Srimandir’s Deities: A Divine Tour

The Srimandir in Puri is more than just the home of Lord Jagannath; it is a divine city teeming with celestial beings. Every wall, courtyard, and ancient tree holds a story. While the Chaturdhamurti are the heart of the temple, the complex is a universe of gods and goddesses, each playing a vital role.

Join us on a virtual tour to meet some of the key deities you will encounter on a pilgrimage to this sacred Dham.

The Majestic Entrance: Simha Dwar

Your journey begins at the eastern Lion Gate, or Simha Dwar. Before you even enter, you are greeted by the magnificent Aruna Stambha, the single-stone pillar that once stood at the Konark Sun Temple. As you step inside, to your right is the merciful form of Patitapabana. This form of Jagannath was established for those who cannot enter the main temple, ensuring that the Lord’s grace is available to all. To your left stands Fate Mahavira, a powerful form of Hanuman protecting the temple’s entrance.

The Sacred Ascent: Baisipahacha

To reach the inner courtyard, one must climb the Baisipahacha, the twenty-two sacred steps. These steps are not mere stone; they are considered imbued with divine energy. Devotees often touch the steps with reverence, believing that the act purifies them of sins. It is a powerful transitional space from the material world to the spiritual sanctum.

The Inner Courtyard: A Universe of Faith

Once inside the inner enclosure (Kurma Bedha), you are surrounded by divinity. While there are countless shrines, a few hold special significance:

• Kalpabata: This ancient, wish-fulfilling banyan tree is believed to survive even the cosmic deluge. Devotees pause here to pray, tying threads and making wishes in the faith that the sacred tree will grant their desires. It is surrounded by many important deities, including the beloved Bat Ganesha.
• Maa Bimala: The temple of Maa Bimala is one of the most important Shakti Pithas in India. She is the Bhairavi of the Kshetra, the primordial energy that presides over the entire sacred space. No offering to Lord Jagannath is considered complete until it is first offered to Maa Bimala.
• Sri Mahalakshmi: As the divine consort of Lord Jagannath, Mahalakshmi’s temple is central to the temple’s life. She presides over the temple’s kitchen (Rosaghara), the largest in the world, ensuring that her grace is distributed to all as the sacred Mahaprasad.
• Mukti Mandap: This elevated platform with 16 pillars is the seat of the most learned Brahmins. For centuries, it has been the centre for scriptural discourse and divine counsel, guiding the temple’s rituals and the Gajapati King himself.

The Guardians and Gardens

The temple complex is protected on all sides. Near the south gate, you will find Kanpata Hanuman, who famously put his ear to the ground to block the sound of the ocean from disturbing the Lord’s sleep. The sacred garden of Koili Baikuntha lies in the northeast corner. This serene place is where the old Daru forms of the deities are laid to rest during the sacred Nabakalebara ritual, making it the Lord’s final resting place and celestial garden.

To walk through the Srimandir is to walk through a living universe of faith. For those who wish to hold a memory of this entire sacred space, a beautifully detailed photo frame of the Jagannath Temple can bring the presence of Srikshetra into one’s home.

From protectors like Yajna Nrusingha to historical deities like Kanchi Ganesha, every step in the Srimandir is a new discovery. It is a place where history, faith, and divinity merge into one unforgettable experience.

Jai Jagannath!