Brahmanda Chhatradanda - Shree...

Orissa Review * June - 2006

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When King Indradumna, the king of Avantee,wanted to know where the real Brahma was,he sent his ministers all over India to find out,but they returned without success. So to Orissa,known as Utkal, at that time, another ministerBidyapati was sent. He was told by the tribalpeople of Puri. "On the beach in the Neelagiricave, Brahma is to be found." He was beingworshipped by their tribal leader Bishwabasu.So Bidyapati came and met the chief. But in-spite of all his probings, no information wasdivulged, no place was even shown, so secretand sacred was this Brahma to Bishwabasu.The minister was feared to stay on for manyyears. With the hope of discovering thisBrahma, Bidyapati married the chief's daughterLalita.

Afterward, Bidyapati was stunned whenBishwabasu would return from his worship ofBrahma. He gave Bidyapati very fine riceprasad and other delicacies, curries and fruitsnot found in Puri at that time. Biswabasuhimself would be smelling of heavenlycamphor from his arati. Bidyapati saw rareflowers that were not in season in Puri at thattime. So he asked his father-in-Iaw. "Sir, wheredid the fine rice and all these rare flowers comefrom ?

Bishwabasu replied. "The rice you aregetting is Prasad' offered to Brahma by Devas

of other planets, and the flowers are alsopresented by other beings from outer space whocome to see this Brahma.

From this record of the origin ofMahaprasad, found in the palm-leafmanuscript Niladri Mahodaya, we canascertain quite clearly that this present dayJagannath Temple is not only an attraction forpeople of this world, but for the inhabitants ofother spheres, or Lokas, as well.

When king Indradumna heard fromBidyapati that Brahma was at Puri, heimmediately went there, and wanted a templeto be built by him. His wish was fulfilled, butthen he wondered which deity was to beworshipped there. He dreamt that a log ofwood would be floating near the beach. Outof this log, the deities must be made. The dreamcame true. In procession the wood was takento the temple. But again the king wondered. Inwhich shape should the deities be carved ?Nobody could offer the king any suggestions.

At last an old man came and volunteeredhimself to carve the deities. When asked whathis name was, he said emphatically, "My nameis Viswakarma, the Divine Architect ! I amfrom another world." People all around laughedat him thinking him to be a fool. However,

BrahmandaChhatradanda - Shree

Jagannath

Somanath Khuntia

http://www.pdfcomplete.com/1002/2001/upgrade.htm

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King Indradumna assigned the work to him.Viswakarma made three conditions.

1) He must be confined in a room wherehe would work for 21 days.

2) He would not take any food or drinkduring this period.

3) He must not be disturbed.

Once this was agreed to, Viswakarmaentered the closed chamber. Everybodysuspected a trick, as there was no sound ofany carving. The queen also becamesuspicious, thinking that the old man mighteven have died. Out of great anxiety the doorwas opened before 21 days were up. Therewas no body there. The old man vanished. Onlya voice was heard, "Oh king ! worship theseunfinished deities I have carved. You havebroken your promise. I came from Devalokaonly to make the full form of the deities youwanted to have !"

It means the divine craftsman himselfcame down to earth to help make the TRIOknown today as Lord Jagannath, LordBalabhadra and Mother Subhadra. They havebeen worshipped in Jagannath Temple, Puri formore than three thousand years.

As these stories about the origin ofJagannath Temple reveal, Lord Jagannath is amystic deity. There are many phenomenasorrounding him which cannot be explainedby modern science. Not only do sages, seersand people from different parts of the worldcome to see him, but also inhabitants of otherspheres as well. As he is considered the masterof the universe. He attracts all. There isdocumented evidence to support many of theseoccurrences in the form of eyewitness reportsand objects left by divine beings when they

came. These events are also documented inancient epics, palm-leaf scripts, and in textswritten by scholars and sages of the past. Someare as follows :

1) Manima Daka Sloka from NiladriMahodaya"Rajadhi Rajarajeshwar

Ishwara Thakur, Manima !Anantakoti Brahmanda

Ishwara Thakur, Manima !Chaturdasha Bhubana

Ishwara Thakur, Manima !

In the daily rituals of the temple this slokais recited at the time when Lord Jagannathretires to bed. The meaning is this :"Oh Lord Jagannath !You are king of kings !You are master of many universes !You are the controller of all creations !"

The khuntia worshipper who recites thissloka then scatters flower petals up into the airto welcome all the divine beings who havecome that evening to observe this ritual.

2) Kadachit Kalindi sloka by SaintAdishankar in his Sanskrit verses "JagannathAstaka""Rama, Samvu, Brahma, SurapatiGanesharchhit PadamJagannatha Swami, Nayana Pathagami, Bhavatume "

The meaning is :

Even Gods like Rama, Shambhu (Siva),Brahma the creator, Surapati, the king of Gods,Ganesh, the god of wisdom, who all belong toDevaloka, worship Lord Jagannath at Puri.

