DOCSLIB.ORG

The Pillars of Homage to Lord Jagannatha

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Pillars of Homage to Lord Jagannatha Orissa Review June - 2004 The Pillars of Homage to Lord Jagannatha Prajna Paramita Behera Drawing of Subha Stambha, Jajpur, 10th-11th Century A.D. uilt in the 12th century, the temple of Lord Vaishnaism Vishnu temples were erected. The BJagannatha at Puri has the distinction of Nila Madhaba temple at Gandharadi of Boudh having two unique pillars, namely, the district in 9th century A.D. ruined Vishnu Garudastambha and the Arunastambha. In temple at Ganeshwarpur of Cuttack district in Sanskrit the pillar or a column 10th century may be cited as is called a stambha and in notable examples. Jajpur, Oriya it is called khamba. which was primarily a The objective of this paper Shaktapitha dedicated to is to throw light on the Viraja, also has numerous significance and historical Vishnu images. In Jajpur perspectives of the pillars. there is beautiful column, which according to James Fergusson, Garudastambha originally seems to have supported a figure of Garuda, in Indian traditions is Garuda, the vahana of Vishnu and a detached considered as the vehicle of Vishnu. Lord figure of Garuda is also found in Jajpur and it Jagannatha is considered identical with Vishnu is said to be an identical one. Fergusson and Krishna. Hence his Vahan-stambha is assigned the pillar to the 10th or 11th century. placed in the nata-mandira of the temple. The This pillar locally called Subhastambha tradition of erecting pillars in honour of Vishnu indicates the existence of a Vishnu temple at goes back to 2nd century B.C. There is a pillar Jajpur. in honour of Vasudeva at Basnagar (Vidisha) The temple of Lord Jagannatha was in Madhya Pradesh. It is known from the constructed by Ananta Varman Chodagangadev inscriptions that "this Garuda column of in the middle of 12th century. The temple Vasudeva (Krishna), the God of Gods is erected complex consists of Deula, Jagamohan, here by Heliodorus, his worshipper." He was Natamandira and Bhogamandapa. The an inhabitant of Taxila and he came as Greek presiding deities on the Ratnabedi or Jewelled- Ambassador from king Antialkidas to dias are the Chaturdha-darumurthi i.e. wooden Kasiputra Bhagabhadra. It is thus evident that statues such as Balabhadra, Subhadra, Heliodorous was a Vaishnava, even though he Jagannatha and Sudarshan. The images are was a Greek. In Orissa with progress of made out of the wood of the Neem Tree (Melia 65 Orissa Review June - 2004 azardicata). These period following the model of Jagannatha are renewed every temple. We find Garuda stambhas in later 12 years, the temples such as Madhavananda temple (13th ceremony being century) at village Madhava in Cuttack district called the and Ananta Vasudeva Temple in 1278 A.D. at Navakalebar. The Bhubaneswar. Inside the Jagannatha temple the Ratnavedi is said Garudastambha is considered very holy and it to contain has its own rituals and devotees usually have Salagrama or a darshan of the lord from this place. They ammonite fossils. used to place lamps in honour of Lord by which It is taken to be a pillar becomes smoke stained. It will be stone and worthwhile to discourage this practice. worshipped by the Arunastambha Garuda from Madhabababda followers of temple, Madhaba 13th century V ishnu. In addition to the Garuda Salagrama means the "village where the Sal column inside the tree (Shorea robusta) grows." The Salagrama Natamandira in front of the shilas are found in the bed of Gandaki River, Singhadwar (eastern gateway a tributary of the Ganga. It is also found in the Jagannatha Temple), there is Narmada river. a monolithic pillar of chlorite crowned by a squatting figure In the Natamandira of the temple on the of Garuda. The total height of eastern side a unique Garuda stambha is the pillar is 33 feet 8 inches. located. In the first sight it looks like an The pillar has a magnificent ordinary stone column surmounted by a Garuda base carved with military figure on the top. But on examination its shaft scenes and other figures. The seems to be a remnant of a plant of a past monolithic shaft of the chlorite geological era. The shaft bears the impression is 16 sided. The capital, or traces of a Sal tree shorn of its bark. The decorated by a series of lotus impression of the Sal tree is readily preserved. petals, is 2 feet 6 inches and The total height of column along with the the whole pillar is a pedestal and the Garuda capital is about 10 monument of great beauty. feet. The height of shaft is about 7 feet. The Aruna is the charioteer of the column is not made up of an ordinary stone but Sun