Orissa Review * June - 2006

Brahmanda Chhatradanda - Shree

Somanath Khuntia

When King Indradumna, the king of Avantee, of other planets, and the flowers are also wanted to know where the real was, presented by other beings from outer space who he sent his ministers all over India to find out, come to see this Brahma. but they returned without success. So to Orissa, From this record of the origin of known as Utkal, at that time, another minister Bidyapati was sent. He was told by the tribal Mahaprasad, found in the palm-leaf people of . "On the beach in the Neelagiri manuscript Niladri Mahodaya, we can cave, Brahma is to be found." He was being ascertain quite clearly that this present day worshipped by their tribal leader Bishwabasu. Jagannath Temple is not only an attraction for So Bidyapati came and met the chief. But in- people of this world, but for the inhabitants of spite of all his probings, no information was other spheres, or Lokas, as well. divulged, no place was even shown, so secret When king Indradumna heard from and sacred was this Brahma to Bishwabasu. Bidyapati that Brahma was at Puri, he The minister was feared to stay on for many immediately went there, and wanted a temple years. With the hope of discovering this to be built by him. His wish was fulfilled, but Brahma, Bidyapati married the chief's daughter then he wondered which deity was to be Lalita. worshipped there. He dreamt that a log of Afterward, Bidyapati was stunned when wood would be floating near the beach. Out Bishwabasu would return from his worship of of this log, the deities must be made. The dream Brahma. He gave Bidyapati very fine rice came true. In procession the wood was taken prasad and other delicacies, curries and fruits to the temple. But again the king wondered. In not found in Puri at that time. Biswabasu which shape should the deities be carved ? himself would be smelling of heavenly Nobody could offer the king any suggestions. camphor from his arati. Bidyapati saw rare flowers that were not in season in Puri at that At last an old man came and volunteered time. So he asked his father-in-Iaw. "Sir, where himself to carve the deities. When asked what did the fine rice and all these rare flowers come his name was, he said emphatically, "My name from ? is Viswakarma, the Divine Architect ! I am Bishwabasu replied. "The rice you are from another world." People all around laughed getting is Prasad' offered to Brahma by Devas at him thinking him to be a fool. However,

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King Indradumna assigned the work to him. came. These events are also documented in Viswakarma made three conditions. ancient epics, palm-leaf scripts, and in texts written by scholars and sages of the past. Some 1) He must be confined in a room where are as follows : he would work for 21 days. 1) Manima Daka Sloka from Niladri 2) He would not take any food or drink Mahodaya during this period. "Rajadhi Rajarajeshwar 3) He must not be disturbed. Ishwara Thakur, Manima ! Once this was agreed to, Viswakarma Anantakoti Brahmanda entered the closed chamber. Everybody Ishwara Thakur, Manima ! suspected a trick, as there was no sound of Chaturdasha Bhubana any carving. The queen also became suspicious, thinking that the old man might Ishwara Thakur, Manima ! even have died. Out of great anxiety the door In the daily rituals of the temple this sloka was opened before 21 days were up. There is recited at the time when Lord Jagannath was no body there. The old man vanished. Only retires to bed. The meaning is this : a voice was heard, "Oh king ! worship these "Oh Lord Jagannath ! unfinished deities I have carved. You have You are king of kings ! broken your promise. I came from Devaloka You are master of many universes ! only to make the full form of the deities you You are the controller of all creations !" wanted to have !" The khuntia worshipper who recites this It means the divine craftsman himself sloka then scatters flower petals up into the air came down to earth to help make the TRIO to welcome all the divine beings who have known today as Lord Jagannath, Lord come that evening to observe this ritual. Balabhadra and Mother . They have 2) Kadachit Kalindi sloka by Saint been worshipped in Jagannath Temple, Puri for Adishankar in his Sanskrit verses "Jagannath more than three thousand years. Astaka" As these stories about the origin of "Rama, Samvu, Brahma, Surapati Jagannath Temple reveal, Lord Jagannath is a Ganesharchhit Padam mystic deity. There are many phenomena Jagannatha Swami, Nayana Pathagami, Bhavatume " sorrounding him which cannot be explained The meaning is : by modern science. Not only do sages, seers and people from different parts of the world Even Gods like Rama, Shambhu (Siva), come to see him, but also inhabitants of other Brahma the creator, Surapati, the king of Gods, spheres as well. As he is considered the master Ganesh, the god of wisdom, who all belong to of the universe. He attracts all. There is Devaloka, worship Lord Jagannath at Puri. documented evidence to support many of these 3) "Jatta Chhaya Lokamatra occurrences in the form of eyewitness reports Tribhubana Janata Badhate and objects left by divine beings when they Na Tritap"