3) "Jatta Chhaya LokamatraTribhubana Janata BadhateNa Tritap"



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This means that the inhabitants of allLokas, or spheres are under the protection ofLord Jagannath. This sloka is taken fromBrahma Geeta (writer not known)

4) From Kapila Samhita

"Sarba Rahasya PurusottamasyaDeva Na Janati Kuta Manusya."

The meaning is that the mystery of LordJagannath cannot be known by the Devas, sowhat to speak of man !

5) From Skanda Purana

"Byomatit Byomarupa PrakasaByomakar Byapino Byomarudha."

The glory of Lord Jagannath is describedhere. He can take on any shape. He is aslimitless as the sky itself. He is even beyondthat.

The whole cosmos of life is divided intomany spheres or Lokas. These are describedin the palmleaf scripts Lokabimarsa,Lokatattwa and Lokamimansa. As life evolvesfrom lower to higher forms, consciousnessbecomes more individualised and expansive.The main Lokas are 21 in number. They are asfollows :

The Underworld Lokas :

1) Patala, 2) Talatal, 3) Rasatala, 4) Bitala,5) Mahatala, 6) Atala, 7) Bhutala

The Earth Lokas :

8) Loka, this earth, 9) Pitruloka, 10) Matruloka11) Pretaloka, 12) Bhutaloka, 13) Jakshaloka,14) Swargaloka,

The Higher Lokas

15) Divyaloka, 16) Kinnara Loka,17) Gandharvaloka, 18) Devaloka,19) Suraloka, 20) Vishwaloka, 21) Goloka

Paranormal events occur on earth whenbeings from these other regions are present.According to the Loka they come from, theyappear in different ways.

1. Patala Loka

This is a sphere of the underworld whichsupports life on earth. It is said Vasuki, thesnake who holds the world in proper balance,lives in Patala Loka. He comes to JagannathTemple only during special darshan times. Ifhe is present, there will be a loud rustle in thecrowd.

2. Talatala Loka

When inhabitants of this Loka come,there will be rays of light of various colourswhich can be seen by the naked eye. Thesebeings come in disguise of blind, lame, one-eyed, or other deformed persons. They carryflowers in their palms to offer to the deities, inthe crowd this can be seen easily.

3. Rasatala Loka

If a strong wind passes through thecrowd and a hot place becomes cool suddenly,beings from this Loka have come. They oftencome also as children and sing loudly duringKirtan, even though they know nothing aboutall these things. They smile in the crowd afterseeing the deities.

4. Bitala Loka

Beings from Bitala Loka come as birdsalthough not as vultures, who signify bad daysahead when they are seen.

5. Mahatala Loka

Beings from this sphere come as animalssuch as cats, monkeys and dogs. As dogs cannot enter the temple, if one is spotted inside, itis said to have come from this Loka. If this


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happens, it is felt that the food that day wascooked in an impure way. All offerings mustbe stopped and the food to be prepared again.This dog is called Kutama Chandi. He alwaysdisappears mysteriously.6. Atala Loka

Sages and saints with long beards whoare deep in meditation often come from thissphere. They even walk into the temple withhalf-closed eyes. Only when looking at LordJagannath Himself do their eyes open fully.7. Bhutala Loka

Those who sweep the temple floors,make garlands for the deities, prepare the wicksand lamps, make the earthen pots for thekitchen, and fetch the water are often from thisregion. Their duties are not hereditary, but aredone purely for spiritual pleasure.8. Loka, this Earth

Ordinary people from all parts of thisvisible world come to Jagannath Temple witha vast variety of wishes, both worldly andspiritual. The word Loka means people. Beforebirth all came from other Lokas, according toprevious habits and activities. They wish to goto higher Lokas, by dint of their human birth.Inside the temple they come under the influenceof beings from these other spheres, who arealso present there, whether they are aware ofthem or not. Actually, the very purpose ofhuman birth is to pass through all the Lokasby degree. It is also told in ancient scripturesof India that the gift of human birth is thegreatest boon God gives. In no other Loka cana being progress spiritually. That is why devasand demonic spirits both long to return to earth.9. Pitru Loka

These beings are the ancestors from thefather's side of one's family. They come to the

temple of Lord Jagannath at dawn when thereis less rush. If one finds a man having a similarface to one's father, he is from Pitruloka. Ifone feels attracted to some unknown person,he is certainly related and has come down fromthis Loka. Inhabitants of Pitruloka come to theearth as human beings.

10. Matru Loka

These beings give the same signs of theirpresence here, but they are from the mother'sside of one's family.

11. Preta Loka

Those who commit suicide come to thisLoka after death. This is the region of badspirits and beings of evil demonic nature. Theycome inside the temple, but only to the outerportions, not into the inner altar of the deities.They criticise, joke, and make noise or otherdisturbances in spiritual gatherings there. Theircoming is signaled by a bad smell, like that ofa dead body.

12. Bhuta Loka

This Loka is similar to Pretaloka, onlyhaving the confused inhabitants who have takentheir lives by consuming poison.

13. Jaksha Loka

People in a crowd wearing gorgeousdresses are often Jakshas in disguise. Theyhave come to this earth for worldly comfortsand bad motives, such as how to collect moneyfrom those present in the crowd. They weargold ornaments and precious gems to impressothers.