God. Hence the pillar is a Salagrama stone. It is the largest Salagrama called the Sun Pillar or stone, unique in the fossil record of India. This Arunastambha. Originally Garudastambha, made up of fossil, is quite this beautiful pillar was harmonious to the chaturdha-darumurthis on the erected in honour of the Sun ratnavedi made of salagrama stones. God at Konark. Heliodorus The erection of Garudastambha in Vishnu Garuda Stambha, King Narasinha I built Vidisha, Madhya temples became quite popular in the Ganga the famous temple of Sun God Pradesh 66 Orissa Review June - 2004 at Konark in the 13th Andrew Sterling, a British officer, who was century. The temple, in Orissa from 1818-1822, has mentioned that consisting of the the pillar has been brought from the famous Deula and Jag "but now deserted, temple of the Sun at Mohan was in the form Konarak, about sixty years ago, by a of a solar chariot Brahmachari inhabitant of Puri, of great wealth provided with 24 and influence." The placing of Arunastambha wheels. In front of the in front of the temple of Lord Jagannatha is eastern gateway of quite appropriate as from the Vedic times, the Jagamohan there was Sun God is considered identical with Vishnu. this beautiful pillar Bibliography : called Arunastambha. 1. R.L. Mitra, "The Antiquities of Orissa", Vol.II, In the 16th century, 1984, New Delhi. Abul Fazal, the court 2. K.S. Behera, "Konark - The Heritage of historian of Moghul Mankind", Vol.I, 1996, New Delhi. Emperor Akbar, while 3. James Fergussan, "History of Indian and giving the description Eastern Architecture", 1994, Delhi. of the sun temple 4. N.K. Sahu (ed.) "A History of Orissa", by W.W. mentioned the Hunter, Andrew Sterling, John beams, Vol.II, "octagonal column of 1980, Delhi. black stone" which evidently represents Illustrations : the Arunastambha. * The Heliodorus Garuda Stambha, Vidisha, When the Konark Madhya Pradesh. temple was deserted * Drawing of Chaturdha-darumurti (from R.L. and worship ceased Mitra). there, this pillar was * Drawing of Subha stambha, Jajpur, 10th-11th brought to Puri in the century A.D. from Fergusson. Arunastambha last quarter of the 18th * Garuda from Madhabananda temple, Madhava century. The 13th century from K.S. Behera (ed.) Prachi Madalapanji records that during the time of Mahatmya. Divyasinghadev, the Maratha guru, * Drawing of Arunastambha from W.W. Hunter. Brahmachari Gosain brought this pillar from Konark and reerected it at the singhadwar of Jagannatha temple. A drawing of the Prajna Paramita Behera is a Ph.D. Scholar in the Arunapillar, prepared on 26th April 1815 at Department of Botany, Utkal University, Vanivihar, Puri, is now in the India Office library, London. Bhubaneswar. 67.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Mapping the Nutrient Status of Odisha's Soils
    ICRISAT Locations New Delhi Bamako, Mali HQ - Hyderabad, India Niamey, Niger Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Kano, Nigeria Nairobi, Kenya Lilongwe, Malawi Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Maputo, Mozambique About ICRISAT ICRISAT works in agricultural research for development across the drylands of Africa and Asia, making farming profitable for smallholder farmers while reducing malnutrition and environmental degradation. We work across the entire value chain from developing new varieties to agribusiness and linking farmers to markets. Mapping the Nutrient ICRISAT appreciates the supports of funders and CGIAR investors to help overcome poverty, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the harshest dryland regions of the world. See www.icrisat.org/icrisat-donors.htm Status of Odisha’s Soils ICRISAT-India (Headquarters) ICRISAT-India Liaison Office Patancheru, Telangana, India New Delhi, India Sreenath Dixit, Prasanta Kumar Mishra, M Muthukumar, [email protected] K Mahadeva Reddy, Arabinda Kumar Padhee and Antaryami Mishra ICRISAT-Mali (Regional hub WCA) ICRISAT-Niger ICRISAT-Nigeria Bamako, Mali Niamey, Niger Kano, Nigeria [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ICRISAT-Kenya (Regional hub ESA) ICRISAT-Ethiopia ICRISAT-Malawi ICRISAT-Mozambique ICRISAT-Zimbabwe Nairobi, Kenya Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Lilongwe, Malawi Maputo, Mozambique Bulawayo, Zimbabwe [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] /ICRISAT /ICRISAT /ICRISATco /company/ICRISAT /PHOTOS/ICRISATIMAGES /ICRISATSMCO [email protected] Nov 2020 Citation:Dixit S, Mishra PK, Muthukumar M, Reddy KM, Padhee AK and Mishra A (Eds.). 2020. Mapping the nutrient status of Odisha’s soils. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Department of Agriculture, Government of Odisha.