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This means that the inhabitants of all Paranormal events occur on earth when Lokas, or spheres are under the protection of beings from these other regions are present. Lord Jagannath. This sloka is taken from According to the Loka they come from, they Brahma Geeta (writer not known) appear in different ways. 4) From Kapila Samhita 1. Patala Loka "Sarba Rahasya Purusottamasya This is a sphere of the underworld which Deva Na Janati Kuta Manusya." supports life on earth. It is said Vasuki, the The meaning is that the mystery of Lord snake who holds the world in proper balance, Jagannath cannot be known by the Devas, so lives in Patala Loka. He comes to Jagannath what to speak of man ! Temple only during special darshan times. If he is present, there will be a loud rustle in the 5) From Skanda Purana crowd. "Byomatit Byomarupa Prakasa 2. Talatala Loka Byomakar Byapino Byomarudha." When inhabitants of this Loka come, The glory of Lord Jagannath is described there will be rays of light of various colours here. He can take on any shape. He is as which can be seen by the naked eye. These limitless as the sky itself. He is even beyond beings come in disguise of blind, lame, one- that. eyed, or other deformed persons. They carry The whole cosmos of life is divided into flowers in their palms to offer to the deities, in many spheres or Lokas. These are described the crowd this can be seen easily. in the palmleaf scripts Lokabimarsa, 3. Rasatala Loka Lokatattwa and Lokamimansa. As life evolves from lower to higher forms, consciousness If a strong wind passes through the becomes more individualised and expansive. crowd and a hot place becomes cool suddenly, The main Lokas are 21 in number. They are as beings from this Loka have come. They often follows : come also as children and sing loudly during Kirtan, even though they know nothing about The Underworld Lokas : all these things. They smile in the crowd after 1) Patala, 2) Talatal, 3) Rasatala, 4) Bitala, seeing the deities. 5) Mahatala, 6) Atala, 7) Bhutala 4. Bitala Loka The Earth Lokas : Beings from Bitala Loka come as birds 8) Loka, this earth, 9) Pitruloka, 10) Matruloka although not as vultures, who signify bad days 11) Pretaloka, 12) Bhutaloka, 13) Jakshaloka, ahead when they are seen. 14) Swargaloka, 5. Mahatala Loka The Higher Lokas Beings from this sphere come as animals 15) Divyaloka, 16) Kinnara Loka, such as cats, monkeys and dogs. As dogs can 17) Gandharvaloka, 18) Devaloka, not enter the temple, if one is spotted inside, it 19) Suraloka, 20) Vishwaloka, 21) Goloka is said to have come from this Loka. If this

18 Orissa Review * June - 2006 happens, it is felt that the food that day was temple of Lord Jagannath at dawn when there cooked in an impure way. All offerings must is less rush. If one finds a man having a similar be stopped and the food to be prepared again. face to one's father, he is from Pitruloka. If This dog is called Kutama Chandi. He always one feels attracted to some unknown person, disappears mysteriously. he is certainly related and has come down from 6. Atala Loka this Loka. Inhabitants of Pitruloka come to the earth as human beings. Sages and saints with long beards who are deep in meditation often come from this 10. Matru Loka sphere. They even walk into the temple with These beings give the same signs of their half-closed eyes. Only when looking at Lord presence here, but they are from the mother's Jagannath Himself do their eyes open fully. side of one's family. 7. Bhutala Loka 11. Preta Loka Those who sweep the temple floors, Those who commit suicide come to this make garlands for the deities, prepare the wicks Loka after death. This is the region of bad and lamps, make the earthen pots for the spirits and beings of evil demonic nature. They kitchen, and fetch the water are often from this come inside the temple, but only to the outer region. Their duties are not hereditary, but are portions, not into the inner altar of the deities. done purely for spiritual pleasure. They criticise, joke, and make noise or other 8. Loka, this Earth disturbances in spiritual gatherings there. Their Ordinary people from all parts of this coming is signaled by a bad smell, like that of visible world come to Jagannath Temple with a dead body. a vast variety of wishes, both worldly and 12. Bhuta Loka spiritual. The word Loka means people. Before birth all came from other Lokas, according to This Loka is similar to Pretaloka, only previous habits and activities. They wish to go having the confused inhabitants who have taken to higher Lokas, by dint of their human birth. their lives by consuming poison. Inside the temple they come under the influence 13. Jaksha Loka of beings from these other spheres, who are People in a crowd wearing gorgeous also present there, whether they are aware of dresses are often Jakshas in disguise. They them or not. Actually, the very purpose of human birth is to pass through all the Lokas have come to this earth for worldly comforts by degree. It is also told in ancient scriptures and bad motives, such as how to collect money of India that the gift of human birth is the from those present in the crowd. They wear greatest boon God gives. In no other Loka can gold ornaments and precious gems to impress a being progress spiritually. That is why devas others. and demonic spirits both long to return to earth. 14. Swarga Loka 9. Pitru Loka Swarga means Heaven. Beings from this These beings are the ancestors from the sphere have this sign. In darkness suddenly father's side of one's family. They come to the there will be light. Many people present may