14. Swarga Loka

Swarga means Heaven. Beings from thissphere have this sign. In darkness suddenlythere will be light. Many people present may



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experience a divine feeling without any visiblereason at all. Not flowers but petals only willbe found scattered on the floor afterwards.15. Divya Loka

When divine beings of this Loka come,auras of different colours will fill theatmosphere. Even in darkness, these can beseen slightly. Some of the temple lamps(Dipas) may be mysteriously extinguished atthat time. Beings from Divya Loka do not comein form, but only as light and auras. There areother signs, but mortal man can not haveconcrete experiences of them.16. Kinnara Loka

When Kinnaras come to the temple, theycome as dancing girls. They may be seenvisibly if one's third eye is open. They are eightin number, the Asta Sakhis : Rambha, Urbasi,Menaka, Tilottama, Manjujosi, Rochika,Mochika and Sundaree.

They come as Devadasis also, only todance before Lord Jagannath before He goesto bed. They are decorated in flowers only, noornaments.17. Gandharva Loka

During devotional singing these beingsare always present, both inside and outside thetemple. They sing in chorus spiritual songsknown as Bhajans, meant only for the deities.If an ordinary person's singing is especiallysweet one night, or soft sweet music is heardin the midst of silence, a Gandharva is present.According to Nada Shastra, there are ten typesof divine sounds that may be heard inwardly,the two highest being the sound of the fluteand OM.18. Deva Loka

Many gods come to Jagannath Templeto pray every night, such as Indra, God of Rain,

Baruna, God of the Ocean, Vayu, God of Wind,Laxmi, Goddess of Wealth, Saraswat i,Goddess of Wisdom.

The sign of their presence is completetranquility and peace in the midst of a hugecrowd. It would appear as if nobody at all wasthere. After they go, flowers of differentvarieties are usually found scattered on thefloor of the temple.

19. Sura Loka

Sura means strength, especially thedivine strength of mother. Beings from thisLoka come to the temple during darshan time,known as Sahana Mela. They come in a bigrush so that the crowd is forcibly pushed asidefor them to precede to the deities without anydifficulty.

20. Vishwa Loka

Those who come from Vishwa Lokathink that Lord Jagannath is just like a humanbeing. The worshippers of the temple who arein charge of decorating the deities with flowers,sandal and beautiful dresses and take greatpleasure in doing such spiritual things are oftenfrom Vishwa Loka. They seem to be worldly,with homes and family life like ordinary peoplebut they are born to serve Brahma, theSupreme.

21. Goloka

From Goloka come Sri Krishna himselfand the gopis. Even though there might be abig rush inside the temple, everybody will lovethe gathering. All present will feel attractedtowards something unseen and smell soothingfragrances all around. In the crowd there willbe more ladies than men. Most significant ofall, all will hear a mysterious sweet laughterin the air.


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There are other spheres of Lokas also,such as :1. Shiva Loka - the abode of Shiva

2. Vishnu Loka - the abode of Vishnu

3. Brahma Loka - the abode of Brahma

4. Asura Loka - the abode of demons

5. Yama Loka - the abode of Yama, theking of death

6. Naga Loka - the abode of snakes

7. Graha Loka - the abode of planets

A. From Shiva Loka : Shiva comes onSnana Purnima day to see the BathingCeremony of Lord Jagannath. He comesin disguise of a sage with trisula.

B. Lord Vishnu comes to see Dola Festival,or Colour Day held in the temple duringHoli celebrations in the beginning ofSpring. He comes as any other devoteebut he would have with him big garlands,to be offered to Lord Jagannath.

C. Brahma comes during Chandan Yatra,or Spring Festival. He stays for twenty-one days. He can be identified with onewho recites Vedas in front of the deities.

D. From Asura Loka : Asuras, or beings ofdemonic physical instincts come at thetime of rice offering, especially at thetime of mid-day Bhoga.

E. Yama; the King of Death: Someone fromhis Loka comes when a dead body isfound in the premises of the temple.

On Rath Yatra day every year, not onlydo people come from all over the world, butalso beings from all Lokas and planets. LordJagannath's chariot, known as Nandighosha, isguarded by the following devas :

1. the Flag by Hanuman from MahatalaLoka.

2. the Chariot itself by a being from BitalaLoka.

3. the Rope by Vasuki from Patala Loka.

4. the Wheels by Mother Vimala from SaktiLoka.

5. the Entrance by Gatekeepers Jaya andVijaya from Divya Loka.

6. the devas sorrounding the Chariot being.

Ram, Laxman, Krishna, Nrusingha,Narayan, Chintamani, Yoga Maya andKubera, all from Devaloka.

7. The sages all around the chariot being.

Narada, Vyasa, Suka, Parasar, Rudra,Vashista and Viswamitra, all fromPitruloka.

The chariots of Balabhadra and Subhadraare guarded by many divine beings also.

