Echoes of Antiquity: Exploring Shrikshetra and Lord Jagannath in the Puranas

 

The sacred land of Shrikshetra (Puri) and its divine deity, Lord Jagannath, have been venerated for centuries. While the exact origins and the construction of the first temple remain shrouded in some mystery, ancient scriptures and Puranas offer valuable insights into their profound history. Let’s embark on a journey through these sacred texts to understand the age-old significance of this holy site and its presiding deity.

 

Tracing Shrikshetra Through the Puranas

 

The precise date when Shrikshetra gained prominence or when the first temple of Lord Jagannath was built is not definitively established. However, references within ancient religious texts and Puranas suggest that both the sacred site and its deity are of great antiquity. It’s worth noting that determining the exact dates of many Puranas is challenging, as they often contain later interpolations. Here are some prominent Puranas and their approximate periods of composition:

 

Agni Purana: (700-900 CE)

 

Brahma Purana: (900-1500 CE)

 

Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda): (600-700 CE, with some stating 950-1400 CE)

 

Naradiya Purana: (600-700 CE)

 

Matsya Purana: (200-400 CE, with some saying 400-1250 CE)

 

Skanda Purana (Vaishnava Khanda): (800-900 CE, some state 800-1300 CE)

 

Kapila Purana/Kapila Samhita: (1300 CE)

 

Brahmanda Purana: (500-600 CE)

 

In addition to these Sanskrit Puranas, other scriptures such as the Tantra Yamala, Rudra Yamala, Kalika Purana, Bamadeva Samhita, Niladri Mahodaya, and Mahapurusha Vidya also contain descriptions of the sacred site and its deities.

 

Key References in the Puranas

 

Brahma Purana: The initial 69 chapters detail Purushottama Kshetra and other sacred sites, including Konark. The term ‘Gundicha’ is also mentioned. Some scholars believe that this Purana was written after the 13th century CE.

 

Padma Purana: The Uttara Khanda describes various pilgrimage sites, including Purushottama Kshetra, while the Patala Khanda mentions Lord Jagannath.

 

Naradiya Purana: Highlights the significance of Purushottama Kshetra. However, some scholars consider the Skanda Purana’s version to be more comprehensive.

 

Matsya Purana: References Puri’s importance among various pilgrimage sites and mentions, ” Gangayam Mangala nama Vimala Purushottame”.

 

Skanda Purana: The largest of the eighteen Puranas, the Vaishnava Khanda of the Skanda Purana details the significance of Purushottama Kshetra. Scholars estimate that this part was written around the 8th and 9th centuries.

 

Brahmanda Purana: Mentions Mahendra Parvata in Ganjam.

 

Other Scriptures and Texts

 

Valmiki Ramayana: While not mentioned directly, the Uttara Kanda advises Vibhishana to worship Lord Jagannath. However, some consider this section to be a later addition.

 

Vyasa’s Mahabharata: While it describes the Vaitarani River and Viraja Kshetra, it does not mention Shrikshetra. However, it does mention a sacred site and altar between the Vaitarani River and Mahendra Parvata. Some scholars think that this might be the present-day Shrikshetra.

 

Rigveda: Some scholars interpret the verse mentioning ‘daru’ (wood) as referencing Lord Jagannath. The verse: “Ado yaddaru plavate sindho pare apurusham, Tada rabhasva durhano tena gachcha parastaram” is interpreted by scholars in varied ways.

However, researchers like Dr. Gouranga Charan Nayak, Dr. Satyanarayan Rajguru, Dr. Umesh Patra, and others disagree with this interpretation. They point out that the Vedic verse relates to a different context and that taking the term ‘daru’ to mean the wooden form of Jagannath is not appropriate.

 

Jnanasiddhi (Buddhist Vajrayana Text): This text, authored by King Indrabhuti of Sambalaka (Sambalpur), mentions “Jagannatham” and some scholars suggest that it refers to Lord Jagannath of Shrikshetra. This text is of 7th/8th century CE. Some Buddhist and Jain scholars even view Jagannath as an equivalent to Buddha and Jina respectively.

 

Other Historical Texts: Anargha Raghava by Murari, Prabodha Chandrodaya by Krishnamishra, Bhaswati, Kritya Kalpataru, and the Brahma Yamala Tantra are also important historical sources related to the origin of the Lord.

 

Odia Literature: The 15th-century poet Sarala Das’s Mahabharata includes detailed descriptions of Lord Jagannath. Subsequent Panchasakha literature also celebrates the Lord’s glory.

 

Conclusion

 

The Puranas and other scriptures provide a rich tapestry of information about the antiquity of Shrikshetra and the venerated Lord Jagannath. These texts, while varying in their time of origin and content, collectively paint a picture of a sacred site that has been revered for centuries. They highlight that by the 7th-8th century CE, Shri Jagannath was already an established and celebrated deity.

 

Bringing the Tradition Home

 

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