19 Orissa Review * June - 2006 experience a divine feeling without any visible Baruna, God of the Ocean, Vayu, God of Wind, reason at all. Not flowers but petals only will Laxmi, Goddess of Wealth, Saraswati, be found scattered on the floor afterwards. Goddess of Wisdom. 15. Divya Loka The sign of their presence is complete When divine beings of this Loka come, tranquility and peace in the midst of a huge auras of different colours will fill the crowd. It would appear as if nobody at all was atmosphere. Even in darkness, these can be there. After they go, flowers of different seen slightly. Some of the temple lamps varieties are usually found scattered on the (Dipas) may be mysteriously extinguished at floor of the temple. that time. Beings from Divya Loka do not come 19. Sura Loka in form, but only as light and auras. There are other signs, but mortal man can not have Sura means strength, especially the concrete experiences of them. divine strength of mother. Beings from this 16. Kinnara Loka Loka come to the temple during darshan time, known as Sahana Mela. They come in a big When Kinnaras come to the temple, they rush so that the crowd is forcibly pushed aside come as dancing girls. They may be seen for them to precede to the deities without any visibly if one's third eye is open. They are eight difficulty. in number, the Asta Sakhis : Rambha, Urbasi, Menaka, Tilottama, Manjujosi, Rochika, 20. Vishwa Loka Mochika and Sundaree. Those who come from Vishwa Loka They come as Devadasis also, only to think that Lord Jagannath is just like a human dance before Lord Jagannath before He goes being. The worshippers of the temple who are to bed. They are decorated in flowers only, no in charge of decorating the deities with flowers, ornaments. sandal and beautiful dresses and take great 17. Gandharva Loka pleasure in doing such spiritual things are often from Vishwa Loka. They seem to be worldly, During devotional singing these beings with homes and family life like ordinary people are always present, both inside and outside the but they are born to serve Brahma, the temple. They sing in chorus spiritual songs Supreme. known as Bhajans, meant only for the deities. If an ordinary person's singing is especially 21. Goloka sweet one night, or soft sweet music is heard From Goloka come Sri himself in the midst of silence, a Gandharva is present. and the gopis. Even though there might be a According to Nada Shastra, there are ten types big rush inside the temple, everybody will love of divine sounds that may be heard inwardly, the two highest being the sound of the flute the gathering. All present will feel attracted and OM. towards something unseen and smell soothing fragrances all around. In the crowd there will 18. Deva Loka be more ladies than men. Most significant of Many gods come to Jagannath Temple all, all will hear a mysterious sweet laughter to pray every night, such as Indra, God of Rain, in the air.

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There are other spheres of Lokas also, 1. the Flag by Hanuman from Mahatala such as : Loka. 1. Shiva Loka - the abode of Shiva 2. the Chariot itself by a being from Bitala 2. Loka - the abode of Vishnu Loka. 3. Brahma Loka - the abode of Brahma 3. the Rope by Vasuki from Patala Loka. 4. Asura Loka - the abode of demons 4. the Wheels by Mother Vimala from Sakti Loka. 5. Yama Loka - the abode of Yama, the king of death 5. the Entrance by Gatekeepers Jaya and 6. Naga Loka - the abode of snakes Vijaya from Divya Loka. 7. Graha Loka - the abode of planets 6. the devas sorrounding the Chariot being. A. From Shiva Loka : Shiva comes on Ram, Laxman, Krishna, Nrusingha, Snana Purnima day to see the Bathing Narayan, Chintamani, Yoga Maya and Ceremony of Lord Jagannath. He comes Kubera, all from Devaloka. in disguise of a sage with trisula. 7. The sages all around the chariot being. B. Lord Vishnu comes to see Dola Festival, , Vyasa, Suka, Parasar, Rudra, or Colour Day held in the temple during Vashista and Viswamitra, all from celebrations in the beginning of Pitruloka. Spring. He comes as any other devotee but he would have with him big garlands, The chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadra to be offered to Lord Jagannath. are guarded by many divine beings also. C. Brahma comes during , Aesthetic Experiences or Spring Festival. He stays for twenty- Some of the most mysterious phenomena one days. He can be identified with one reported from time to time by the people of who recites Vedas in front of the deities. Puri, especially the worshippers (Sevakas) of D. From Asura Loka : Asuras, or beings of Jagannath Temple, are as follows : demonic physical instincts come at the 1. Not only do people from all over the time of rice offering, especially at the world come to see Lord Jagannath, but so do time of mid-day Bhoga. gods and goddesses. It is believed that these E. Yama; the King of Death: Someone from devas are most fond of seeing the last ceremony his Loka comes when a dead body is of the day known as Pahuda, in which found in the premises of the temple. Jagannath retires to bed. This occurs some time after midnight. Three beautiful beds made of On day every year, not only ivory and decorated with the sweetest-smelling do people come from all over the world, but flowers, especially white jasmine, are brought also beings from all Lokas and planets. Lord before the deities. Flowers are scattered all over Jagannath's chariot, known as Nandighosha, is the beds to the sound of devotional music, and guarded by the following devas : three miniature golden forms representing

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Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are laid twenty-two steps leading to the temple. The down on the beds to sleep. Then arati-the whole night was passing and her heart becomes offering of a lamp is done, the flowers are very agitated. It was almost morning. The scattered all around overhead to be collected sevakas were coming fout rom the temple. by the gods and goddesses as a token of Lord Devas from all corners of the world had come Jagannath's blessing. So it is also the duty of that night, as was the custom every night to all the gods and goddesses to be present at the consult with Jagannath, the Lord of the time of this ceremony every night. Universe. Now they were going out to execute One day goddess Charchika of the his will. Only Charchika was left standing at distant village of Banki arrived late to the the gate. If a deva neglects his duty, he may function. She was excused by Jagannath, who cause harm to others and must be replaced. excuses all mistakes, but Balabhadra did not The sin of too much pride is almost excuse her. "Mother, do you think that the irremediable. Just as Charchika was rituals of this temple should take place remembering this, Balabhadra came back with according to your convenience ? You have the sad news not to allow her inside. become too proud these last few days. Get out! Balabhadra delivered the message of Lord You cannot come to see the Pahuda Ceremony Jagannath. "A proud deva should not be any more." admitted. If you wish to redeem yourself, Charchika was not prepared to take this render service in the home of Bitarachha insult from Balabhadra and in anger she replied. Mahapatra, the head priest to whose function "I am not the proud one. You are the one who you came late, and not to me. Bitarachha is ostentacious, being gorgeously dressed, Mahapatra alone can exonerate you, if he so bedecked with royal robes, golden ornaments, desires and is pleased with your service." and sweet-smelling flowers. I have eight hands, Balabhadra explained, "By the practice but you with no hands think you are doing of virtuous deeds an ordinary man ascends everything. Who is the proud one ? You please upwards and may eventually attain the status let me enter so that I may meet my Lord. Why of a demigod. Such a good soul may be are you ostracizing me for such a little offence ? regarded as equal to god himself, but only After that Balabhadra became even because of his goodness, not his high position. angrier and lost his temper. "Your misbehaviour Do you know this, Mother ?" Charchika to Bitarachha Mohapatra, the chief priest is of replied, "Yes, I have done wrong. I myself will grave concern. I am ordered by him to prevent take on the task of serving this man Bitarachha you from entering the temple any more. How Mahapatra, even though I am a goddess of the can you do and protect your area Banki, even highest order. with your eight hands with weapons, if you It is the right punishment for a degraded have no discipline ?" Charchika replied, "Oh, then please go and ask him to forgive me ! I goddess. I will be serving a man who is himself will not have nay peace if I am deprived of the a servant of Lord Jagannath. Let me leave this Lord's vision. I will be happy again only when place before others come out." I am redeemed. " Charchika was left standing Disguising herself as a young widow in there at the bottom of Baishipabachha, the a white saree, Charchika left the temple for

22 Orissa Review * June - 2006 the house of Bitarachha Mahapatra. As she They would ask her, "Why did not you approached, she saw the old man sitting on go to the temple and have darshan of Lord the front steps. So she quickly covered her face Jagannath ?" When so many people come from with a sari piece and respectfully stood at some distant places to see Him, you are living nearby distance. The old man looked up and thought, and do not go ? "Charchika said sadly," It is a "who is this lady ? I can see only half of her matter of luck, sometimes one is not destined face, but she looks so young and radiant! I have to meet him. I will visit the Lord whenever he never seen her in this area before. "Thinking showers his mercy on me." like this, he called to her. "Mother, have you One day a huge storm hit Puri with heavy come to our house or are you looking for rain. The whole town was enveloped in someone in this neighbourhood." The soft darkness. Bitarachha Mahapatra struggled to motherly appearance of Charchika made find his way home and finally reached the door, Bitarachha Mohapatra regard her as a mother. knocking loudly. Charchika responded Charchika pleaded, "I pray that you anxiously. "Oh, what a treacherous night to be accept me in your house as a servant, as I have out! When it fell dark I lit a candle and sat no other means of survival, father. As I lay flat waiting, expecting you at any moment. That on the ground before Lord Jagannath, he candle has just now gone out." himself ordered me to serve here in your The head priest had come from the house." temple and was completely rain drenched. He The old man was astonished and with handed over the Mahaprasad to Charchika and tears in his eyes, he answered." This is your went to change his dress. But there were no own home, you are so like my own mother. A matches to light the candle in his room. Neither son can never be reluctant to provide shelter to did he bring a candle from the temple, as it his mother." Thus Charchika become the maid- was raining too heavily. servant of the head priest Bitarachha With surprise he asked "How did you Mahapatra. Gradually she became accustomed to the household affairs of the family and took light that candle, when there were no matches full charge of the puja room herself, cleaning and all the neighbours had already gone to the brass puja articles, changing the dress of bed ? Can you light another one ?" Charchika the deities daily and lighting the lamps. So replied, "Yes there is a way. Allow me to light perfectly did she act out the role of mother the room." She immediately assumed her that Bitarachha Mohapatra hardly thought of original form. She stretched one of her hands his own mother, who had just recently died. to the top of the temple where a lamp was Time passed. Bitarachha's wife was old and burning and with it she lit the priest's candle. ailing and so she was very pleased with On seeing this divine vision, Mahapatra Charchika's help and good manners. almost felt senseless. He could not believe his Sometimes people wondered about Charchika, eyes. How could this maid servant assume such "who is she ? Where did she come from ?" a divine miraculous form ? And so vast and Sometimes Charchika would be overcome with glorious it was. The whole town of Puri could feeling when there was talk of Lord Jagannath, be accommodated within the space between what was the reason for this ? her feet. A deep sense of awe and wonder