Aesthetic Experiences

Some of the most mysterious phenomenareported from time to time by the people ofPuri, especially the worshippers (Sevakas) ofJagannath Temple, are as follows :

1. Not only do people from all over theworld come to see Lord Jagannath, but so dogods and goddesses. It is believed that thesedevas are most fond of seeing the last ceremonyof the day known as Pahuda, in whichJagannath retires to bed. This occurs some timeafter midnight. Three beautiful beds made ofivory and decorated with the sweetest-smellingflowers, especially white jasmine, are broughtbefore the deities. Flowers are scattered all overthe beds to the sound of devotional music, andthree miniature golden forms representing



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Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are laiddown on the beds to sleep. Then arati-theoffering of a lamp is done, the flowers arescattered all around overhead to be collectedby the gods and goddesses as a token of LordJagannath's blessing. So it is also the duty ofall the gods and goddesses to be present at thetime of this ceremony every night.

One day goddess Charchika of thedistant village of Banki arrived late to thefunction. She was excused by Jagannath, whoexcuses all mistakes, but Balabhadra did notexcuse her. "Mother, do you think that therituals of this temple should take placeaccording to your convenience ? You havebecome too proud these last few days. Get out!You cannot come to see the Pahuda Ceremonyany more."

Charchika was not prepared to take thisinsult from Balabhadra and in anger she replied."I am not the proud one. You are the one whois ostentacious, being gorgeously dressed,bedecked with royal robes, golden ornaments,and sweet-smelling flowers. I have eight hands,but you with no hands think you are doingeverything. Who is the proud one ? You pleaselet me enter so that I may meet my Lord. Whyare you ostracizing me for such a little offence ?

After that Balabhadra became evenangrier and lost his temper. "Your misbehaviourto Bitarachha Mohapatra, the chief priest is ofgrave concern. I am ordered by him to preventyou from entering the temple any more. Howcan you do and protect your area Banki, evenwith your eight hands with weapons, if youhave no discipline ?" Charchika replied, "Oh,then please go and ask him to forgive me ! Iwill not have nay peace if I am deprived of theLord's vision. I will be happy again only whenI am redeemed. " Charchika was left standingthere at the bottom of Baishipabachha, the

twenty-two steps leading to the temple. Thewhole night was passing and her heart becomesvery agitated. It was almost morning. Thesevakas were coming fout rom the temple.Devas from all corners of the world had comethat night, as was the custom every night toconsult with Jagannath, the Lord of theUniverse. Now they were going out to executehis will. Only Charchika was left standing atthe gate. If a deva neglects his duty, he maycause harm to others and must be replaced.The sin of too much pride is almostirremediable. Just as Charchika wasremembering this, Balabhadra came back withthe sad news not to allow her inside.Balabhadra delivered the message of LordJagannath. "A proud deva should not beadmitted. If you wish to redeem yourself,render service in the home of BitarachhaMahapatra, the head priest to whose functionyou came late, and not to me. BitarachhaMahapatra alone can exonerate you, if he sodesires and is pleased with your service."

Balabhadra explained, "By the practiceof virtuous deeds an ordinary man ascendsupwards and may eventually attain the statusof a demigod. Such a good soul may beregarded as equal to god himself, but onlybecause of his goodness, not his high position.Do you know this, Mother ?" Charchikareplied, "Yes, I have done wrong. I myself willtake on the task of serving this man BitarachhaMahapatra, even though I am a goddess of thehighest order.

It is the right punishment for a degradedgoddess. I will be serving a man who is himselfa servant of Lord Jagannath. Let me leave thisplace before others come out."

Disguising herself as a young widow ina white saree, Charchika left the temple for


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the house of Bitarachha Mahapatra. As sheapproached, she saw the old man sitting onthe front steps. So she quickly covered her facewith a sari piece and respectfully stood at somedistance. The old man looked up and thought,"who is this lady ? I can see only half of herface, but she looks so young and radiant! I havenever seen her in this area before. "Thinkinglike this, he called to her. "Mother, have youcome to our house or are you looking forsomeone in this neighbourhood." The softmotherly appearance of Charchika madeBitarachha Mohapatra regard her as a mother.

Charchika pleaded, "I pray that youaccept me in your house as a servant, as I haveno other means of survival, father. As I lay flaton the ground before Lord Jagannath, hehimself ordered me to serve here in yourhouse."

The old man was astonished and withtears in his eyes, he answered." This is yourown home, you are so like my own mother. Ason can never be reluctant to provide shelter tohis mother." Thus Charchika become the maid-servant of the head priest BitarachhaMahapatra. Gradually she became accustomedto the household affairs of the family and tookfull charge of the puja room herself, cleaningthe brass puja articles, changing the dress ofthe deities daily and lighting the lamps. Soperfectly did she act out the role of motherthat Bitarachha Mohapatra hardly thought ofhis own mother, who had just recently died.Time passed. Bitarachha's wife was old andailing and so she was very pleased withCharchika's help and good manners.Sometimes people wondered about Charchika,"who is she ? Where did she come from ?"Sometimes Charchika would be overcome withfeeling when there was talk of Lord Jagannath,what was the reason for this ?

