimage to see and worship the Deity. But the deity had disappeared. The king was disappointed. The Deity was hidden in sand. The king was determined not to return without having a darshan of the deity and observed fast unto death at Mount Neela, Then a celestial voice cried 'thou shalt see him '. Afterwards the king performed a horse sacrifice and built a magnificent temple for Vishnu. Sri Narasimha Murti brought by Narada was installed in the temple. During sleep, the king had a vision of Lord Jagannath. Also an astral voice directed him to receive the fragrant tree on the seashore and make idols out of it. Accordingly the king got the image of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Chakra Sudarshan made out of the wood of the divine tree and installed them in the temple.
Indradyumna's prayer to Lord Brahma
King Indradyumna put up for Jagannath the tallest monument of the world. It was 1,000 cubits high. He invited Lord Brahma, the cosmic creator, consecrate the temple and the images.^[14] Brahma came all the way from Heaven for this purpose. Seeing the temple he was immensely pleased with him. Brahma asked Indradyumna as to in what way can he (Brahma) fulfill the king's desire, since was very much pleased with him for his having put the most beautiful Temple for Lord Vishnu. With folded hands, Indradyumna said, "My Lord if you are really pleased with me, kindly bless me with one thing, and it is that I should be issueless and that I should be the last member of my family." In case anybody left alive after him, he would only take pride as the owner of the temple and would not work for the society

The episode of the Lord's grace during a war with Kanchi

At one time, a king of Kanchi in the down south remarked that the king of Orissa was a chandala (a man of very low caste or status) because, he performs the duties of a sweeper during the Car Festival.^[15] When this news reached the ears of the king of Orissa, he led an expedition to Kanchi. Before that, he implored the mercy of Lord Jagannath. The soldiers of Orissa marched towards Kanchi from Cuttack (then capital city of Orissa, located on the banks of Mahanadi, at a distance of 30 km from Bhubaneswar). It so happened that when the soldiers, headed by the king Purusottam Dev, reached a place near the Chilika lake, a lady, who was selling curd (a milk preparation, sour in taste) met him (the king) and presented a golden ring studded with precious gems and submitted. "My Lord, kindly listen to me. A little earlier, two soldiers riding over two horses (white and black in colour), approached me and said we are thirsty give us curds to drink.' I gave them curds. Instead of giving me money, they gave me this ring and said,'the king of Orissa will come here, after some time, on his way to Kanchi. You present it to him and he will pay you the money.' So my Lord, you take it and give me my dues.
It took no time for the king to know that the ring belongs to Lord Jagannath. He was convinced that Jagannath and Balabhadra were proceeding to the battle field ahead of him to help him there. To perpetuate the memory of this great incident, the king founded a village in the Chilika lake area. As the name of the lady was Manika, the name given to the village was Manika Patana. Even to this day, the curds of this village are famous.^[16]

Legend surrounding the Temple Origin

The traditional story concerning the origins of the Lord Jagannath temple is that here the original image of Jagannath (a deity form of Vishnu) at the end of Treta yuga manifested near a banyan tree, near seashore in the form of an Indranila nilamani or the Blue Jewel. It was so dazzling that it could grant instant moksha, so the god Dharma or Yama wanted to hide it in the earth, and was successful. In Dvapara Yuga King Indradyumna of Malwa wanted to find that mysterious image and to do so he performed harsh penances to obtain his goal. Vishnu then instructed him to go to the Puri seashore and find a floating log to make an image from its trunk.
The King found the log of wood. He did a yajna from which god Yajna Nrisimha appeared and instructed that Narayana should be made as fourfold expansion, i.e. Paramatma as Vasudeva, his Vyuha as Samkarshana, Yogamaya as Subhadra, and his Vibhava asSudarsana. Vishwakarma appeared in the form of artist and prepared images of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra from the tree.^[17] When this log, radiant with light was seen floating in the sea, Narada told the king to make three idols out of it and place them in a pavilion. Indradyumna got Visvakarma, the architect of Gods, to build a magnificent temple to house the idols and Vishnu himself appeared in the guise of a carpenter to make the idols on condition that he was to be left undisturbed until he finished the work.
But just after two weeks, the Queen became very anxious. She took the carpenter to be dead as no sound came from the temple. Therefore, she requested the king to open the door. Thus, they went to see Vishnu at work at which the latter abandoned his work leaving the idols unfinished. The idol was devoid of any hands. But a divine voice told Indradyumana to install them in the temple. It is believed that this led to the origin of the idiom "Apna Haath Jagannath" or "self-help is the best help". It has also been widely believed that in spite of the idol being without hands, it can watch over the world and be its lord. Thus the idiom.

