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Home , Deula, Dharakote, Ganjam, Kabisuryanagar, Khallikote, Kodala

June - 2012 Review

Jagannath Temples of

Dr. P.C. Mohanty

Legendary sources suggest that Jagannath was Jagannath cult in the state of Odisha. Each and originally worshiped by the Tribals, the Sabaras. every Zamidar of Ganjam has their Jagannath The most important evidence of this belief is the Temples. Following are the Jagannath Temples existence of Daitas, a class of sevaks who are situated in different Zamidaries of district Ganjam. considered to be of tribal lineage and who still play a major role in the various services to Lord The Jagannath Temple at : Jagannath. Historians predict that the original diety From the manuscript of ‘Krshna was ‘Kitungu’ worshipped by the Tribal Sabaras Janmastami Vrata’ in Odia composed by in the hilly areas of Aniruddha Mahendragiri situated Chhotaraya, a Raja of in the undivided Khallikote in the Saka . Later year 1670 (1748 on ‘Kitungu’ the God A.D), it is known that of wood was named as the wooden images of ‘Jagunta’ and then the the Chaturddha Murti Lord Jagannath. (Jagannatha, Ganjam is the place Balbhadra, Subhadra) directly related to the and Sudarshan were birth of Jagannath cult. first being worshipped Earlier the Ganjam had in a (open not less than thirty space) built by his great Gadjats. The king of grandfather Jagannatha each Gadjat had a Mardaraj -I. So the direct relation with the Gajapati king of Odisha building of the Jagannatha Mandap of Khallikote and everyone had accepted the Vaishnavism and may tentatively be fixed in the middle of the 17th the cult of Jagannath for their kingdom and century A.D. From the manuscript of ‘Vaisakha constructed temples and celebrated functions on Puran’ in Odia written by Jagannath Mardaraja Lord Jagannath. After , Ganjam is the next Deva II, it is known that he built the present richest place in celebrating the festivals of Jagannatha Temple of Khallikote. He may be

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found inscribed in the Nilachakra (Blue Disc) on the top of the Jagannatha Temple of Athagada.

Jagannath Temple at Marada.

Village Marada is situated at about 60 kms away from . The Temple at Marada was constructed to conceal the three great images of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra & Subhadra of Puri Shree Mandir during the attacks of Taqi Khan, the then Mogul Subedar for Odisha in the year 1733 A.D. The temple consists of a placed in the last quarter of the 18th century as Viman and Jagamohan. The main entrance and his father Nalinaksha Mardaraj was living in Saka the wooden doors of the Temple are a replica of year 1699 (1777 A.D). A vadivelu writes about the Jagannath Temple of Puri. The masons and this as follows, “The building of the Temple of carpenters of the Village Mathura were engaged Jagannatha in Khallikote which commenced seven in the construction of the temple day and night generations ago was finished during his time at a and completed it in the record time of two months cost of over lakh rupees”. on war footing. The Temple still stands eloquently speaks about the glorious regional tradition of The Jagannatha Temple at Athagada: Lord Jagannath. The images Puri Shree Mandir were kept there for about two and a half years till From the seventh Parichheda (chapter) they were brought back to Puri by the orders of of Gangavamsanucharitam, the Champu, a the liberal minded Murshid Alikhan in 1736, the historical Kavya written by poet Vasudeva Ratha next Subedar of Odisha. Somayaji of Athagada in Ganjam in 1762 A.D., it is known that Raghunatha Harichandan, Raja The Jagannatha Temple of Parlakhemundi: of Athagada (1712-1732 A.D) built a temple for Jagannatha in the Saka year 1650 (1728 A.D.). The powerful Ganga Chieftains of the From the three Verses, it is known that from Raja estate of Parlakhemundi, a part of the extensive Ramachandra and his queen Chandrama Devi had Khemundi kingdom were great patrons of religion three sons named Raghunatha, Giridhara and and literature both in Sanskrit and Odia. From a Divyasimha. Prana Devi, the queen of Raghunatha Copper plate grant of Jagannatha Narayan Deva was the mother of Jagatbandhu Harichandan. of Parlakhemundi issued in his 21st Anka year in Raghunatha Harichandan, who was a very Chitrabhanu Samvatsara, Mithuna 20, Asadha 12 powerful chieftain, built the Jagannatha Temple in Monday, it is known that this chieftain had granted the Saka year Kha (o), Sara (5) Ttu (6) and the village of Jagannatha Narayanpur to 31 Sitagumita of moon (1) or 1650 corresponding Brahmans at the time of his coronation. The exact to 1728 A.D. This Jagannatha Temple is still to date of the grant being Monday, the 28th June, be seen with in the ruined fort of Langalaveni, 1762 A.D. when the Chitravanu Samvatsara of near Boirani in the District of Ganjam by the the southern recension was current, the year of Khallikote-Aska road, these three Verses are his accession was (1762-71) 1745 A.D. As this