They would ask her, "Why did not yougo to the temple and have darshan of LordJagannath ?" When so many people come fromdistant places to see Him, you are living nearbyand do not go ? "Charchika said sadly," It is amatter of luck, sometimes one is not destinedto meet him. I will visit the Lord whenever heshowers his mercy on me."

One day a huge storm hit Puri with heavyrain. The whole town was enveloped indarkness. Bitarachha Mahapatra struggled tofind his way home and finally reached the door,knocking loudly. Charchika respondedanxiously. "Oh, what a treacherous night to beout! When it fell dark I lit a candle and satwaiting, expecting you at any moment. Thatcandle has just now gone out."

The head priest had come from thetemple and was completely rain drenched. Hehanded over the Mahaprasad to Charchika andwent to change his dress. But there were nomatches to light the candle in his room. Neitherdid he bring a candle from the temple, as itwas raining too heavily.

With surprise he asked "How did youlight that candle, when there were no matchesand all the neighbours had already gone tobed ? Can you light another one ?" Charchikareplied, "Yes there is a way. Allow me to lightthe room." She immediately assumed heroriginal form. She stretched one of her handsto the top of the temple where a lamp wasburning and with it she lit the priest's candle.

On seeing this divine vision, Mahapatraalmost felt senseless. He could not believe hiseyes. How could this maid servant assume sucha divine miraculous form ? And so vast andglorious it was. The whole town of Puri couldbe accommodated within the space betweenher feet. A deep sense of awe and wonder



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overcame him. Charchika came back to hernormal form in a moment's time, and the roomwas lighted. Mahapatra felt as if his eyes hadbetrayed him and he was going mad.

"Do not worry, father," Charchika said.Bitarachha Mahapatra told her, pleading, "OhMother! Please reveal your real identity. I willnot leave your feet until you do so." Such raredisplay of God's divine grace thrilled the priestthrough and through. His body became numb.So Charchika disclosed everything to him,especially the reasons why she was cast out ofthe temple.

Mahapatra exclaimed, "Oh Mother,please go back to your original abode. I willobtain due permission from the Lord for yourreinstatement." With such assurance ofMahapatra, Charchika disappeared fromBitarachha's house. It was after midnight andthe rain had stopped. It was as if everythinghad occurred in accordance with God's plan.

Charchika once again approached themain gate of the temple and Balabhadra offeredher a welcome smile. Because of this,Charchika realised that one can not retain evenhis position as a demigod if he does not fulfillhis assigned duties and commitments for theupliftment of the world, for these are the dutiesof the demigods. Lord Jagannath ordered, "Iam now very happy with you. I will assignyou an additional responsibility, that of caringfor my own car during Ratha Yatra, the greatFestival of Chariots. Even though the regularSevakas are there to look after Nandighosa,you will be its deva."

Charchika was silent and only noddedher head affectionately, then left. It was alreadymorning and Bitarachha Mahapatra appearedbefore the deities to offer his regular service.This event occurred in the year 1368. BeforeGoddess Charchika left the house of the head

priest, Bitarachha Mahapatra, she asked himwhat he wanted. He answered that he had nodemand for any worldly things, but onlywanted to see her again. She said, "Go to yourpuja room," and then vanished. He went thereand saw emerging from the floor a framedstone image of the devi herself .

Even today, some six centuries later, thisholy image is there and puja is still being doneto it daily by the descendants of BitarachhaMohapatra, the head priest of JagannathTemple.

2. By head priest Pattajoshi Mahapatra,in the year 1810.

Vibhisana was one of the brothers of thedemon king Ravana in Lanka during TretayaYuga. Yet he took shelter at the feet of LordRama. After the death of Ravana, he was madeking of Lanka. He always felt that Rama wasthe Supreme Lord, and it is believed by thepeople of Puri that he comes every day to LordJagannath, feeling that He is Sri Rama Himself.Like all the devas, Vibhisana comes to see andenjoy the last ritual at midnight, known asPahuda Arati.

It was in the year 1810, when there wasno electricity and the town was dark at night.When returning home through the horse gateof the temple, head priest Pattajoshi Mahapatrafelt somebody walking beside him. The personwas not visible owing to the darkness, but hewas so huge, it seemed his head was touchingthe sky. Pattajoshi Mahapatra was totallyoverwhelmed. Out of fear, he questioned,"Who are you, Sir ?" The answer was, "I amVibhisana from outer space. I come here dailyto see the last ritual of Lord Jagannath."

Still the head priest doubted him. Heasked again, "Please give me some proof that


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you are from the outer space !" So Vibhisanagave him the huge golden armlet he waswearing and vanished. Even now, almost 200years later, this ornament given by Vibhisanaof Devaloka is worshipped in the residence ofPattajoshi Mahapatra's family. It may be seenand verified. The ornament is the size of awheel of a bullock cart. It could never havebeen used by a human being.

