Trials of Faith: The Journeys of Lord Jagannath During Times of Turmoil

The Shri Jagannath Temple, a beacon of faith and devotion, has faced numerous challenges throughout its history. Over the past 452 years, the deities have been forced to leave their beloved abode, Shri Mandir, due to repeated attacks by various invaders. These journeys, though fraught with danger, stand as a testament to the resilience of faith and the unwavering devotion of the people. Let’s explore the historical context and the secret locations where the Chaturdha Murti (four deities) were protected.

A Timeline of Displacement and Devotion

From 1568 to 1735 CE, the Shri Jagannath Temple and its deities were subjected to repeated attacks from various yavana (foreign) commanders. These resulted in the deities being moved to several secret locations throughout Odisha. During these periods, the traditional Rath Yatra was often suspended. Here’s a detailed account of these events:

• 1568 CE:

  • The attack of Kalapahad.

  • The deities were moved to Chapalli, near Chilika Lake.

  • Kalapahad took the idols on elephant backs, burnt them on the banks of the Ganges.

  • Brahma Padartha (the soul) was secretly saved by Bishara Mohanty and kept at Kujangagada.

  • The Rath Yatra was suspended for nine years (1568-1577 CE).

• 1601 CE:

  • Attack by Mirza Khurram.

  • The deities were moved to Panchamukhi Gosani Temple at Kapilashwarpur, 13-14 km from Shrikshetra.

  • After Dola Yatra, the deities were moved to the Dobandha Pentha of the Bhargavi River, and remained there for 8 months.

  • Rath Yatra was not held that year.

• 1607 CE:

  • Attack by Subedar Hasim Khan.

  • The deities were shifted from Shri Mandir to the Gopaljiu Temple near Khordha Gada, where the Bhoi King Purushottam Deva resided.

  • Rath Yatra was suspended that year.

  • The deities were brought back to Shri Mandir in 1608 after one year of displacement.

• 1611 CE:

  • Attack by Kalyanmal.

  • The deities were moved to Chakanasi or Mahisanasi, in Chilika Lake.

  • Rath Yatra was not held that year.

• 1617 CE: 

  • Second attack by Kalyanmal.

  • The deities were shifted to Gurubaigada in Chilika.

  • Rath Yatra was not held that year.

• 1621 CE:

  • Attack by Subedar Ahmad Beg.

  • The idols were moved to Andharigarh in Banpur.

  • The Brahma Padartha was taken to Gadamanitira, where new idols were created and the sacred essence was transferred.

  • Rath Yatra remained suspended for two years.

• 1692 CE:

  • Attack by Ekaram Khan, the Subedar of Barabati under Aurangzeb.

  • The deities were moved to the back of the Bimala Temple, then to Gadakokai, then to Bada Hantuada in Banpur via Chilika Lake.

  • There are two different beliefs as to how long the deities resided there; one says the deities stayed from 1692 to 1699 and the other states that they stayed from 1692 to 1707.

  • Rath Yatra was suspended for 13 years out of this period.

• 1731 CE:

  • Attack by Muhammad Taqi Khan.

  • The deities were moved to Kankanashikhari, then to Harishwar Mandap, and finally to Chikili near Khallikote.

  • Rath Yatra did not take place this year.

• 1733 CE:

  • A second attack by Taqi Khan

  • The deities were moved to Harishwar Mandap and then to the Marada Temple, near Polsara.

  • Rath Yatra was suspended for three years (1733-1735 CE).

  • The deities were finally brought back to Shri Mandir in May 1736, after which Rath Yatra was celebrated.

These incidents reveal the immense challenges faced by devotees in protecting their beloved Lord. It also shows how often the Rath Yatra, a central part of Jagannath culture, had to be suspended due to these disturbances.

A Commitment to Faith

These movements of the deities, done in secret and under great duress, highlight the devotion of the servitors, who went to any lengths to protect their Lord. These accounts also demonstrate the importance of these places as sites that hold the divine essence. These events also showcase the strength and resilience of faith in the face of adversity.

Bringing the Devotional History Home

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