    [Show full text]
  • Sakti Centres in Cuttack District : a Historical Perspective
    Click Here & Upgrade Expanded Features PDF Unlimited Pages CompleteDocuments Orissa Review * September - October - 2005 Sakti Centres in Cuttack District : A Historical Perspective Pareswar Sahoo With its bountiful nature, Orissa is an enchanting Kathajodi on the south. The stone embankment state of old charms and new glamour. Having protecting the river banks speak eloquently of the thirty districts in her heart it has a kaleidoscope engineering skills of the earlier era and is regarded of tourist attractions. Cuttack, as an interregnum in the the previous capital city of history of the Somavamsi rule modern Orissa, is famous for in Orissa. filigree silverware, horn and The origin of Sakti cult brass work. The old Cuttack is shrouded in mystery. Since district is known for its silk and time immemorial the worship cotton textiles, besides the of Sakti (power) has been an Buddhist golden triangle and important religious persuit. also for Sakti pithas The archaeologists, (Bhattarika, Charchika and historians, indologist, Maa Pragala). These places philosophers and scholars of are associated with Devi many other disciplines have Durga, the symbol of power expounded various theories and strength and are therefore with regard to the origin and regarded as traditional Sakti evolution of the Sakti cult. It Kshetras of Orissa dedicated is easy to understand that to Brahmanical Sakti means power and Panchadevatas. 1 These strength, which is expressed centers are honeycombed by through different phenomena. glamorous scenic beauty and the religious In Devisukta, the Saptasati records,2 potentialities are intended for all sections of visiting intelligence, satisfaction peity etc. as the various tourists, both inland and outland.
    [Show full text]
  • An Appraisal of the Marine Fisheries in Orissa Cmfri
    AN APPRAISAL OF THE MARINE FISHERIES IN ORISSA K. S. SCARIAH, VARUGHESE PHIUPOSE, S. S. DAN, P. KARUNAKARAN NAIR AND G. SUBBARAMAN CMFRI Special Publication Number 32 2 Issued in connection with the 40th Anniversary Celebrations of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute P. B. No. 2704, E. R. G. Road, Cochin-682 031, India {Indian Council of Agricultural Research) September 16-18. 1987. Limited Circulation © Published by Dr. P. S. B. R. JAMES Director Central Marine Fisherici Research Institute P. B. 2704 E. R. G. Road Cochin-682 031 India Cover drawing by Shri K. K. Sankaran Artist CMFRI, Cochin CONTENTS Preface iii Introduction 1 Bibliography 3 Marine fishermen population and craft and gear 6 Marine fish landings 12 Districtwise catch estimates 15 Major fisheries of Orissa 22 Assessment of fish stocks 26 Appendix 37 Quarterwise, specieswise fish landings 1975-79 Quarterwise, specieswise fish landings 1980-84 Specieswise, gearwise contributions of mechanized and nonmechanized fishing units 1980-84 Specieswise, quarterwise landings of trawlers at Paradeep 1980-84 Districtwise, quarterwise landings 1980-84 Districtwise infrastructure facilities Blockwise distribution of fishing villages, fishermen population, etc. in Cuttack district Blockwise distribution of fishing villages, fishermen population, etc. in Puri district Blockwise distribution of fishing villages, fishermen population, etc. in Ganjam district Blockwise distribution of fishing villages, fishermen population, etc. in Bafasore district Blockwise distribution of craft and gear in Balasore district Blockwise distribution of craft and gear in Cuttack district Blockwise distribution of craft and gear in Puri district Blockwise distribution of craft and gear in Ganjam district Districtwise fish-landing centres in Orissa Printed at S.