3. By a Mekap worshipper in the temple,in the year 1890.

The Mekap worshipper in JagannathTemple is in charge of the deities' dresses andthe store room known as Ratna Bhandar. Insidethis sealed room are kept costly pearls,diamonds, emeralds, golden necklaces andmany other precious ornaments used todecorate the deities during Suna Vesha orGolden Decoration. The deity in charge of thisstore room is Loknath, who is a form of LordShiva Himself. It is told that anyone who isgreedy and tries to steal any ornaments fromhere will one day suffer from leprosy andeverybody in his family will also die.

This actually happened once, in 1890.One Biswanath Mekap stole from the storeroom some ornaments, thinking nothing wouldhappen. In his dream that night, two cobrasentered his bedroom and he was bitten. Hiswife heard someone saying in a loud voice, "We have been sent from Nagaloka by LokanathShiva to punish him."

Biswanath Mekap died of snake bite andall his family members died prematurely andhe was left heirless.

4. By Padmanav Khuntia, a worshipper ofJagannath Temple, in the year 1902.

Padmanav Khuntia was a very humblesincere worshipper of Lord Jagannath. He used

to return to his house at 2 A.M. after attendingthe last Pahuda Ceremony of the temple. It washis daily habit to bring from the temple usedflowers and garlands. These he would lateroffer to local deit ies such as MothersDakshinakali, Shyamakali and Baseli. On hisway home, he would throw petal to the smallertemples as he passed by.

However, one night he forgot to offerany to Shani Temple, the temple of planetSaturn. Suddenly he felt someone followinghim in the darkness. Dogs also barked andsensing the presence of some being Khuntialooked back. He saw only the head of someone,but not clearly visible. As if in a humble way,the voice requested, "Just a leaf of the garlandused by Him, I am Shani ! (the god of planetSaturn).

He vanished at high speed when only aleaf from the garland was presented to him.Khuntia stood dead still and speechless. Lateron when he told his friends of this event, theysaid, "Khuntia, you are saved ! He would havecaused you many difficulties had he not beenobliged. He is the planet Shani, who comes toLord Jagannath, but usually in the disguise ofa lame man or a one-eyed person or someonewith a deformed body. You were lucky to meethim, but still we hope you will not meet himagain !"5. By a decoit (thief) from Bihar State, inthe year 1910.

A thief from the state of Bihar wanted tosteal the costly Chitta, which Lord Jagannathwears everyday over his third eye. The presentvalue of this rare gold ornament studded withpriceless gems would be millions of rupees.This thief was known as Bihari Daku. He wentto the temple daily to learn every detail aboutthe timings of the rituals, as the deities wereguarded closely. Finally he came to know that



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after Pahuda, the last ritual of the day, nobodyis allowed inside the temple. So he made aplan. Wearing a black cloth, he hide himselfinside the temple one night, just behind thesealed doors of the inner sanctum. He was withthe divine trinity, but with evil motive. Afterall left, he stealthily climbed the altar whereLord Jagannath is worshipped. When he wasabout to take off the divine Chitta from theforehead of Lord Jagannath, he felt as if bittenby a thousand snakes !

The next morning worshippers and manyother pilgrims saw Bihari Daku lying dead onthe temple floor, surrounded by five cobras,who were also dead. The most aged worshipperpresent there said, "From Patala or Naga Lokadevas come up as snakes to guard the deitieswhile asleep.6. By Hazuri Balabhadra, grand son of thegreat hero and worshipper of LordJagannath, Chakhi Khuntia, in the year1940.

"I was standing on the roof of my housewhere the temple is more visible," reportsHazuri Balabhadra. It was 5 A.M. I haveforgotten the date, but the month was July. Isaw strange rays of light coming from theChakra on top of the temple, like a clear lineof brilliant light leaving the temple at highspeed. This lasted for more than 10 minutes.

Out of great curiousity, I asked myfather, He replied, 'You are very lucky. Onlyyou saw the vehicle of some other devascoming to Lord Jagannath.' "I am thrilled evennow when I tell you this !" This story was toldto the father of this writer in the year 1940.7. By Jayaram Singhari, a worshipper ofJagannath Temple, in the year 1963.

Jayaram Singhari was considered one ofthe most learned men in the society of

worshippers in the present day. He did not haveany educational degrees or diplomas but hehad profound knowledge of the ancient epicsof India. Many people coming from differentparts of India revered him as their spiritualguide. He only ate Mahaprasad, the rice mealoffered to Lord Jagannath. One day for somereason his sons did not bring it from the temple.Even though he had not taken any food all day,he never revealed his hunger. Only his wifeknew. As she looked sad, Singhari consoledher, "He will give, He will send !" But atmidnight who would give ? All slept, his wifealso.

After sometime there was a soft knockat the door. On opening the door, the old manfound a banana leaf in which there were seventypes of temple cakes ! Nobody was there. Thenext morning when he narrated this happening,nobody believed him. All day long this miracleof Lord Jagannath was very much in mind. Thenext night a voice told Singhari in a dream,"Did you eat everything that was given ?"

8. By Harihar Guru, who was one of thegreatest worshippers of Jagannath Temple.He was called Prakruta Panda, a realworshipper; for the help he rendered to all.This event occured in 1969.