114 June - 2012 Odisha Review temple was existing in all its prominence in 1745 on became Partha Sarathi and subsequently A.D. at the time of his coronation it must have known as Jagannath. The present temple of Parth- been constructed before that year. As the exact Sarathi was established by Gajapati Purushottam year of construction of this temple is not known, Dev, the Gajapati Maharaja in 15th century on it may tentatively be placed near about 1700 A.D. his return journey after the conquest of Kanchi. when the Jagannath Temple of Vijaya Nagara Parth Sarathi (Jagannath) is the Presiding deity of (Bada Khemundi) was built. this temple and the Rath Yatra is the main festival which attracts thousands of tribal people to this The Jagannath Temple of Kuladagada: place. The fort of Kulada now in ruins, situated Jagannath Temple at Sunapur: at a distance of about 4 miles from the town of surrounded by hills, remained the Sunapur is situated at a distance of 26 capital of the powerful Bhanja Kings of kms, towards South East of Berhampur near the Ghumusara from the beginning of the 13th Century falling point of Bahuda, the ancient river at the A.D. till its occupation by the British forces in Bay-of-Bangal. It was a principal port and 1835 A.D. Though the Bhanja Kings became the shipping centre for the area functioning till the first followers of the Srivaishnava faith from the time part of 20th century. A Jagannath Temple was of Sri Jayabhanja Deva (1223 A.D) no there with the three beautiful images of Jagannath, information about the building of any Jagannatha Balabhadra, Subhadra along with Sudarasan and temple in between 1225-1750 is available. The the rituals were observed since long. deities of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra were first installed at Kulada by Pratap Bhanja Jagannath Temples of Mantridi: near about 1600 A.D. The present Jagannath Mantridi was a famous trading spiritual Temple at Kulada was built by Sri Krsna Bhanja, and cultural centre situated at a distance of 16 a powerful Bhanja Chieftain (1744-73 A.D), who kms South-East to Berhampur. There are three successfully resisted the invasion of the French Jagannath Temples in the area. Jagannath General De Bursey in 1757 A.D. and bravely is happens to be the ancient one supposed to be fought with the British forces in 1768 A.D. So established by a maritime trader during the construction of Jagannatha Temple may be seventeenth Century. It was one of the most fixed near about 1750 A.D. (1744-1757) which famous Jagannath Temple in the South Odisha was a happy a peaceful period of his reign. observing all rituals and festivals like Rath Yatra. Parth Sarathi Temple of Jarada: The Car Festival was exhibited as good as of Puri. But now due to the bad economic condition, the Village Jarada was the capital of the Ex- festivals and rituals, neeties were observed with Zamidari estate named Jarada. It is situated at a out the chariots in the Car Festival. Mostly, the distance of about 50 Kms. South-West to devotees of the area are the ‘Sadhabs’ and Berhampur. The place is famous for the Parth- Sahukars presently known as Sahu Brahmins. Sarathi Temple of its kind. According to local Another, Jagannath along with his brother and traditions, the Sabaras of Jarada hilly area sister are worshipped in Radhakanta Matha of worshipped one “ Kittunga Jaganta” who later Vaishnaba Sampradaya-established probably