Ethnic Discrimination

Temple security is selective regarding who is allowed entry. Practicing Hindus of non- Indian descent are excluded from premises,^[21] as are Hindus of non-Indian origin. Visitors not allowed entry may view the precincts from the roof of the nearby Raghunandan Library and pay their respects to the image of God Jagannath known as Patitapavana at the main entrance to the temple.^[22] There is some evidence that this came into force following a series of invasions by foreigners into the temple and surrounding area. Buddhist, and Jain groups are allowed into the temple compound if they are able to prove their Indian ancestry.^[23] The temple has slowly started allowing Hindus of non-Indian origin into the area, after an incident in which 3 Balinese Hindus were denied entry, even though Bali is 90% Hindu.^[24]

Cultural Integrity

Shrikshetra of Puri Jagannath, as is commonly known, can verily be said to be a truthful replica of Indian culture. To understand this culture, one has to have some idea of the history of this land, which again is different from that of other countries of the world.
Starting from Lord Jagannath himself, history has it that he was a tribal deity, adorned by the Sabar people, as a symbol of Narayan. Another legend claims him to be Nilamadhava, an image of Narayana made of blue stone and worshipped by the aboriginals. He was brought to Nilagiri (blue mountain) or Nilachala and installed there as Shri Jagannath in company with Balabhadra and Subhadra. The images made of wood are also claimed to have their distant linkage with the aboriginal system of worshipping wooden poles. To cap it all the Daitapatis, who have a fair share of responsibilities to perform rituals of the Temple, are claimed to be descendants of the aboriginals or hill tribes of Orissa. So we may safely claim that the beginning of the cultural history of Shrikshetra is found in the fusion of Hindu and Tribal Cultures. This has been accepted as a facet of our proud heritage. The three deities came to be claimed as the symbols of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana and Samyak Charita usually regarded as Triratha (of the Jain cult), an assimilation of which leads to Moksha (salvation) or the ultimate bliss...
Lord Jagannath is worshipped as Vishnu or Narayana or Krishna and Lord Balabhadra as Shesha. Simultaneously, the deities are regarded as the bhairava (Shiva the formidable) with Vimala (the bhairavi or the consort of Shiva) installed in the campus of the temple. So ultimately we find a fusion of Saivism, Shaktism and Vaishnavism of the Hindu religion with Jainism and up to an extent Buddhism in the culture of Jagannath and the cultural tradition so reverently held together in Shrikshetra.

Acharyas and Jagannatha Puri

All of the renowned acharyas except Madhvacharya have been known to visit this kshetra. Adi Shankara established his Govardhana matha here. A number of sites belonging to Ramanujacharya, Nimbarkacharya and Gaudiya Vaishnavism have also been established. Srimad Vallabhacharya has a "baithakji" here also, which he established on his visit to Puri. There is also evidence is that Guru Nanak, Kabir and Tulsidas had visited this place.