Harihar Guru lived in recent times buthe was one of the most honest, simple andsincere worshipper ever to serve LordJagannath. In spite of his limited income, itwas his habit to help poor people. In fact, hebecame poor himself, helping others.

He used to come daily to the temple at4 A.M. by the west gate, known asByaghradwar or "Tiger's Gate". One morninghe saw three beautiful ladies also going throughthe same gate. They had a divine fragrancearound them and were nicely dressed,


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decorated with flowers but no ornaments. Theirfaces were veiled. It was raining heavily at thatmoment, but Guru could not see them wet, eventhough he was completely drenched andshivering from the cold. The three ladiesseemed to be going inside as if there were nodownpour. Their saris were dry and there wasno sign of their foot prints on the earth.

Seeing all of this, Guru approached themto ask who they were. They simply vanished !Only the sound of soft laughter was heard.When he narrated this episode to his friends,he was told that the ladies were divine beingsfrom Kinnara Loka.

9. By Krishna Chandra Ray; an Oriya manfrom Khurda District, in the year 1969.

Koili Vaikuntha is the place where olddeities are buried during Nabakalebara Yatra,or the great festival of Metamorphosis in whichthe deities are changed and new ones made.This occurs only after a gap of atleast twelveyears. Dayitapatis, who are considered to bethe kith and kins of Lord Jagannath, carry theold deities out, just like dead bodies. Nobodyexcept them can see this procession. It is saidthat if anyone else sees this event, he will dieimmediately.

Krishna Chandra Ray from Khurdadistrict considered this to be an act of blindbelief, a silly superstition. So on this specialday he hide himself inside the temple atmidnight. When the Dayitas carried the olddeities to Koili Vaikuntha, he saw it all fromthe branch of a tree. The Dayitas returned afterburying the deities. The whole atmosphere wasdark and frightening. Ray heard the sobbingof ladies. He saw rays of different colours, butnobody was there. It had been told that beingsof other Lokas come in the most sorrowful

mood. As the master of the universe leavesHis body, all cry, out of deep sadness.

In the early morning hours of the nextday, people found the dead body of Ray. Thishappened in the year 1969. The notes he hadwritten of what he had seen was found besidethe body.

10. By worshipper Harihar Khuntia, thefather of the writer, in the year 1970.

Harihar Khuntia lived to the robust oldage of 97. He was the spiritual teacher ofpilgrims coming from Calcutta (Kolkata).When at Puri he would spent most of his timeinside the temple, sometimes sixteen hours aday. When in Calcutta, he would spend mostof his time discussing how Lord Jagannath isworshipped by all, even by the gods andgoddesses. He was answering to all theirquerries. One day there was a very scepticalman sitting next to him. He putting all sort ofodd questions to him.

One doubtful man from Bolpurquestioned him, 'Is our Kali of Kalighat LordJagannath ?' The reply was spontaneous, "Youtake these flowers I have taken from LordJagannath and give it to the goddess Kali ! Youwill see Him in Her. Actually it was done andthe next morning he came running andshouting, "I have seen Him, I have seen Him !"

11. By worshipperJairam Singhari, in theyear 1972.

After Pahuda, the last ceremony of theday, no one is allowed to be inside the temple.Many divine beings come to attend the Lordat this hour. In the year 1972, Jairam Singhari,a worshipper, who was decorating the deitydaily, narrated about this occurrence. He sawtwo ladies mysteriously entering the west gateof the temple after the doors were sealed in



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the night. They were quietly talking to eachother. From their talk, Singhari overheard thatthe name of one was Manjujosha. Later he readin a reference book called Amar Kosha thatshe is one of the eight dancing girls of KinnaraLoka, a space beyond this earth.

12. By worshipper Laxman Mudali in theyear 1985.

On the alter of Ratna Singhasana of thetemple, seven gods and goddesses areworshipped. They all come from spheresbeyond this world.Name of Deities Sphere Belonging To

1. Lord Jagannath Vishnu Loka or Golaka, theabode of Srikrishna.

2. Lord Balabhadra Shiva Loka, where Lord Shivaresides.

3. Lord Sudarshan Swarga Loka or Heaven, theabodes of divine beings.

4. Lord Neela Kinnara Loka, or abode of Madhava divine dancers. According to the

palm leaf script, IndiraNilamani Tattwa, NeelaMadhava is a dancing deity.

5. Goddess Subhadra Sura Loka-All Suras derivestrength from Divine Mother.

6. Goddess Lakshmi Deva Loka -the abode of divinebeings with only divinequalities.

7. Goddess Saraswati Bhu Loka, or the Earth. (Or Bhudevi) One of the names of Saraswati

is Bhudevi, as she is made ofclay for Saraswati Puja everyyear.

The worshippers known as Puja Pandasperform puja to them daily. These are PujaPandas, one for Lord Balabhadra, one forGoddess Subhadra, and one for Lord Jagannathand the other four deities. If there is any mistakein the recitation of slokas or in the text, the

worshipper will be reprimanded by the deitiesthemselves. Some sign of disapproval or somebad things must happen. The priests who arethe direct worshippers of the deities do not feelthat the images are lifeless wood. Rather theyare much more vibrant with life force than man,as they (the deities) do not belong to this world,but other higher spheres where energy isstronger.

Once a worshipper forgot to do puja toNeela Madhava when he was serving the fivedeities. When he returned home, he came toknow that his wife has gone mad. She wasfound repeat ing only the name "NeelaMadhava, Neela Madhava," over and overagain. After three days the worshipper realisedthe fault he had committed. As ordered in adream, he held a yagna or holy fire ceremony.Only after that was performed his wife wascured of madness. As soon as she regained hersenses, she asked, "Did you forget NeelaMadhava on that day I went mad ?13. By Ganesh Mishra, in his book "SanthaMala", about a happening in the 18thcentury.

There was a very poor Brahmin whosehabit was to recite the Bhagavat Geeta to thepeople who would be interested to listen to it.His wife was very much annoyed as she waswithout meals often. The husband would say,"I have Lord Jagannath to help" But where isHe ? One day she was totally upset. Herhusband was away teaching the essence ofGeeta to the people. In fact his wife was dyingof hunger.

She saw a black man carrying rice,vegetables and milk shouting, "Where is GeetaPanda's house ?" The wife, as her name wasGeeta Panda, came out trembling. The youngman told her, "Kindly accept all these offeredby one of your friends."


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"No please stay a little longer, you caneat. My husband will be coming now." "No, Ihave many works, I can not stay."

When the brahmin was told about allthese by his wife, he became almost senseless.With weak voice, he said "You, poor lady, yousaw Him, you are so lucky' Oh LordJagannath !"

14. By Ganesh Mishra, in his book "SanthaMala", about a happening on July 7- 1902.

Dasia Bauri from Dandamukundapur, inthe district of Puri, Orissa took a coconut tobe offered to Lord Jagannath through the priestsof the temple. But they out of mockery did notaccept the fruit. Dasia was extremely sad,cursing the heritage of the worshippers.

Out of pure devotion he stretched hishands and prayed,"Oh Lord, kindly accept thiscoconut". He was standing outside at the Lion'sGate of the temple. People saw two handsemerge from within the temple to take thecoconut from Dasia. It was He who blessedDasia in the presence of many.

15. Recorded in Madala Panji, the templerecord book in 1818.

This is another true story of a devoteenamed Bandhu Mohanty of Jajpur to prove howLord Jagannath descends from His throne tohelp His devotees.

Bandhu Mohanty was very poor and assuch he had no support to maintain his family,consisting of his wife and two sons. His wifeasked him out of agony one day that why hewas not going to his rich friend of whom hewas so proud. The friend about whom BandhuMohanty mentioned was Lord Jagannath, buthis wife did not realise the essence of what herhusband was saying all the time. So his wife

compelled him to go to the house of the friendwhosoever he was. He under took his journeyto Puri. It was night already. Their two littlesons were crying for food. They came just nearthe temple. Bandhu Mohanty consoled his wifesaying. "My friend's palace is too big. He isvery rich but it is not right to enter his housenow as it is night. We will go tomorrow."

All slept, being weak, hungry, tired andsad. But his wife did not sleep.

Suddenly, on a golden tray many kindsof food were brought by a robust man whosecolour was very black. He left the place veryquickly. She fed her sons and when BandhuMohanty was awake from his sleep, he wasthunder-struck, hearing everything from hiswife.

But the golden plate was missing fromthe temple and found with them. This made agreat noise in the small town. The policearrested all the family members and they wereproduced in the court before the king for severepunishment the next day.

The king dreamt that very night of LordJagannath. As if giving order, the Lord said tohim, "Oh King ! When guests come to you, doyou not entertain them ? So release BandhuMohanty at once; he is my devotee." It wasdone, and he was given service as a cook inthe temple.

Even now, descendents of BandhuMohanty are the main cooks in the kitchen ofthe temple and they daily offer food to LordJagannath on a golden Tray.

16. By Godavari Pujapanda on April 2,1890.

A Puja Panda worshipper is one whodoes puja and offers food to the deity. While



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doing so, in the course of offering, he holdwater in his palm. A priest cannot sanctify theoffering unless the deity is reflected in the waterwhich he holds.

Once it happened that no reflection wasseen for some unknown reason. This disturbedall. Nobody, not even the king knew why thedeities were angry. Was the Puja Pandainsincere ? Was the food not cooked withpurity ? Not knowing what to do theworshippers remained sitting on the altar whereLord Jagannath is seated. The king wasdetermined not to touch water until he couldknow the cause. He dreamt as if LordJagannath was telling him, 'Oh king, I was not

in the temple. I went to eat food prepared byVedamata with love and loyalty. How can therebe any reflection if I am away from mydevotee. Now I am in the temple, so offer thefood."

Immediately, the Puja Panda wasinformed about the dream of the king, andeverything went well again.

Somanath Khuntia lives at Manikarnika Sahi, HazariLane, Puri - 752001.


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