Centuries
of myths, legends and history have all mingled into a grand composite culture
centred round Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe, one of the most revered
deities of the Hindu pantheon. He is not only the Lord of the Hindus or Indians
but also the Lord of the suffering humanity, the deliverer and the redeemer of
the entire human civilisation in all ages and times. We find the earliest
references to Lord Jagannatha in the Puranas and ancient literature though the details
of His Origin and evolution are still shrouded in mystery. According to
legendary sources, Jagannatha was originally worshiped by a tribal Shabar Biswabasu in the form of Neelamadhab. The most important evidence of this
belief is the existence of a class of Sevakas known as Daitapatis who are considered
to be the tribal lineage and who still pay a dominant role in the various
services to Lord Jagannatha in His temple. The Cult of Jagannatha is not a sectarian
religion, but a cosmopolitan and eclectic philosophy. In course of time, the
cult of Jagannatha took an Aryanised from and various major faiths like
Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, Jainism and Buddhism have been assimilated into
this cult. Thus Jagannatha cult stands as an all-pervasive and all-inclusive philosophy
symbolising Unity in Diversity. In Jagannatha Temple, Jagannatha is worshipped as
Purusottama or Vishnu, Balabhadra is worshiped as Siva and Devi Subhadra is worshiped in the form of Adyashakti Durga. Finally, the fourth one Sudarsana Chakra symbolizing
the wheel of Sun’s chariot attracts the Sauras to the Centre.
Some
scholars like Pandit Nilakantha Das are of the opinion that the three main images
of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra represent the Jain Trinity of Samyak Jnana.
Samyak Charitra and Samyak Drusti.
While
others believe that three images represent the Buddhist Triad of Buddha, Dharma
and Sangha. It is also believed that the soul of Jagannatha most secretly
hidden within the image of Lord Jagannatha, is nothing but the Tooth Relic of
Lord Buddha. The philosophy of Tantra which in course of time became an
integral part of Buddhism has also significantly influenced the rites and
rituals of the Jagannatha temple. ³This one temple in its premises arranges a
wonderful meeting of different combinations with one goal of life which can be
attained by one way, unchanged for all times to come´. Whatever may be the origin
of this cult, it has been admitted both by the scholars as well as persons
belonging to different religious traditions and faiths that this culture is the
centre around which in course of time divergent currents and cross currents have
revolved.
The
philosophy of Lord Jagannatha thus defies all definitions and is yet comprehensive
enough to perceive Unity among beliefs of all sects and castes. Jagannath cult
symbolises humanism. The main aspects of humanism are deeply implanted in the
institution of Lord Jagannatha.
Jagannatha
is the God of His devotees. Salabeg, the Muslim poet, Dasia Bauri, the lowest
of the low, Balaram Das, the poor saint and Bandhu Mohanty, a wretched beggar
have got His blessings.
Historians
say that Kabir, the famous Bhakti-saint also visited Puri, There is a Kabir Math
in Puri. The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak visited Puri and established his
Math which is situated near the Swargadwar of Puri town. Besides Kabir and
Nanak saints like Sankar Dev of Assam also visited Jagannatha temple. It may be
pointed out that two great saints like Sankaracharya and Ramanuja had not only
visited Jagannatha temple but also established Sankaracharya Math and Emar Math
respectively.
Jagannatha’s
offering, popularly known as Mahaprasad bears testimony to a classless and
casteless society which is main aspect of humanism. It is through Mahaprasad that
friendship is established among all castes high and low, Brahmins and Chandals
can take Mahaprasada from the same plate without any hesitation. Prof. U.C.
Mohanty has rightly opined Mahaprasad relationship is considered the most
sacred and highest type of relationship, not only between man and man, but also
between tribes and clans, between village and village, a principle of fraternal
love, respect, reciprocity and co-operation.
Some
scholars have gone to the extent of saying that the three colours of the
deities (Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra) represent the three basic races
of the world namely, black, white and yellow. Hence, the Trinity of Puri
represents the mankind.
In
the daily rituals and various festivals of Lord Jagannatha, people from both
high and low castes participate on equal footing. It is to be borne in mind
that during ANAVASARA (a particular ritual in which Lord Jagannatha is supposed
to fall ill). It is Daitapatis (the descendants of the tribal Shavara Clan) and
not the Brahmins who perform the rituals of Lord Jagannatha. This bears
testimony to the human aspect of Lord Jagannatha.
The
humanization of Lord Jagannatha is manifested in His Car Festival which is popularly
known as Patitapaban Yatra. In this festival, people without distinction of
caste, colour and creed join together and pull the chariots with great
enthusiasm. Various rituals during the Ratha Yatra like the PAHANDI, CHHERAPAMHARA
by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, the stopping of the Lord’s chariot enroute at
his aunt's place to partake his favourite rice cake (Podapitha) and quarrel
between the Lord and Mahalaxmi when the Lord returns to the temple bear
testimony to the humanization of Lord Jagannath.
From
Cradle to Grave, Lord Jagannatha is the friend, philosopher and guide of Odias.
He holds a unique place not only in the history of Odisha but also in the lives
and culture of its people. On the auspicious occasion of marriage in the family
the householder will never forget to invite Lord Jagannath. He first of all
sends an invitation to the Lord Jagannatha believing that He (Lord) will bless
the young couple. Surendra Mohanty has rightly opined ´He may be Lord of
Universe, the highest Supreme Deity, the Purusottama, to the countless millions
of the Hindus living in India and outside, but his relationship with Odisha and
the Odias is almost overwhelming.
Jagannath
is the most democratic God. His philosophy bears a significant message to the
modern civilization which has been fragmented by all kinds of barriers on the grounds
of caste, colour, creed, religion and sex. However, Jagannath cult can tackle
these problems very nicely because Lord Himself stands as symbol of equality,
fraternity and progress of the entire human civilization.
Dr.
Siddhartha Kanungo
Courtesy
Orissa Review.
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon