The Sacred City: Exploring the Names and Significance of Puri and Lord Jagannath

Since time immemorial, Shrikhetra Puri has been the abode of Param Brahma (Supreme Being) Shri Jagannath. This holy city, considered to be one of the oldest pilgrimage sites on Earth, is not just a place, but a living testament to the divine. While the history of Lord Jagannath remains shrouded in mystery, the various names given to this sacred land and the Lord offer a glimpse into its timeless essence. Let us explore the etymology and spiritual significance behind the names “Puri,” “Shrikshetra,” and Lord Jagannath.

The Enigma of Shri Jagannath

The text emphasizes that the true essence of Lord Jagannath remains a mystery even to the gods. Ordinary mortals cannot grasp his divine nature fully, as his presence transcends human understanding. Shri Jagannath is described as a representation of the Virat Purusha (the cosmic being) as described in the Vedas. He is the embodiment of Upanishadic philosophy, making his true nature difficult to fully understand.

The Evolution of Puri’s Name

The city of Puri may have originally been called “Purushottama-Puri” or “Jagannath-Puri,” which over time, through the process of shortening, became “Puri.” Other names for this sacred site include:

• Shrikhetra

• Nilachala Khetra

• Nilachala Dhama

• Shankha Khetra

• Purushottama Khetra

• Purushottama Dhama

• Niladri

Interestingly, even in British administrative records, the word “Jagannath” was sometimes used instead of “Puri,” indicating the intertwined nature of the Lord and the city. This shows that both names are practically interchangeable.

The Meaning of ‘Puri’

The word Pur and Puri have a variety of meanings, including home, country, city, and body. It’s believed that the Atma (soul) resides in and fills all living beings, their “pura” or body. Since Purusha means soul, and Purushottama is Jagannath, then Puri is the place of the Supreme Lord. So it is said that the name, “Purushottama Puri” or “Puri” is derived from his name as “Purushottama”.

Linguistic and Historical Interpretations

Scholars and linguists offer diverse interpretations of the name “Puri.”

• Professor Panchanana Mohanty argues that Puri is a word of Mundari (an indigenous Indian language) origin. Odisha is home to many Mundari speaking tribes, including the Shabaras (from whom Jagannath is said to originate), suggesting a tribal origin to the name, as ‘Puri’ also connects with water bodies and oceans in different Mundari languages.

• Professor Gaganendra Nath Dash posits that “Puri” is a shortened version of “Purushottama Puri” or “Jagannath Puri.”

• A Connection to Bali: Ancient trade routes connected ancient Utkal (Odisha) with Bali in Indonesia. In Bali, temples are referred to as “Pura,” and temples were considered “prasada,” similar to the way the Shri Jagannath Temple is viewed. The temple at Bali, Purubaisakhi, is considered a prasada, as is the Jagannath Temple. This might be one of the sources of the name Puri.

• Use of Prasada: Even the poets of old, such as Upendra Bhanja, in his work Koti Brahmanda Sundari, called the Shri Mandir a Prasada. Jivadeva Acharya (16th Century) in his Sanskrit work, Utsahabati Rupak calls it a Prasada. An inscription by Chodagangadeva also calls the temple Prasada Purushottamasya.

The Ancient Roots of Shrikhetra

A 1916 archaeological report from Myanmar, mentions the name “Shrikhetra” for the ancient Pyu city of Prom. This evidence suggests that Utkal (Odisha) traders and colonists had spread their influence to that region by 200 BC. The name “Prom” may have been derived from “Puram” (city). All these factors point to the extreme antiquity and the interconnectedness of this divine place with ancient cultures.

The Eternal Presence

These various interpretations and the name changes highlight the way in which time and history shape the way we see these ancient and sacred places. And yet, the essence of Shri Jagannath continues to be felt across time and space.

Bringing the Essence of Shrikhetra Home

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Jai jagannath 😊🙏