23 Orissa Review * June - 2006 overcame him. Charchika came back to her priest, Bitarachha Mahapatra, she asked him normal form in a moment's time, and the room what he wanted. He answered that he had no was lighted. Mahapatra felt as if his eyes had demand for any worldly things, but only betrayed him and he was going mad. wanted to see her again. She said, "Go to your "Do not worry, father," Charchika said. puja room," and then vanished. He went there Bitarachha Mahapatra told her, pleading, "Oh and saw emerging from the floor a framed Mother! Please reveal your real identity. I will stone image of the devi herself . not leave your feet until you do so." Such rare Even today, some six centuries later, this display of God's divine grace thrilled the priest holy image is there and puja is still being done through and through. His body became numb. to it daily by the descendants of Bitarachha So Charchika disclosed everything to him, Mohapatra, the head priest of Jagannath especially the reasons why she was cast out of Temple. the temple. 2. By head priest Pattajoshi Mahapatra, Mahapatra exclaimed, "Oh Mother, in the year 1810. please go back to your original abode. I will obtain due permission from the Lord for your Vibhisana was one of the brothers of the reinstatement." With such assurance of demon king Ravana in Lanka during Tretaya Mahapatra, Charchika disappeared from Yuga. Yet he took shelter at the feet of Lord Bitarachha's house. It was after midnight and Rama. After the death of Ravana, he was made the rain had stopped. It was as if everything king of Lanka. He always felt that Rama was had occurred in accordance with God's plan. the Supreme Lord, and it is believed by the Charchika once again approached the people of Puri that he comes every day to Lord main gate of the temple and Balabhadra offered Jagannath, feeling that He is Sri Rama Himself. her a welcome smile. Because of this, Like all the devas, Vibhisana comes to see and Charchika realised that one can not retain even enjoy the last ritual at midnight, known as his position as a demigod if he does not fulfill Pahuda Arati. his assigned duties and commitments for the It was in the year 1810, when there was upliftment of the world, for these are the duties no electricity and the town was dark at night. of the demigods. Lord Jagannath ordered, "I When returning home through the horse gate am now very happy with you. I will assign you an additional responsibility, that of caring of the temple, head priest Pattajoshi Mahapatra for my own car during , the great felt somebody walking beside him. The person Festival of Chariots. Even though the regular was not visible owing to the darkness, but he Sevakas are there to look after Nandighosa, was so huge, it seemed his head was touching you will be its deva." the sky. Pattajoshi Mahapatra was totally overwhelmed. Out of fear, he questioned, Charchika was silent and only nodded "Who are you, Sir ?" The answer was, "I am her head affectionately, then left. It was already Vibhisana from outer space. I come here daily morning and Bitarachha Mahapatra appeared to see the last ritual of Lord Jagannath." before the deities to offer his regular service. This event occurred in the year 1368. Before Still the head priest doubted him. He Goddess Charchika left the house of the head asked again, "Please give me some proof that

24 Orissa Review * June - 2006 you are from the outer space !" So Vibhisana to return to his house at 2 A.M. after attending gave him the huge golden armlet he was the last Pahuda Ceremony of the temple. It was wearing and vanished. Even now, almost 200 his daily habit to bring from the temple used years later, this ornament given by Vibhisana flowers and garlands. These he would later of Devaloka is worshipped in the residence of offer to local deities such as Mothers Pattajoshi Mahapatra's family. It may be seen Dakshinakali, Shyamakali and Baseli. On his and verified. The ornament is the size of a way home, he would throw petal to the smaller wheel of a bullock cart. It could never have temples as he passed by. been used by a human being. However, one night he forgot to offer 3. By a Mekap worshipper in the temple, any to Shani Temple, the temple of planet in the year 1890. Saturn. Suddenly he felt someone following him in the darkness. Dogs also barked and The Mekap worshipper in Jagannath sensing the presence of some being Khuntia Temple is in charge of the deities' dresses and looked back. He saw only the head of someone, the store room known as Ratna Bhandar. Inside but not clearly visible. As if in a humble way, this sealed room are kept costly pearls, the voice requested, "Just a leaf of the garland diamonds, emeralds, golden necklaces and used by Him, I am Shani ! (the god of planet many other precious ornaments used to Saturn). decorate the deities during Suna Vesha or He vanished at high speed when only a Golden Decoration. The deity in charge of this leaf from the garland was presented to him. store room is Loknath, who is a form of Lord Khuntia stood dead still and speechless. Later Shiva Himself. It is told that anyone who is on when he told his friends of this event, they greedy and tries to steal any ornaments from said, "Khuntia, you are saved ! He would have here will one day suffer from leprosy and caused you many difficulties had he not been everybody in his family will also die. obliged. He is the planet Shani, who comes to This actually happened once, in 1890. Lord Jagannath, but usually in the disguise of One Biswanath Mekap stole from the store a lame man or a one-eyed person or someone room some ornaments, thinking nothing would with a deformed body. You were lucky to meet happen. In his dream that night, two cobras him, but still we hope you will not meet him entered his bedroom and he was bitten. His again !" wife heard someone saying in a loud voice, " 5. By a decoit (thief) from Bihar State, in We have been sent from Nagaloka by Lokanath the year 1910. Shiva to punish him." A thief from the state of Bihar wanted to Biswanath Mekap died of snake bite and steal the costly Chitta, which Lord Jagannath all his family members died prematurely and wears everyday over his third eye. The present he was left heirless. value of this rare gold ornament studded with priceless gems would be millions of rupees. 4. By Padmanav Khuntia, a worshipper of This thief was known as Bihari Daku. He went Jagannath Temple, in the year 1902. to the temple daily to learn every detail about Padmanav Khuntia was a very humble the timings of the rituals, as the deities were sincere worshipper of Lord Jagannath. He used guarded closely. Finally he came to know that

25 Orissa Review * June - 2006 after Pahuda, the last ritual of the day, nobody worshippers in the present day. He did not have is allowed inside the temple. So he made a any educational degrees or diplomas but he plan. Wearing a black cloth, he hide himself had profound knowledge of the ancient epics inside the temple one night, just behind the of India. Many people coming from different sealed doors of the inner sanctum. He was with parts of India revered him as their spiritual the divine trinity, but with evil motive. After guide. He only ate Mahaprasad, the rice meal all left, he stealthily climbed the altar where offered to Lord Jagannath. One day for some Lord Jagannath is worshipped. When he was reason his sons did not bring it from the temple. about to take off the divine Chitta from the Even though he had not taken any food all day, forehead of Lord Jagannath, he felt as if bitten he never revealed his hunger. Only his wife by a thousand snakes ! knew. As she looked sad, Singhari consoled The next morning worshippers and many her, "He will give, He will send !" But at other pilgrims saw Bihari Daku lying dead on midnight who would give ? All slept, his wife the temple floor, surrounded by five cobras, also. who were also dead. The most aged worshipper After sometime there was a soft knock present there said, "From Patala or Naga Loka at the door. On opening the door, the old man devas come up as snakes to guard the deities found a banana leaf in which there were seven while asleep. types of temple cakes ! Nobody was there. The 6. By Hazuri Balabhadra, grand son of the next morning when he narrated this happening, great hero and worshipper of Lord nobody believed him. All day long this miracle Jagannath, Chakhi Khuntia, in the year of Lord Jagannath was very much in mind. The 1940. next night a voice told Singhari in a dream, "Did you eat everything that was given ?" "I was standing on the roof of my house where the temple is more visible," reports 8. By Harihar Guru, who was one of the Hazuri Balabhadra. It was 5 A.M. I have greatest worshippers of Jagannath Temple. forgotten the date, but the month was July. I He was called Prakruta Panda, a real saw strange rays of light coming from the worshipper; for the help he rendered to all. Chakra on top of the temple, like a clear line This event occured in 1969. of brilliant light leaving the temple at high Harihar Guru lived in recent times but speed. This lasted for more than 10 minutes. he was one of the most honest, simple and Out of great curiousity, I asked my sincere worshipper ever to serve Lord father, He replied, 'You are very lucky. Only Jagannath. In spite of his limited income, it you saw the vehicle of some other devas was his habit to help poor people. In fact, he coming to Lord Jagannath.' "I am thrilled even became poor himself, helping others. now when I tell you this !" This story was told He used to come daily to the temple at to the father of this writer in the year 1940. 4 A.M. by the west gate, known as 7. By Jayaram Singhari, a worshipper of Byaghradwar or "Tiger's Gate". One morning Jagannath Temple, in the year 1963. he saw three beautiful ladies also going through Jayaram Singhari was considered one of the same gate. They had a divine fragrance the most learned men in the society of around them and were nicely dressed,