Char Dham

The temple is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham (four divine sites) sites comprising Rameswaram, Badrinath, Puri and Dwarka.^[26] Though the origins are not clearly known, the Advaita school of Hinduism propagated by Sankaracharya, who created Hindu monastic institutions across India, attributes the origin of Char Dham to the seer.^{[citation needed]} The four monasteries lie across the four corners of India and their attendant temples are Badrinath Temple at Badrinath in the North, Jagannath Temple at Puri in the East, Dwarakadheesh Temple at Dwarka in the West and Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram in the South. Though ideologically the temples are divided between the sects of Hinduism, namely Saivism and Vaishnavism, the Char Dham pilgrimage is an all Hindu affair.^[27] There are four abodes in Himalayas called Chota Char Dham (Chota meaning small): Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri - all of these lie at the foot hills of Himalayas ^[28] The name Chota was added during the mid of 20th century to differentiate the original Char Dhams.^{[citation needed]} The journey across the four cardinal points in India is considered sacred by Hindus who aspire to visit these temples once in their lifetime.^[29] Traditionally the trip starts are the eastern end from Puri, proceeding in clockwise direction in a manner typically followed for circuambulation in Hindu temples.^[29]

Structure

The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet (37,000 m²), and is surrounded by a high fortified wall. This 20 feet (6.1 m) high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri.^[30] Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.^[31] It contains at least 120 temples and shrines. With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.^[32] The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely -

1. Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
3. Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohana, (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall).^[33]

The main temple is a curvilinear temple and crowning the top is the 'srichakra' (a eight spoked wheel) of Vishnu. Also known as the "Nilachakra", it is made out of Ashtadhatu and is considered sacrosanct.^[34] Among the existing temples in Orissa, the temple of Shri Jagannath is the highest. The temple tower was built on a raised platform of stone and, rising to 214 feet (65 m) above the inner sanctum where the deities reside, dominates the surrounding landscape. The pyramidal roofs of the surrounding temples and adjoining halls, or mandapas, rise in steps toward the tower like a ridge of mountain peaks.^[35]

The Singhadwara

The Singahdwara, which in Sanskrit means The Lion Gate, is one of the four gates to the temple and forms the Main entrance. The Singhadwara is so named because two huge statues of crouching lions exist on either side of the entrance. The gate faces east opening on to the Bada Danda or the Grand Road.^[36] The Baisi Pahacha or the flight of twenty two steps leads into the temple complex. An idol of Jagannath known as Patitapavana, which in Sanskrit, means the "Saviour of the downtrodden and the fallen" is painted on the right side of the entrance. In ancient times when untouchables were not allowed inside the temple, they could pray to Patita Pavana. The statues of the two guards to the temple Jaya and Vijaya stand on either side of the doorway.^[37] Just before the commencement of the Rath Yatra the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken out of the temple through this gate. On their return from the Gundicha Temple they have to ceremonially placate Goddess Mahalakshmi, whose statue is carved atop the door, for neglecting to take her with them on the Yatra. Only then the Goddess allows them permission to enter the temple. A magnificent sixteen-sided monolithic pillar known as the Arun stambha stands in front of the main gate. This pillar has an idol of Arun, the charioteer of the Sun God Surya, on its top. One significant thing about Arun stambha is that prior it was located in the Konark Sun temple,^[38][39] later, the Maratha guru Brahmachari Gosain brought this pillar from Konark. ^[40]The Puri Jagannath Temple was also saved by Shivaji Maharaj from being plundered at his times from the Mughals.

Other Entrances

Apart from the Singhadwara, which is the main entrance to the temple, there are three other entrances facing north, south and west. They are named after the sculptures of animals guarding them. The other entrances are the Hathidwara or the Elephant Gate, the Vyaghradwara or the Tiger Gate and the Ashwadwara or the Horse Gate.^[41]

Minor Temples

There are numerous smaller temples and shrines within the Temple complex where active worship is regularly conducted. The Bimala Shaktipeeth considered one of the most important of the Shaktipeeths marks the spot where Sati's feet fell. It is located near Rohini Kund in the temple complex. Until food offered to Jagannath is offered to Goddess Bimala it is not considered Mahaprasad. The temple of Mahalakshmi has an important role in rituals of the main temple. It is said that preparation of naivedya as offering for Jagannath is supervised by Goddess Mahalakshmi. The Kanchi Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Uchhista Ganapati. Tradition says the King of Kanchipuram in ancient times gifted the idol, when Gajapati Purushottama Deva married Padmavati, the kanchi princess. There are other shrines namely Muktimandap, Surya, Vimala, Saraswati, Bhuvaneshwari, Nrsimha, Ramachandra, Hanuman and Eshaneshwara.

