THE TEMPLE OF JAGANNATHA - 1

The kalpavata is a very old banyan tree which is believed to be there ever since the installation of Jagannatha, School Loan Consolidation. In Hindu mythology, there is the description of a heavenly tree known as Kalpavata, which is believed to fulfill the desires of persons seeking mercy. Keeping the name of that celestial tree in view, this banyan tree has been named as such. The name, therefore, connotes that this tree is capable of fulfilling the ungratified desire of human beings. Pilgrims are required to stand at the foot of the tree for a minute or two to communicate their desire in mute voice to the Kalpavata.

At the foot of this tree, there is the Ganesa temple, dui attorney San Francisco. Ganesa being the god who destroys all obstacles, a visit to this temple is considered absolutely necessary. The figure of the mouse( the mount deity or the vehicle of Ganesa) installed in front of the deity is a very interesting object. Millions of hands have passed over it is as almost every pilgrim touches it, but the hair like thorny projections found on its body have hot been rendered blunt.

From there, as we move towards the Vimala temple, we see to our left a raised platform with a roof above it. It is the famous Muktimandapa, the seat for the most learned scholars of Orissa. honored by the rulers of the State in a traditional manner. On important controversial issues pertaining to the rituals of the temple and to Hindu religious rites, practices and customs, references are made to this association of Pandits for a final decision.

The Vimala temple is one of the most important centers of the Sakti worship of India. The famous sixteen days period of Durga Puja takes place here every year in the prescribed manner. This temple plays a very important role in giving extraordinary religious and spiritual sanctity to the food offered to Jagannatha. The food is called simply Prasada when it is offered to Jagannatha, hut after certain religious rites performed in the Vimala temple, this very Prasada becomes Mahaprasada.

From there, we may visit the Laksmi temple. Oh our way to the Laksmi temple, we may see to our left a small replica of the sanctum of the main temple. It. is believed to be the model after which the main temple was built. We may also see the temple of Sarasvati and Bhubanesvari to our left. Finally, when we enter into the sanctum of the Laksmi temple, we see by the left side of the door-way, an image of Nrsimha with Sankaracarya standing at the feet of the god with his danda (bamboo stick which is held by the mendicants of the Sankara order). It is believed that the Sankata Nasana Laksmi-Nrsimha Stotra was written here by Sankara when he was in Puri. Laksmi is the female counter-part of Jagannatha.

From the Laksmi temple, we are to proceed towards the main temple and enter into the Nata Mandira through its north-facing entrance. As we start from the Laksmi temple towards it, we may visit a temple known as the Suryanarayana  Mandira, where there is a deformed image placed behind the presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorum. It is strongly believed that this was the image of the Sun -god worshipped in the main temple at Konarka, which was removed to this place before that temple collapsed.

After entering into the Nata Mandira, we are to stand behind a monolithic pillar, about 10 feet high, at the top of which there is an image of Garuda, the mount of Visnu. Generally, visitors touch the pillar with both their hands and through centuries of such touches, the middle portion of it has become thinner. The Nata Mandira is a long spacious hall decorated with the paintings and models of the most popular and didactic stories of the Hindu Puranic works, pertaining to the graceful deeds of Visnu and Krisna. From there, we proceed to the Mukhasala or the porch. The carvings on both the sides of the door- frame made of stone would remind us of the similar carvings on the corresponding door-frames of the Konarka temple.