26 Orissa Review * June - 2006 decorated with flowers but no ornaments. Their mood. As the master of the universe leaves faces were veiled. It was raining heavily at that His body, all cry, out of deep sadness. moment, but Guru could not see them wet, even In the early morning hours of the next though he was completely drenched and day, people found the dead body of Ray. This shivering from the cold. The three ladies happened in the year 1969. The notes he had seemed to be going inside as if there were no written of what he had seen was found beside downpour. Their saris were dry and there was the body. no sign of their foot prints on the earth. 10. By worshipper Harihar Khuntia, the Seeing all of this, Guru approached them father of the writer, in the year 1970. to ask who they were. They simply vanished ! Harihar Khuntia lived to the robust old Only the sound of soft laughter was heard. age of 97. He was the spiritual teacher of When he narrated this episode to his friends, pilgrims coming from Calcutta (Kolkata). he was told that the ladies were divine beings When at Puri he would spent most of his time from Kinnara Loka. inside the temple, sometimes sixteen hours a 9. By Krishna Chandra Ray; an Oriya man day. When in Calcutta, he would spend most from Khurda District, in the year 1969. of his time discussing how Lord Jagannath is Koili Vaikuntha is the place where old worshipped by all, even by the gods and deities are buried during Yatra, goddesses. He was answering to all their or the great festival of Metamorphosis in which querries. One day there was a very sceptical the deities are changed and new ones made. man sitting next to him. He putting all sort of odd questions to him. This occurs only after a gap of atleast twelve years. Dayitapatis, who are considered to be One doubtful man from Bolpur the kith and kins of Lord Jagannath, carry the questioned him, 'Is our Kali of Kalighat Lord old deities out, just like dead bodies. Nobody Jagannath ?' The reply was spontaneous, "You except them can see this procession. It is said take these flowers I have taken from Lord that if anyone else sees this event, he will die Jagannath and give it to the goddess Kali ! You immediately. will see Him in Her. Actually it was done and the next morning he came running and Krishna Chandra Ray from Khurda shouting, "I have seen Him, I have seen Him !" district considered this to be an act of blind belief, a silly superstition. So on this special 11. By worshipperJairam Singhari, in the day he hide himself inside the temple at year 1972. midnight. When the Dayitas carried the old After Pahuda, the last ceremony of the deities to Koili Vaikuntha, he saw it all from day, no one is allowed to be inside the temple. the branch of a tree. The Dayitas returned after Many divine beings come to attend the Lord burying the deities. The whole atmosphere was at this hour. In the year 1972, Jairam Singhari, dark and frightening. Ray heard the sobbing a worshipper, who was decorating the deity of ladies. He saw rays of different colours, but daily, narrated about this occurrence. He saw nobody was there. It had been told that beings two ladies mysteriously entering the west gate of other Lokas come in the most sorrowful of the temple after the doors were sealed in

27 Orissa Review * June - 2006 the night. They were quietly talking to each worshipper will be reprimanded by the deities other. From their talk, Singhari overheard that themselves. Some sign of disapproval or some the name of one was Manjujosha. Later he read bad things must happen. The priests who are in a reference book called Amar Kosha that the direct worshippers of the deities do not feel she is one of the eight dancing girls of Kinnara that the images are lifeless wood. Rather they Loka, a space beyond this earth. are much more vibrant with life force than man, as they (the deities) do not belong to this world, 12. By worshipper Laxman Mudali in the but other higher spheres where energy is year 1985. stronger. On the alter of Ratna Singhasana of the Once a worshipper forgot to do puja to temple, seven gods and goddesses are Neela Madhava when he was serving the five worshipped. They all come from spheres deities. When he returned home, he came to beyond this world. know that his wife has gone mad. She was Name of Deities Sphere Belonging To found repeating only the name "Neela Madhava, Neela Madhava," over and over 1. Lord Jagannath Vishnu Loka or Golaka, the abode of Srikrishna. again. After three days the worshipper realised the fault he had committed. As ordered in a 2. Lord Balabhadra Shiva Loka, where Lord Shiva dream, he held a yagna or holy fire ceremony. resides. Only after that was performed his wife was 3. Lord Sudarshan Swarga Loka or Heaven, the cured of madness. As soon as she regained her abodes of divine beings. senses, she asked, "Did you forget Neela 4. Lord Neela Kinnara Loka, or abode of Madhava on that day I went mad ? Madhava divine dancers. According to the palm leaf script, Indira 13. By Ganesh Mishra, in his book "Santha Nilamani Tattwa, Neela Mala", about a happening in the 18th Madhava is a dancing deity. century. 5. Goddess Subhadra Sura Loka-All Suras derive There was a very poor whose strength from Divine Mother. habit was to recite the Bhagavat Geeta to the 6. Goddess Lakshmi Deva Loka -the abode of divine people who would be interested to listen to it. beings with only divine His wife was very much annoyed as she was qualities. without meals often. The husband would say, 7. Goddess Saraswati Bhu Loka, or the Earth. "I have Lord Jagannath to help" But where is (Or Bhudevi) One of the names of Saraswati He ? One day she was totally upset. Her is Bhudevi, as she is made of husband was away teaching the essence of clay for Saraswati Puja every Geeta to the people. In fact his wife was dying year. of hunger. The worshippers known as Puja Pandas She saw a black man carrying rice, perform puja to them daily. These are Puja vegetables and milk shouting, "Where is Geeta Pandas, one for Lord Balabhadra, one for Panda's house ?" The wife, as her name was Goddess Subhadra, and one for Lord Jagannath Geeta Panda, came out trembling. The young and the other four deities. If there is any mistake man told her, "Kindly accept all these offered in the recitation of slokas or in the text, the by one of your friends."

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"No please stay a little longer, you can compelled him to go to the house of the friend eat. My husband will be coming now." "No, I whosoever he was. He under took his journey have many works, I can not stay." to Puri. It was night already. Their two little When the brahmin was told about all sons were crying for food. They came just near these by his wife, he became almost senseless. the temple. Bandhu Mohanty consoled his wife With weak voice, he said "You, poor lady, you saying. "My friend's palace is too big. He is saw Him, you are so lucky' Oh Lord very rich but it is not right to enter his house Jagannath !" now as it is night. We will go tomorrow." 14. By Ganesh Mishra, in his book "Santha All slept, being weak, hungry, tired and Mala", about a happening on July 7- 1902. sad. But his wife did not sleep. Dasia Bauri from Dandamukundapur, in Suddenly, on a golden tray many kinds the district of Puri, Orissa took a coconut to of food were brought by a robust man whose be offered to Lord Jagannath through the priests colour was very black. He left the place very of the temple. But they out of mockery did not quickly. She fed her sons and when Bandhu accept the fruit. Dasia was extremely sad, Mohanty was awake from his sleep, he was cursing the heritage of the worshippers. thunder-struck, hearing everything from his wife. Out of pure devotion he stretched his hands and prayed,"Oh Lord, kindly accept this But the golden plate was missing from coconut". He was standing outside at the Lion's the temple and found with them. This made a Gate of the temple. People saw two hands great noise in the small town. The police emerge from within the temple to take the arrested all the family members and they were coconut from Dasia. It was He who blessed produced in the court before the king for severe Dasia in the presence of many. punishment the next day. 15. Recorded in , the temple The king dreamt that very night of Lord record book in 1818. Jagannath. As if giving order, the Lord said to him, "Oh King ! When guests come to you, do This is another true story of a devotee you not entertain them ? So release Bandhu named Bandhu Mohanty of Jajpur to prove how Mohanty at once; he is my devotee." It was Lord Jagannath descends from His throne to done, and he was given service as a cook in help His devotees. the temple. Bandhu Mohanty was very poor and as Even now, descendents of Bandhu such he had no support to maintain his family, Mohanty are the main cooks in the kitchen of consisting of his wife and two sons. His wife the temple and they daily offer food to Lord asked him out of agony one day that why he Jagannath on a golden Tray. was not going to his rich friend of whom he was so proud. The friend about whom Bandhu 16. By Godavari Pujapanda on April 2, Mohanty mentioned was Lord Jagannath, but 1890. his wife did not realise the essence of what her A Puja Panda worshipper is one who husband was saying all the time. So his wife does puja and offers food to the deity. While

29 Orissa Review * June - 2006 doing so, in the course of offering, he hold in the temple. I went to eat food prepared by water in his palm. A priest cannot sanctify the Vedamata with love and loyalty. How can there offering unless the deity is reflected in the water be any reflection if I am away from my which he holds. devotee. Now I am in the temple, so offer the Once it happened that no reflection was food." seen for some unknown reason. This disturbed Immediately, the Puja Panda was all. Nobody, not even the king knew why the informed about the dream of the king, and deities were angry. Was the Puja Panda everything went well again. insincere ? Was the food not cooked with purity ? Not knowing what to do the worshippers remained sitting on the altar where Lord Jagannath is seated. The king was determined not to touch water until he could know the cause. He dreamt as if Lord Somanath Khuntia lives at Manikarnika Sahi, Hazari Jagannath was telling him, 'Oh king, I was not Lane, Puri - 752001.

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