The Mandapas

There are many Mandapas or Pillared halls on raised platforms within the temple complex meant for religious congregations. The most prominent is the Mukti Mandapa the congregation hall of the holy seat of selected learned brahmins.^[42] Here important decisions regarding conduct of daily worship and festivals are taken. The Dola Mandapa is noteworthy for a beautifully carved stone Torana or arch which is used for constructing a swing for the annual Dol Yatra festival. During the festival the idol of Dologobinda is placed on the swing. The Snana Bedi is a rectangular stone platform where idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed for ceremonial bathing during the annual Snana Yatra

Daily Food Offerings

Main article: Mahaprasad

Daily offerings are made to the Lord six times a day. These include:

1. The offering to the Lord in the Morning that forms His breakfast and is called The Gopala Vallabha Bhoga.
2. The Sakala Dhupa forms his next offering at about 10 O’ clock in the morning Sakala Dhupa. This generally consists of 13 items including the Enduri cake & Mantha puli.
3. Bada Sankhudi Bhoga forms the next repast & the offering consists of Pakhala with dahi and Kanji payas. The offerings are made in the bhog mandapa, about 200 feet from the Ratna Vedi. This is called Chatra Bhog and was introduced by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century to help pilgrims share the temple food.
4. The Madhyanha dhupa forms the next offering at the noon.
5. The next offering to the Lord is made in the evening at around 8 o’clock it is Sandhya Dhupa.
6. The last offering to the Lord is called the Bada Simhara Dhupa. Breakfast is a seven item treat — Khua, Lahuni, sweetened coconut grating, coconut water, and puffed rice sweetened with sugar known as khai and curd and bananas.

The Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath are distributed amongst the devotees near the Ratnavedi in side the frame of Phokaria which is being drawn by the Puja pandas using Murujexcept for the Gopal Ballav Bhog and Bhog Mandap Bhoga which are distributed in the Anabsar Pindi & Bhoga Mandap respectively.

The Temple Kitchen & Mahaprasada

The temple's kitchen is considered as the largest kitchen in the world.  Tradition maintains that all food cooked in the temple kitchens are supervised by the Goddess Mahalakshmi, the empress of Srimandir herself. It is said that if the food prepared has any fault in it a shadow dog appears near the temple kitchen. The temple cooks or Mahasuaras take this as a sign of displeasure of Mahalakshmi with the food which is promptly buried and a new batch cooked.^[46] All food is cooked following rules as prescribed by Hindu religious texts, the food cooked is pure vegetarian without using onions and garlic.^[47] Cooking is done only in earthen pots with water drawn from two special wells near the kitchen called Ganges and Yamuna. There are total 56 varieties of naivedhyas offered to the deities, near ratnavedi as well as in bhoga mandap on five particular muhurtas.The most awaited prasad is kotho bhoga or abadha, offered at mid-day at around 1 pm, depending upon temple rituals. The food after being offered to Jagannath is distributed at reasonable amount as Mahaprasad, which considered as divine to devotees in the Ananda Bazar located to the North-east of the Singhadwara inside the temple complex.

Festivals

There are elaborate daily worship services. There are many festivals each year attended by millions of people. The most important festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot festival in June. This spectacular festival includes a procession of three huge chariots bearing the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra through the Bada Danda meaning the Grand Avenue of Puri till their final destination the Gundicha Temple.^[48]

Suna Vesha or Golden Attire of Lord Jagannath

Early European observers told tales of devotees being crushed under the wheels of these chariots, whether by accident or even as a form of meritorious suicide akin to suttee. These reports gave rise to the loan word juggernaut suggesting an immense, unstoppable, threatening entity or process operated by fanatics. Many festivals like Dol Yatra in spring and Jhulan Yatra in monsoon are celebrated by temple every year.Pavitrotsava and Damanaka utsava are celebrated as per panchanga or panjika.There are special ceremonies in the month of Kartika and Pausha.
The annual shodasha dinatmaka or 16 day puja beginning 8 days prior to Mahalaya of Ashwin month for goddess Vimala and ending on Vijayadashami, is of great importance, in which both the utsava murty of lord Madanmohan and Vimala take part.