115 Odisha Review June - 2012 during first part of 16th century in Western part of Berhampur are Sana (Small) Jagannath and Bada Mantridi Village. Now, a days Mantridi is famous (Big) Jagannath Temples. The other Jagannath for the Sakti Peetha of Bhairabi. The deity was Temples at Berhampur are Gosaninuangaon surrounded by other 107 Hindu Gods and Temple, Courtpeta, Hatibandha sahi, Ganjam Goddesses alongwith a newly constructed Kalaparishad Jagannath, Lanjipalli, etc. are of Jagannath Temple. Jagannath, Balabhadra, recent origin. The car festivals were celebrated Subhadra and Sudarsan are taken to Gundicha with great devotion and spiritual divinity. Mandir (New) by three decent chariots since Jagannath of Surangigada: 2001. A descent, fine and beautiful Jagannath Jagannath Temple at Village Bayali: Temple was built by the king of Surangi during nd th Nearing to Mantridi, Bayali is a small the 2 part of 18 century and donated Lands village of historical importance. The village has for maintenance of deities. The neeties and rituals were maintained as like as of Puri Temple but two big tanks and a Radharaman Math. The with only a difference of pulling the chariot starts Matha has the principal deities like Radha Krishna, a day after to Sukla Duitiya i.e., the next day to Gopika and a single small image of Jagannath Rath Yatra. (Dadhi Baman) worshipped probably since sixteenth century past with the religion of Jagannath of Ganjam Proper: Vaisnavism preached through Sri Chaitanya. Later on the Muslim attacks, the temples were Ganjam was the ancient port town of worshipping the single image of Jagannath (the , the headquarters of the then Ganjam Dadhi Baman) in most of the temples. The village District. It is also an important place of tourism. has the pride of taking the single imaged small but The town has four Jagannath Temples. Two very beautiful Jagannath in the chariot to Gundicha Temples are at Bada Bazar, i.e., old and new Mandir on the 2nd tithi of Sukla Ashadha. Jagannath Temples and the other two are at Dharmasala and Choudhury Street. The car Jagannath of Mahurigada (Berhampur): festival is celebrated with a great devotion of spiritual order by the devotees. The deities are Mahuri estate was of 521 Square miles being worshipped since sixteenth century. and carries four hundred eleven villages. The Mahuri forte was earlier at the Kerandi Mala hills Jagannath at Sankhemundi and but for a better security, the fort had been changed Badakhemundi: to Berhampur. The king of Mahuri has Pratapgiri of Sanakhemundi was the constructed a Jagannath Temple along with capital fort of ancient Khemundi Garh. The three Astasambhu Temples in his kingdom. Another deities were established by the king Purushottam Jagannath Temple was also established at Khaspa Ananga Bhima Dev most probably in 1760 A.D. Street by Businessman named Naina towards the But without a proper Temple, the deities were 1st part of 18th century. Another brother named kept in a kitchen house since that day and Aina of Naina had also constructed a tank at worshiped at Pratapgiri. Later on Raja Berhampur which was named after him like ‘Aina Chandramani Dev shifted his capital to Pudamari Bandha’. The ancient Jagannath Temples at in the year 1801 and the inhabitants are trying to

116 June - 2012 Odisha Review construct a Jagannath Temple for the same but are 928 and out of this only Ganjam bears 178. due to insufficient funds the temple works is They are as follows: , Vijay Nagar remained half constructed till date. Gada, Padma Nava Pura, Veer Padmanava Pura, Gopinathpur, Brahmapur, Alarigada, Kurula, Jagannath at Aska: , Jakamaripally, Podamari, Pratapgiri, Aska is rich with Jagannath cult. There Bhismagiri, Fasiguda, Singipur, Moula Bhanaja, are five Jagannath Temples i.e. in the areas of Patapur, Sidheswara, Basudevpur, Kankarada, Sunamba Street, Market Area, Khambeswari Adapada, Haripur, and Paika Jagannathpur, Patna, Lalagurji and at Nuagaon, Sugar factory. Parlakhemundi, Seranga, Jiranga, Udayagiri, The deities of Sunamba Sahee happen to be the , Luhagudi, Kasinagar, Garabandha, ancient one. The temple at Sugar Factory looks Gurandi, Ankuda, Chandragiri, Chheligada, very beautiful. The town is crowded with the Namangada, Ramgiri and , devotees of surrounding villages during the car Bhanjanagar, Balichhai, , Belguntha, festival season. Jagannath Prasad, Bidipur, Barpalli, Natgaon, Badangi, Kaduapada, Kokalaba, Rauti, Gobara, Jagannath Temple at Buguda: Binjigiri, Jhilemili, Mahaguda, Patrappur, Basudevpur, Badakodanda, Birikote, Galeri, At Buguda, just close to Biranchi Golia, Khamareddi, Pailipada, Berhampur, Narayan Temple, a Jagannath Temple was there Mahuda, Bayali Mantridi, Khallikotegada, which was built by Harisaran Bhanja in the year Bikrampur, Kairashi, Chikite, Pathara, Dampur, 1680. The Temple has Jagamohan, Bhoga Kama Nalinakshyapur, Kanchana, Keshapur, Mandap, Amalaka, Khapuri, Kalasa and Kantapada, Langaladei, nimina, Sankuda, Neelachakra as per the Silpa Sashtra. The place Shandhamala, Athagada, , is worthfull to see. Barida, Dhundapada, Gudiapalli, Gudiali, Jagannath Temple at Digapahandi : Kharida, Veer Jagannathpur, , Polosara, Beguniapada, Digapada, Jilunda, Hatioat, Phasi, Digapahandi is the new capital of Rimagada, Marada, Ramasa Narayanpur, Sikula, Badakhemidi after Vijaya Nagar Gada. The Tentulia, Chatrapur, Purushottampur, Landabar, Jagannath Temple was built after the death of King Pratappur, Chingudighai, Jalaswara Khandi, Purushottam Ananga Bheema Dev i.e. after 1776, Kantali, Kakarpani, Raipur, Sanathara, probably during the year 1790 as narrated by Tanganapalli, Hinjilikatu, Saru, Huma gada, K.N. Mohapatra in his book “The Jagannath Biraligada, Gopinathpur, Naidapalli, Khanda Temples in Eastern India.” The past was glory Deuli, Balarampur, , Subalaya, Palurgada, but the present of this Temple is an apathy to Ganja, Agasti Nuagaon, Aska Sunambasahi, narrate. Another deity Dadhibaman was also Debhuin, Jayapur, Sidhanai, , worshipped in same street (Bada Danda). Dhaugaon, Kalashandhapur, Nalabanta, Chasa Pital, Tahamra. Along with the above spots Jagannath Temples at Gadazata Areas of Ganjam : Jagannath Temples are existing at Chikitigada, Surangigada, , Jarada, Surangi Nuagada, A researcher has surveyed the total Seragada, Sorada areas. Hence, Ganjam is number of Jagannath Temples in the state which claiming as the 2nd place in the state after Puri in

