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Influence of Sri Jagannath Culture on Socio-Economic and Religious Life of the People of Odisha

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Influence of Sri Jagannath Culture on Socio-Economic and Religious Life of the People of Odisha Orissa Review July - 2010 Influence of Sri Jagannath Culture on Socio-Economic and Religious Life of the People of Odisha. Dr. Jagannath Mohanty The sacred place of Puri or Purusottam in the as part and parcel of every day life from birth of a East assumed increasing prominence through ages child to the first day of the new year as per the as one of the four famous Dhams, others being royal Anka calculation. Although over the years Badrinath in the North, Dwaraka in the West and hundreds of kings came into existence in Orissa Rameswaram in the South. It was recognised by and India, the Gajapati King was given utmost Adi Shankaracharya as one of the eminent places recognition as the source of strength and of pilgrimage in the eighth century A.D. Puri inspiration, great cultural and religious sanctity. assumed more and more importance as great The day-to-day life of the people, customs and Vaishnava Acharyas like Sri Ramanuja, Sri traditions, the ceremonies and festivals are Vishnuswami, Sri Nimbark and Sri influenced by him. The birth, marriage, Madhavacharya visited this place. Subsequently, engagements, Upanayan, even death of it was visited by great saints of various religious individuals are marked by influences of the celestial communities namely Nanak, Kabir, Sri Chaitanya blessings, instructions, guidance and approval. and so on. It was compared with Kashi, Mathura, Even roads and buildings are constructed, bridges Vrindavan, Ujjain, Prayag, Gaya, Ayodhya and are installed with some rituals as per the approval other sites of pilgrimage. of Sri Jagannath. Puri is connected with all Lord Jagannath is the presiding deity of important places and regions throughout the Puri and a prominent symbol of Hindu Kingdom. country with roads, railways and flights. Due to The Gajapati King of Puri was recognized as the increasing number of pilgrims the British supreme royal authority, for safeguarding the hoary government also constructed the network of traditions and long-ranging rituals, year- round communication from the ancient times. Pilgrims festivals with all Pujas, Veshas, Prasads and and devotees pay visits to Lord Jagannath from Mahaprasads. But the king did not claim any every nook and corner of India. Due to strong supremacy rather he was humble, loyal, devoted attraction of God they grow in number day by and committed to the famous traditions and day. Particularly they gather in thousands during heritage honoured by all sections of Hindu festivals and ceremonies like Rath Yatra (Car community. The king however, felt himself as the Festival), Durga Puja, Jhulan, Govind Dwadashi, first servant of Lord Jagannath although he is ever Snana Purnima and so on. Mahaprasad is regarded as the moving god (Chalanti Vishnu), regarded as the sacred food cherished by the temporal incarnation of god. everybody and for preparation of the Prasad and Mahaprasad huge amount of rice, flour, vegetable, The glory of Lord Jagannath and milk, sugar, ghee etc are required and these supremacy of the king are acknowledged by all materials are imported from various places. For 22 Orissa Review July - 2010 all these activities, a large number of people and is interesting to note that Mahaprasad is not only transport facilities are engaged throughout the delicious, but also enjoyed by all irrespective of year. Thousands of people, artists, artisans, caste, creed and religion. This is also given priority producers and priests are employed through before serving any other food in a feast. It generations. strengthens the bondage between castes and relations. Especially newly formed bondages of Specific potteries and paintings are marriage are solemnized by Mahaprasad. The required at a large scale. Pandas and Purohits, Mahaprasad is prepared daily many times inside Pandits, dancers and musicians are engaged in the temple very scientifically. Even during the Car various rituals and festivities. Various specific Festival, Mahaprasad is cooked in Gundicha services are rendered by people through Mandir and taken by thousands of people. hereditary arrangements. Previously hundred of acres were given to these people through It is thus found that Sri Jagannath Culture endowments. The systems of Pattachitra paintings, has a great impact on the socio-religious and the Chamar Seva and of the Devadasis are very economic life of Oriya people in particular and specific to the Puri temple. The µChamar Seva¶ is Hindu community in general. A deep sanctity and a special service rendered to gods and it is a right significance is attached to the culture of Lord enjoyed by some people. Similarly Chitrakaras Jagannath not only by Hindus, but also by many are required for preparing Pattachitra and painting people belonging to other religions. Particularly, the idols of gods etc in the temple and cars during Srimandir, Sri Jagannath and His allied objects festivals. These people mostly live in some lanes are given great honour and reverence by the in and around the Puri town and the village like people of Odisha. Lord Jagannath is not only the presiding deity, but also His temple is regarded Raghurajpur. Similarly various kinds of potteries as the nerve centre controlling all aspects and are prepared by some people who enjoy this right spheres of Oriya people. through endowments of land from ancient times. Devadasi system was prevalent for entertaining References : the Gods, but this system is going to end shortly. 1. Mishra, K.C. The Cult of Jagannath, 1971, The Orissan art, literature and music are Bhubaneswar. influenced immensely by Sri Jagannath Culture. 2. Mansinha, M. The Saga of the Lord Jagannath, The traditional Mahari dance Odishi dance, Cuttack. classical songs, are mostly developed under the 3. Mohanty, J. Encyclopaedia of Education, Culture and Children¶s Literature, New Delhi, influence of Lord Jagannath and His favourite 2010. lyrics of Geet Govind composed by the immortal 4. Dash, M.P. ³Impact of the Temple of Jagannath poet Jayadev. Many poems and fictions are also on the political life of the people,´ Orissa Review, written under the influence of Sri Jagannath June, 1998, Govt of Orissa (IPR, Dept. culture. A lot of folk tales, folk songs, proverbs Bhubaneswar). Chautisas etc. are also influenced by Sri Jagannath 5. Mohanty, Jagannath, ³Universal Culture of Orissa culture. Mahaprasad has acquired a special and and Sri Jagannath, the Lord of Democracy´ Orissa significant position in the life and religion of Odisha. Review, July, 1997, Govt. of Orissa, IPR Dept. The cookery of Srimandir is known as the largest Bhubaneswar. cooking system. The sanctity of this holy food is boundless and it is known as a sacred bond Prof. (Dr) Jagannath Mohanty lives at Plot No.2935, between gods and men and among the people. It Gouri Nagar, Bhubaneswar-2. 23.
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