    [Show full text]
  • Folklore Foundation , Lokaratna ,Volume IV 2011
    FOLKLORE FOUNDATION ,LOKARATNA ,VOLUME IV 2011 VOLUME IV 2011 Lokaratna Volume IV tradition of Odisha for a wider readership. Any scholar across the globe interested to contribute on any Lokaratna is the e-journal of the aspect of folklore is welcome. This Folklore Foundation, Orissa, and volume represents the articles on Bhubaneswar. The purpose of the performing arts, gender, culture and journal is to explore the rich cultural education, religious studies. Folklore Foundation President: Sri Sukant Mishra Managing Trustee and Director: Dr M K Mishra Trustee: Sri Sapan K Prusty Trustee: Sri Durga Prasanna Layak Lokaratna is the official journal of the Folklore Foundation, located in Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Lokaratna is a peer-reviewed academic journal in Oriya and English. The objectives of the journal are: To invite writers and scholars to contribute their valuable research papers on any aspect of Odishan Folklore either in English or in Oriya. They should be based on the theory and methodology of folklore research and on empirical studies with substantial field work. To publish seminal articles written by senior scholars on Odia Folklore, making them available from the original sources. To present lives of folklorists, outlining their substantial contribution to Folklore To publish book reviews, field work reports, descriptions of research projects and announcements for seminars and workshops. To present interviews with eminent folklorists in India and abroad. Any new idea that would enrich this folklore research journal is Welcome.
    [Show full text]
  • SUNGA and KANVA DYNASTY Sunga Empire (187 to 78 BCE)
    SUNGA AND KANVA DYNASTY Sunga Empire (187 to 78 BCE) Pushyamitra Sunga (187–151 BCE): The dynasty was established by Pushyamitra Sunga, after the fall of the Maurya Empire (when the emperor Brihadratha, the last of the Mauryan rulers, was assassinated by the then Senapati of the Mauryan armed forces, Pushyamitra Sunga). Its capital was Pataliputra, but later emperors such as Bhagabhadra also held court at Besnagar, modern Vidisha in Eastern Malwa. The empire of Pushyamitra was extended up to Narmada in the south, and controlled Jalandhar and Sialkot in the Punjab in the north-western regions, and the city of Ujjain in central India. The Kabul Valley and much of the Punjab passed into the hands of the Indo-Greeks and the Deccan to the Satavahanas. Origin Patanjali in his Mahabhashya and Panini in his Ashtadhyayi clearly states Pushyamitra Sunga was a Brahmin from Bhardwaj Gotra. The meaning of “Sunga” is the fig tree in Sanskrit. So Sungas took their dynastic name from the fig tree. (Other example of Indian dynasties like Kadamba (a tree name) of Banavasi, Pallava(Sanskrit word for “branch and twig”) of Kanchi who took their dynastic name from tree.) Prosecution of Buddhists? It believed by some historians to have persecuted Buddhists and contributed to a resurgence of Brahmanism that forced Buddhism outwards to Kashmir, Gandhara and Bactria. The earliest reference to persecution of Buddhists by Pushyamitra Sunga is from the Sarvastivadin Buddhist text of 2nd Century CE, Divyavadana and its constituent part, the Ashokavadana.Tibetan Buddhist Historian Taranatha also mentions proscution. Pushyamitra Sunga might have withdrawn royal patronage of Buddhist institutions.
    [Show full text]
  • Vidisha Travel Guide - Page 1
    Vidisha Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/vidisha page 1 Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen, umbrella. When To Max: Min: Rain: Vidisha 30.60000038 23.60000038 331.399993896484 1469727°C 1469727°C 4mm This Madhya Pradesh city is Aug stocked with beautiful awe- VISIT Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen, inspiring historic monuments and umbrella. http://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-vidisha-lp-1000117 Max: Min: Rain: makes for a wonderful weekend 28.89999961 22.79999923 326.399993896484 getaway. With its rich historic 8530273°C 7060547°C 4mm Famous For : Places To Visit Jan background, Vidisha is especially a Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. Sep hit with history buffs. Max: Min: Rain: Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen, Located on the confluence of the Betwa and 25.29999923 10.60000038 6.09999990463256 umbrella. Beas rivers, Vidisha used to be the Sunga 7060547°C 1469727°C 8mm Max: 31.0°C Min: 22.0°C Rain: 165.399993896484 capital. Having witnessed the rule of the Feb 38mm great Nagas, Guptas, and Satvahanas, the Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. Oct place holds immense historic value and was Max: Min: Rain: 28.29999923 12.89999961 10.8000001907348 Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen. a major hub for commerce in the 6th 7060547°C 8530273°C 63mm Max: Min: Rain: century.  32.40000152 18.89999961 35.5999984741210 Mar 5878906°C 8530273°C 94mm Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen. Nov Max: Min: Rain: 33.70000076 17.39999961 12.1000003814697 Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen. 293945°C 8530273°C 27mm Max: Min: Rain: 29.70000076 14.89999961 7.59999990463256 It’s dotted with white lime mortar temples, Apr 2939453°C 8530273°C 8mm a 2nd-century shrine and a museum Pleasant weather.
    [Show full text]
  • List of Elligible Candidates to Appear Written Examination in The
    List of elligible candidates to appear written examination in the Recruitment-2019 for the post of Jr-Clerk/Jr-Clerk-Cum-Typist for D.L.S.A, Rayagada and TLSCs scheduled to be held on 08.12.2019(Sunday) Sl. No. Name of the Applicant Father's name Gender Category Present Address Roll No. At-Muniguda, Po-Muniguda, 1 JC/JT-001 G.Binay Kumar G.Nageswar Rao Male SEBC Dist- Rayagada, Pin-765020 Adarsh Nagar, Lane-4, Po- Haris Chandra 2 JC/JT-002 Uma Maheswari Bauri Female SC Gunupur, Dist- Rayagada, Pin- Bauri 765022 At- Haripur, Po- Kabirpur, Ps- 3 JC/JT-003 Sankarsan Das Raghunath Das Male UR Kuakhia, Jajpur, 755009 At-Bariabhata, Po- Sodabadi, Ps- 4 JC/JT-004 Debendra Khara Nila Khara Male SC Bandhugaon, Dist- Koraput Pin-764027 At-Bariabhata, Po- Sodabadi, Ps- 5 JC/JT-005 Sanjeeb Kumar Khora Nila Khora Male SC Bandhugaon, Dist- Koraput Pin-764027 Priyanka Priyadarsini At- Nuasahi, Bidanasi, Po/Ps- 6 JC/JT-006 Jayaprakas Das Female UR Das Bidanasi, Dist- Cuttack, 753014 At- Nuasahi, Bidanasi, Po/Ps- 7 JC/JT-007 Jyoti Ranjan Das Jayaprakas Das Male UR Bidanasi, Dist- Cuttack, 753014 Balamukunda At- Gouda Street, Po- Bissam- 8 JC/JT-008 Deepty Khuntia Female UR Khuntia cuttack, Dist- Rayagada, 765019 Balamukunda At- Gouda Street, Po- Bissam- 9 JC/JT-009 Tripti Khuntia Female SEBC Khuntia cuttack, Dist- Rayagada, 765019 Biswanath Nagar- 1st Lane, Po- Panchanana 10 JC/JT-010 Manas Satapathy Male UR Lanjipalli, Gosaninuagaon, Satapathy Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha, Pin-760008 Ramatalkies Backside, Rayagada, Santosh Kumar 11 JC/JT-011 Sadasibo Tripathy Male UR Near M.S.M.E Office Rayagada Tripathy Pin- 765001 L.P-86, Stage-1, Laxmisagar, 12 JC/JT-012 Punyatoya Sahoo Ranjan Sahoo Female UR B.D.A Colony, Laxmisagar, Bhubaneswar, 751006 At- Jeypore Sambartota, Dist- 13 JC/JT-013 Sudhakar Sahu Uma Charan Sahu Male UR Koraput, 764001 Late At/Po- Omkarnagar, 14 JC/JT-014 Kunja Bihari Pattnaik Debendranath Male UR Purunagada, Jeypore, Dist- Pattnaik Koraput, 764003 At- Rrit Colony, Q.R No.
    [Show full text]
  • Odisha Tourism
    ODISHA TOURISM A Journey in Enticing Odisha India is a country simply brimming with amazing places to discover, but amongst the most incredible destinations is Odisha in the country’s east near the Bay of Bengal. For adventurous tourists, Odisha – known as Orissa until 2011 – offers an enticing blend of activities including wildlife safaris, stunning hikes, and beautiful historical temples. Odisha, located to the south of the West Bengali province, has a long and intriguing history as well as a rich and vibrant modern culture. It is mentioned in history books that are well over two thousand years old, meaning it is a place with a long and fascinating back story, yet today is a vibrant and exciting destination that is developing rapidly. Each year, Odisha tourism becomes more popular as more and more visitors arrive to soak in the incredible sights of the region, from the stunning countryside landscapes to the bustling cities. Today, there are many incredible sights where visitors can learn about Odisha’s fascinating history. Some of the very oldest sights in the region include the rock paintings of Gudahandi, which are thought to be more than 20,000 years old. To walk within these caves is to truly walk in the footsteps of our most distant ancestors. This is because the site is evidence of some of the oldest origins of mankind, and to visit them as tourists to Odisha is to truly get a feel for the thousands of years of history that cloak the region. Other incredible historic sites are somewhat more recent but no less impressive – such as the stunning Konark Sun Temple, which is famous worldwide for its stunning architecture.
    [Show full text]
  • Embassy of India ASTANA NEWSLETTER
    Embassy of India ASTANA NEWSLETTER Volume 1, Issue 18 November 1, 2015 India Hosts 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit India hosted 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) Embassy of India from October 26-29, 2015 at New Delhi. 41 Heads of States/ Governments and other leaders represented all 54 African countries ASTANA in the summit. India and Africa have a historic relationship based on mutual respect, trust and solidarity. In recent times, the relation- ship has witnessed progress and has grown into a mutually beneficial Inside this issue: partnership. The 3rd IAFS served as a landmark event in the jour- ney towards further cementing the strong ties between India and India hosts 3rd India-Africa 1 Africa. Forum Summit Prime Minister meets African Trade Ministers Kazakhstan implemented more 2 On the eve of IAFS, 4th India-Africa Trade Ministers reforms than any other coun- meeting was held on 23rd October. In her address, the Minister for try—World Bank Commerce and Industry Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman said that India would endeavour to share its experience and expertise on value Astana hosts 6th International 3 addition in partnering with African countries to enhance livelihood Investment Forum and attain a better quality of life. Meeting of WFSC International 3 Organizing Committee External Affairs Minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj inaugurat- Inauguration of India-Africa Friendship Rose Garden ed the India-Africa Friendship Rose Garden at New Delhi on 25th Laying of Foundation Stone for 3 October. Speaking on the occasion, she said that flowers signify Amaravati love, dedication, friendship and brotherhood and the Rose Garden NRI Divas 3 symbolizes India-Africa friendship, which in the coming years is going to blossom like the flowers of the garden.
    [Show full text]
  • A Reassessment of the Origin of the Jagannath Cult of Puri
    Odisha Review June - 2012 A Reassessment of the Origin of the Jagannath Cult of Puri Manorama Tripathy The origin of the Jagannatha cult of Puri is shrouded Dasa’s Mahabharata, besides taking recourse in mystery. Although it is one of the widely to rich speculations. Several other sources have researched areas in the cultural history of Odisha, also been consulted. However, it is surprising that a clear and unambiguous picture of the genesis of an early account of the origin of the cult, recorded the cult continues to elude us. This is largely so in the ‘Purushottamakshetra Mahatmya’ of the because the sources which provide information Sanskrit Skanda Purana, has not been given the about the cult are either mythical or fragmentary importance it deserves. This work, apparently in nature. These sources include religious texts written in the fourteenth century, is often and inscriptions. The inscriptions, by their very mentioned in passing. Sometimes, bits and pieces nature, do not give us any chronological picture. of information from it are cited to corroborate an Religious texts on the other hand contain valuable argument. But the work has not been taken up pieces of historical information, but the historical for critical scrutiny in a way it really deserves. consciousness found in them differ from the ways The work is important not for the information it in which history is understood by us today. provides, which is often highly unreliable. It is Scholars have subjected the existing evidence to significant because it helps us to develop a extensive scrutiny as a result of which our reasonable perspective on the origin of the knowledge of the beginnings of the cult has Jagannatha cult.
    [Show full text]
  • Review of Research
    Review Of ReseaRch impact factOR : 5.7631(Uif) UGc appROved JOURnal nO. 48514 issn: 2249-894X vOlUme - 8 | issUe - 7 | apRil - 2019 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DEITIES OF THE ANANTA-VASUDEVA TEMPLE AND THEIR REFERENCE IN THE INSCRIPTIONS OF BHATTA BHAVADEVA AND CHANDRADEVI Dr. C. S. Mohanty Director, Krishnarao Research Institute , Jabalpur. Visiting Faculty, A.I.H.C. & Archaeology, Rani Durgavati University . ABSTRACT: Ananta-Vasudeva Temple is one of the ancient temples in Temple city Bhubaneswar, now the state capital of Orissa. It is situated on the north Bank of Bindu Sarobar lake in the old town of the city , in between the famous the Mukteswar and the Lingaraj Temple. As the Anantasayi Vishnu or Vasudeva is sitting inside the name of the temple become Ananta-Vasudeva Temple. KEYWORDS: ancient temples , Temple city Bhubaneswar , Anantasayi Vishnu. INTRODUCTION The inscription of Bhatta Bhavadeva mentions in verse 3 that the village Siddhala is the ornament of Radha where his forefathers dwelt. In verses 4 to 25, the poet describes the versatile qualifications and fortunes of Bhatta Bhavadeva and then in verse 26 Radha country is again described where, on the outskirts of a village, he excavated a tank for the supply of water to the public. The Temple-Outer View The Inscription of Bhatta Bhabadeba Inside the Temple Inverses 27, 28, and 29 mention is made of his installing a stone image of Narayana (V.27) and of building a temple for him (V.28) and of building the images of Narayana, Ananta and Nrusimha in the niches of the said temple (V.29). The strain of description lends support to the suggestion that all these works were done in the Siddhala village mentioned in verse 31 Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Antiquities of Shri Jagannath : Amazing Findings Sasanka Sekhar Panda
    Orissa Review * November - 2004 Antiquities of Shri Jagannath : Amazing Findings Sasanka Sekhar Panda The massive earthern mound contain cut stone come across a huge stone block with the image blocks, round Amalaka in four pieces, broken of "Anant Sayana Vishnu". This ancient Neel chakra in stone, which once adorned the sculptures since been shifted to a place on the temple top and other sculptures of historical right bank of river Tel, a tributary of Mahanadi. importance. These antiquities were unearthed It seems, many other sculptures like the from the mound by Trilochan Bhoi, a villager doorjamb with vase folige motif, Gajalaksmi of Kondh origin, and Nabagraha almost single handed panel etc. were over a period of one shifted from this site year. Bhoi mentioned to a neighbouring to me during my visit village Deulgudi on 29th June 2004 that about seventy years three handless stone back. This is an icons of Jagannath, extremely potential Balabhadra and site which calls for Subhadra were a planned recovered from the Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra excavation by the mound and are State Archaeology. presently kept in an adjoining hut for worship. With the discovery of this anthropoid forms of This discovery confirms the theory of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra cast in construction of the oldest temple for the holy stone, intriguing questions may be asked about trinity by the Somavamsi king Yayatikeshari the origin of Jagannath cult and present wooden ninth century A.D. as mentioned in Madala form of holy trinity worshipped in the Jagannath Panji, the temple chronicle of Puri Jagannath temple of Puri.
    [Show full text]