117 Odisha Review June - 2012 celebrating the Jagannath cult. There is a saying Temples of Budharsingi, Tekkali, Jalantara, in the area that Khallikote gada Jagannnath Manjusha, Tarala, etc, are in bichhinnanchala Temple is the 2nd biggest Temple in Odisha, Tikali (). Jagannath is the 2nd ancient most, Pratapgiri carries the biggest image and widest Badadanda. The References: saying in Odiya goes like, Khallikote deul (temple) — Odisha Reference Annual, 2009, Information and Jarada gahala (rush), Pratapgiri Ratha, Bije Nagar Public Relations Department, Govt. of Odisha, Yatra (festival), Seragada Mandani (decoration) . and Dharakote Adheni (celebration), this tells about the top in kind and quality in the state of — Dakhin Odishara Pratna Tatwika Bibhaba, 1st Vol. Ganjam district as well as in Odisha. 1993. — Odisha Review, July, 1999. Jagannath Temples at other areas of the District : — Tourism Potential in Ganjam.

The cult of Jagannath is the culture of — Mardaraj Mohotsva Smaranika, 2011. Ganjam District. In each and every inhabitated village mostly carries at least one Jagannath — GANJ-I-A’M.’ A Publication from district council Temple or a Dadhi Baman Murty associated with of culture. other God and Goddesses of Vaisnavism. Similar — Dwadasha Brahmapur Pustoka Mela Smaranika, to this the Temples are at Konisi, , 2008. Golonthara, Girisola, Chatrapur, Rajpur Bipulungi, Purushottampur, Kodala, Buguda, — Raj Guru, S.N, Odishara Itihas, 1985 Grantha Balipadar, Belguntha, Kumari, Kanaka, Mandir, and Berhampur. Sunathara, Sahapur, Raipur, Sikula, Hinjilikatu, — Rath, Dinabandhu, Sarala Mahabharatara Samajika Rambha, Huma, , Hinjlikatu and Jeeban, 1974, Grantha Mandir, Cuttack and in almost all remote and urban areas, and so the Berhampur. observance of all the yatras is very popular with car festival in whole of the district. , Dharakote, Digapahandi, Mahuri and so all other zamindari estates have their Jagannath Temples from the times immemorable basically from the Dr. P.C. Mohanty, Sanskruti Sadan, Village - Boiyali, second half of fifteenth century. During the partition P.O- Mantridi, Dist- Ganjam- 761008, E.mail.- and formation of the New Odisha province, the dr.pcmohanty51 @gmail.com

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