Odisha Review ISSN 0970-8669 Influence of Tantra in the Rituals of Shree Jagannath Dr. Sarbeswar Sena hree Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe is Sworshipped in the form of Daru Devata (wooden-incarnation) in Shreemandir of Nilachal Dham (Puri). He is world famous as Daru Brahma. In the body of the deity the Brahma (the mystic syllable of Om) is placed; so He is Daru Brahma. But people address Him in thousand names. Similarly followers of different religions have tried their best to establish Jagannath as their tutelary deity but still He is mysterious. No one is able to guess His beginning or end. His supper human power is beyond any thought, belief and imagination. Yogis remaining So the learned have accepted Daru in meditation for years together are not able to Brahma as the puranapurusha (a progenitor, meet the almighty, Shree Jagannath. He is the God) and worship Him with deep devotion. paramount ruler and under His direction and will Shree Jagannath is a symbolic deity. the whole world is governed. He is the source of Hence He has become an easy accept for all all powers because Brahma is the only truth and religions. For Vedic Aryans He is Bhu, Bhurva, the world is meaningless.(Brahma Satyam, Swah, for Buddhist, Buddha, Dharmo, Sangho, Jaganmithya). Brahma is hand and legless but for Yogis, ida (an artery supposed to run on the inspires all to move, without eyes sees everything left side spinal cord), pingala (a particular tubular and being earless listens to the supplication of the vessel of the body), sushumna (the name of an devotees. This has been narrated in artery of the body), for Shaibas, parvati, Shiva, Swetaswetara Upanishad, Ganesh and for the wise He is Maha Laxmi, “Apanipadojavanagrahita Maha Kali and Maha Saraswati. In the Veda Pashyatachakshuhsashrunotwakarnah Jagannath is described as chaturddhamurtti Sabettibedyanatasyastibetta (four fold incarnations) i.e. Balabhadra, Tamahuragyampurushampuranam.” Subhadra, Jagannath and weapon Sudarshan. July - 2016 69 ISSN 0970-8669 Odisha Review In Bhagavadgita Bhagavan Shree Krishna has word. Among its other synonymous words, narrated before Arjun, Nirmalya and Kaivalya are familiar ones. According to the tantric doctrine Asta Shakti “Jejatha mam prapadyante, (eight powers) safeguard the religious centre. Tamstathaibabhajamyahm Same is also marked in Jagannath temple. Mama batmranubartantemanushyaha, Mangala, Vimala, Sarva Mangala, Parthasarbashah.” Ardhashosini, Alamchandi, Kalaratri, (In the way the devotees reciprocate me Marichika, Chandarupa are the eight powers Partha, I also reciprocate in the same way, for placed in the south east, west, north west, north, people in all respect follow my path.) Hence, Shree north east, south, east and south west direction Jagannath is above all religious concept. respectively of Jagannath temple. Originally the name of Jagannath is not Kapalamochana, Jameswar, Isaneswar, mentioned in the Vedas but mentioned in the Markandeswar, Bileswar, Nilakantha, Tantric scriptures. Moreover the system of idol Bateswar and Mahesha (Loknath) are the eight worship is not there during the Vedic age, though Rudras protecting the temple. Jagannath is the names of many Gods are mentioned in it. They regarded as Vairav and Vimala the Vairavi. The are worshipped only through Jajna (a religious paintings of Dasha Maha Vidya, Vagadarshini, offering). But in tantric method of worship an Chhaya Maya and Kali in Vimala temple are image is very much essential. Hence the tradition the Tantric Devis. In temple enclosure and outside of idol worship in Shreemandir is nothing but a images of many tantric side deities are displayed. tantric method. It is also pertinent to mention that Just like a tanric deity on a Yantra (an not only now but also long time ago Indian implement), Balavadra, Shuvadra and religious concept has been dependant on two Jagannath are inhered on the Tara, cultures i.e. Nigam (the Vedic) and Agama Bhubaneswari and Shyama Yantra respectively, (Tantric). Shree Jagannath is the tantric deity, inscribed on Ratna Singhasan. although different scholars have made an attempt Bamachar method of tantric worship is to establish Him of the religion and culture of narrated in the ritual of Shree Jagannath. Shavara, Vedic, Brahmanya, Buddhism and Accordingly Pancha Ma Kara (fine objects used Jainism. The side deities, system of their worship in tantric worship) such as wine, fish, meat, in Jagannath temple are the clear symbol of the maithuna (sexual union) and mudra (gesture) are tantric concept. offered to the deity.Indirectly it is also observed Shree Jagannath is worshipped on in the worship of Jagannath. Nutmeg juice and Vairava Chakra and known as Vairav. The coconut water in bell metal plate, Birhi (a kind of offering to Him is Mahaprasad. It is also a tantric pulse)-cake, ginger, raw sugar, half naked dance 70 July - 2016 Odisha Review ISSN 0970-8669 of devadasi and yoni mudra exhibition are the Only Indian joint 3rd month Ashadha is accepted symbol of Pancha Ma Kara that are offered to for Navakalevar ritual. People in general are with Jagannath. Mendha Mundia Khechudi (a the conception that it occurs in every 12 years is hotchpotch of rice and spices) is used in the a wrong one. As per historical records joint adoration of the deity in the specific Thali (metal Ashadha falls in 8, 11, 19 and 27 years difference. plate). Some are in the opinion that in the past the Last Navakalevar ritual has been observed in head of sheep has been offered to Jagannath. 1996 and after 19 years the same is performed in All the above facts justify that tantric concept in 2015. the temple service are pre-eminent. Similarly the Navakalevar ritual is deeply influenced most important ritual, Navakalevar is also by Vaishnavism but impact of tantric worship influenced by the same concept. also plays an important role. The first phase of Navakalevar (the periodical renewal of the said ritual is Banajaga and it begins from the the wooden body-divine of the deities) is the most tenth lunar day of bright fortnight in the 12th Indian important ritual in Jagannath culture. As per month Chaitra. A group from the different classes Hindu religious tradition the same ritual is observed of priests and servants attached to Jagannath in Joda Ashadha (a joint third Indian month, June- temple like Daita, Pati Mohapatra, Purohita, July), usually called Malamasa (an intercalary Viswakarma (an epithet of the architect of gods), month)/Adhimasa (an excess month). Generally, Lenka, Kahalia (a trumpeter) and some temple in between two Sankrantis (the passage of sun police start in a procession in quest of Daru for from one zodiac sign to another/ the first day of the construction of new deities. They take rest in Indian month) if double Amabasyas (the day of Jagannath Vallabha math, and then proceed for the new moon) fall, then it is accepted as the Deuli math of Kakatpur situated by the bank of intercalary month. The same month is narrated in river Prachi. Once upon a time the same was Hindu scriptures as Purusottama month. The the abode of Mangala. Later on a new temple is intercalary month is determined as per astrological built and Mangala has been shifted to it. It is only calculation, based on the movement of the Moon. a legendary belief. Mangala of Kakatpur, The Moon takes 27 days 7 hours and 43 minutes Bhagabati- Banapur, Charchika-Banki, for revolving once in the zodiac. By that time the Sarala-Jhankada, Ramachandi-Konark, sun also revolves in the same. Hence for the Harchandi-Brahmagiri, Alamchandi- meeting of the both, the Moon takes Atharanala and Ugratara-Bhusandapur are approximately 29 and 1/2 days. As per the solar the eight pillar-powers that guard Shreekshetra. demonstrated calculation after 2 years, 8 months, They are the tantric goddess. Among them the 16 days and 16 Danda (6 hours and 24 minutes), role of Mangala of Kakatpur in Navakalevar the lunar month is of four fortnights instead of two. ritual is the most important one. Without her grace July - 2016 71 ISSN 0970-8669 Odisha Review the search of Daru is impossible. For her Baikuntha, Patala Baikuntha, Leela benediction the Banajaga team first moves to Baikuntha, Brahma Baikuntha, Ananta Mangala and completely surrender them before Baikuntha and Naba Baikuntha. Kaivalya her. Then the worship of the goddess is performed Baikuntha is popularly known as Koili in tantric process. After purification of the temple, Baikuntha. Baikuntha is the abode of Lord the Smarta Brahmins recite ‘Samputachandi’ Vishnu and Koili the degenerated word of and other Brahmins pray her in Swapnavati Kaivalya that means the relinquishment of the organ Mantra. At the same time the Daitas completely of sense and sole existence of soul. During surrender them to get the blessings of the goddess. Navakalevar ritual the construction of new Being pleased Mangala indicates the direction of deities, consecration of Brahma in them and divine Darus. Accordingly the Banajaga team proceeds burial rituals of old images are performed in Koili and collects Darus for four deities after completion Baikuntha. The old deities take heavenly rest. of all sorts of worship and traditions. Not only in Hindu mythologies have described it as ‘Golaka Mangala temple but also in Banajaga near Vishram’. All those rituals in Koili Baikuntha selected Daru tantric Mantras are recited and are related to tantric concept. Besides,during the special sacrifice of pumpkin-gourd near it are consecration of deities, fish offering to Dasha some aspects of tantric system. After collection Digapal in the North East corner of the of Darus those are brought to Shreemandir consecration arbour are just like the tantric through the north gate and kept in the Daru Sala practice. After sacrifice of Magura and Sheula (an edifice meant for construction of deities) at (kinds of fishes) the blood and fish are offer to Koili Baikuntha (the rest abode of Jagannath) eight powers, the Varahi, Nrusinghi and and worshipped daily.