• Pana Sankranti: Also known or Vishuva Sankranti and Mesha Sankranti: Special rituals are performed at the temple.^[49]

Chandan Yatra

Main article: Chandan Yatra

In Akshaya Tritiya every year the Chandan Yatra festival marks the commencement of the construction of the Chariots of the Rath Yatra.

Snana Yatra

Main article: Snana Yatra

On the Purnima of the month of Jyestha the Gods are ceremonially bathed and decorated every year on the occasion of Snana Yatra.

Anavasara or Anasara

Literally means vacation. Every year, the main idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra & Sudarshan after the holy Snana Yatra on the jyestha purnima, go to a secret altar named Anavasara Ghar where they remain for the next dark fortnight (krishna paksha). Hence devotees are not allowed to view them. Instead of this devotees go to nearby place Brahmagiri to see their beloved lord in the form of four handed form Alvarnath a form of Vishnu.^[50] Then people get the first glimpse of lord on the day before Rath Yatra, which is called 'Navayouvana. It is said that the gods fall in fever after taking a huge bath and they are treated by the special servants named, Daitapatis for 15 days. During this period cooked food is not offedto the deties.^[51]

Nava Kalevara

Main article: Nabakalevara

One of the most grandiloquent events associated with the Lord Jagannath, Naba Kalabera takes place when one lunar month of Ashadha is followed by another lunar month of Aashadha. This can take place in 8, 12 or even 18 years. Literally meaning the “New Body” (Nava = New, Kalevar = Body), the festival is witnessed by as many 8,00,000 people and the budget for this event exceeds $500,000. The event involves installation of new images in the temple and burial of the old ones in the temple premises at Koili Vaikuntha. The idols that are currently being worshipped in the temple premises were installed in the year 1996.

Niladri Bije

Celebrated on Asadha Trayodashi.^[52] Niladri Bije is the concluding day of Ratha yatra. On this day deities return to the ratna bedi.^{[53] [54]} Lord Jagannath offers Rasgulla to goddess Laxmi to enter in tho the temple.^{[55] [56]}

The name Purushottama Kshetra and Its Significance

Lord Jagannath is the Purushottama as per the scripture, Skanda Purana.In order to teach humanbeings how to lead life full of virtue he has taken the form of Darubrahman.He is the best brother to his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. He is the best husband to goddess Shri.The most noteworthy thing is still in the month of Margashirsha, on three consecutive days during amavasya he does Shraaddha to his parents (Kashyapa-Aditi, Dasharatha-Kaushalya, Vasudeva-Devaki, Nanda-Yashoda), along with king Indradyumna and queen Gundicha. As a master he enjoys every comforts daily and in various festivals. He grants everything to all his subjects, and those who surrenders before him he takes the utmost care of them.

Culture and Tradition of Puri

Puri is one of the fascinating littoral district of Orissa. The Cultural heritage of Puri with its long recorded history beginning from third century B. C till present day, The monuments and religious sanctity, way of life of the people with their rich tradition possess emphatically to be the cultural heart of Orissa. In deed Puri is considered cultural capital of Orissa. The culture here is flourished with its manifold activities.
The District has the happy conglomerate of different religions, sects and faith in course of history, Hindu, Buddhist, Jaina, Muslim, Christian, Sikh found here in the District.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, an incarnation thought of Lord Krishna, appeared 500 years ago, in the mood of a devotee to taste the sublime emotions of ecstasy by chanting the holy name of Krishna. Stalwart scholars of Puri like Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya (a priest & great Sanskrit pandit) and others followed His teachings. Even kings and ministers of His period became His disciples. Especially King Prataparudra became His great admirer and ardent follower.

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection