History of shri Jagannath mahaprabhu

Exploring the Sevayats of Shri Jagannath Temple

Posted on by Ganesh
20
Dec

The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is not just a structure; it’s a living, breathing entity sustained by the devotion and dedicated service of itsΒ sevayatsΒ (servitors). These individuals, representing over 120 different types of services, play an essential role in the daily rituals and upkeep of the temple. Let’s explore the fascinating world of theΒ sevayatsΒ and their indispensable contribution to the divine abode.

The Evolution of Service at Shri Mandir

Before the arrival of Shri Shankaracharya, theΒ DaitaΒ andΒ PatiΒ families were the primary servitors. Shankaracharya’s reforms expanded this to sixΒ niyogasΒ (service categories). Over time, the system continued to evolve. During the reign of Ananga Bhima Deva,Β VeenakarsΒ (musicians) andΒ Puran PandasΒ (scripture readers) were appointed. Under the reign of King Narasimha Deva,Β GarabaduΒ servitors were appointed. The service categories continued to grow. As of 1955, there were around 250 differentΒ niyogas. As of 1988, theΒ Behera Karana SevaΒ became the 120th officially recognized service.

Chhatisa Niyoga: The Thirty-Six Service Categories

TheΒ Chhatisa NiyogaΒ (thirty-six service categories) represent the core of the temple’s service system. Each service is a representation of aΒ patakaΒ or sub-service. This is a group of servitors that take care of the various functions in the daily life of the temple. According to theΒ Madala Panji, King Ananga Bhima Deva of the Ganga Dynasty was the first to introduce a service group called “Chhabisha Niyoga”. Later, that became theΒ Chhatisha Niyoga.

TheΒ Bamadeva SamhitaΒ describes the variousΒ sevayats, their roles, and their characteristics. These original servitors include the king, priests, brahmins, theΒ acharaya, theΒ yajnika,Β Agnisharma, servitors from the Vishwavasu clan, servitors from the Vidyapati clan, andΒ pratiharisΒ (attendants).

 

The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is not just a structure; it’s a living, breathing entity sustained by the devotion and dedicated service of itsΒ sevayatsΒ (servitors). These individuals, representing over 120 different types of services, play an essential role in the daily rituals and upkeep of the temple. Let’s explore the fascinating world of theΒ sevayatsΒ and their indispensable contribution to the divine abode.

The Evolution of Service at Shri Mandir

Before the arrival of Shri Shankaracharya, theΒ DaitaΒ andΒ PatiΒ families were the primary servitors. Shankaracharya’s reforms expanded this to sixΒ niyogasΒ (service categories). Over time, the system continued to evolve. During the reign of Ananga Bhima Deva,Β VeenakarsΒ (musicians) andΒ Puran PandasΒ (scripture readers) were appointed. Under the reign of King Narasimha Deva,Β GarabaduΒ servitors were appointed. The service categories continued to grow. As of 1955, there were around 250 differentΒ niyogas. As of 1988, theΒ Behera Karana SevaΒ became the 120th officially recognized service.

Chhatisa Niyoga: The Thirty-Six Service Categories

TheΒ Chhatisa NiyogaΒ (thirty-six service categories) represent the core of the temple’s service system. Each service is a representation of aΒ patakaΒ or sub-service. This is a group of servitors that take care of the various functions in the daily life of the temple. According to theΒ Madala Panji, King Ananga Bhima Deva of the Ganga Dynasty was the first to introduce a service group called “Chhabisha Niyoga”. Later, that became theΒ Chhatisha Niyoga.

TheΒ Bamadeva SamhitaΒ describes the variousΒ sevayats, their roles, and their characteristics. These original servitors include the king, priests, brahmins, theΒ acharaya, theΒ yajnika,Β Agnisharma, servitors from the Vishwavasu clan, servitors from the Vidyapati clan, andΒ pratiharisΒ (attendants).

 

The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is not just a structure; it’s a living, breathing entity sustained by the devotion and dedicated service of itsΒ sevayatsΒ (servitors). These individuals, representing over 120 different types of services, play an essential role in the daily rituals and upkeep of the temple. Let’s explore the fascinating world of theΒ sevayatsΒ and their indispensable contribution to the divine abode.

The Evolution of Service at Shri Mandir

Before the arrival of Shri Shankaracharya, theΒ DaitaΒ andΒ PatiΒ families were the primary servitors. Shankaracharya’s reforms expanded this to sixΒ niyogasΒ (service categories). Over time, the system continued to evolve. During the reign of Ananga Bhima Deva,Β VeenakarsΒ (musicians) andΒ Puran PandasΒ (scripture readers) were appointed. Under the reign of King Narasimha Deva,Β GarabaduΒ servitors were appointed. The service categories continued to grow. As of 1955, there were around 250 differentΒ niyogas. As of 1988, theΒ Behera Karana SevaΒ became the 120th officially recognized service.

Chhatisa Niyoga: The Thirty-Six Service Categories

TheΒ Chhatisa NiyogaΒ (thirty-six service categories) represent the core of the temple’s service system. Each service is a representation of aΒ patakaΒ or sub-service. This is a group of servitors that take care of the various functions in the daily life of the temple. According to theΒ Madala Panji, King Ananga Bhima Deva of the Ganga Dynasty was the first to introduce a service group called “Chhabisha Niyoga”. Later, that became theΒ Chhatisha Niyoga.

TheΒ Bamadeva SamhitaΒ describes the variousΒ sevayats, their roles, and their characteristics. These original servitors include the king, priests, brahmins, theΒ acharaya, theΒ yajnika,Β Agnisharma, servitors from the Vishwavasu clan, servitors from the Vidyapati clan, andΒ pratiharisΒ (attendants).

Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  The Pillers of Devotion

Some of the major categories ofΒ Chhatisa NiyogaΒ are:

  • Bhitarachha Mahapatra, Talichha Mahapatra

  • PurohitaΒ (Chief Priest)

  • PujapandaΒ (Priest)

  • PushpalakaΒ (Flower Servitor)

  • Badu

  • Pati Mahapatra

  • PratiharyΒ (Attendant)

  • MekapaΒ (Dress Servitor)

  • SuaraΒ (Cook)

  • KhuntiaΒ (Temple Guard)

  • MuduliΒ (Store Keeper)

  • Daita

  • Datta

  • KaranaΒ (Accountant)

  • Hadapa NayakaΒ (Beetle nut servitor)

  • GhantuariΒ (Sandalwood preparator)

  • Mahabhoi

  • Pania PatΒ (Water Servitor)

  • BajantriΒ (Musician)

  • GayaniΒ (Vocalist)

  • Geeta Gobinda SebakΒ (Geeta Govinda Singer)

  • Chatara

  • Chakra Dihudi

  • Kumbhara BishoiΒ (Potter)

  • Suansia

  • ChunaraΒ (Lime worker)

  • JyotishaΒ (Astrologer)

  • BaidyaΒ (Ayurvedic Doctor)

  • Sabuta Niyoga

  • Bindhani

  • Tirtha Matia

  • Ojha MaharanaΒ (Blacksmith)

  • Chapa Dalei

  • Ashwa Hasti Sebak

  • Maha Sethi

  • Palia Mahar

The temple tradition features both Brahmin (Panda and Suara) and Shudra (Mali and Badu) servitors.

Key Officials and Servitors

  • Gajapati Maharaja:Β The king performs theΒ Chhera PahanraΒ ritual during the Rath Yatra.

  • Mudirasta/ Mudiratha:Β The king’s representative, overseeing the rituals in his absence.

  • Parichha:Β The administrator, responsible for overseeing temple affairs.

  • Chhatisha Niyoga Nayak/Patta Joshi Mahapatra:Β The head of the Chhatisa Niyoga.

  • Talichho Mahapatra/Talicha:Β The representative of the Parichha who is responsible for locking the doors of the temple at night and overseeing the cleanliness of the kitchen.

The 120 Servitors in Detail

Here’s a list of the 120 different types ofΒ sevayats, in alphabetical order:

  • Akhanda/Akhandala MekapΒ (Keepers of eternal lamp),Β Anasara Sudh Suara,Β AngaruaΒ (Ash remover),Β Amalu Toli O Pura Kharada,Β Amunia ChhatraΒ (Carriers of the umbrella during processions),Β Asthan PadhiariΒ (Chanter during festivals),Β Ojha MaharanaΒ (Temple blacksmith),Β KaratiyaΒ (Wood cutter for the chariots),Β Kala BethiaΒ (Rath pullers),Β KahaliaΒ (Horn blower),Β Kumbhara BishoiΒ (Potter),Β Kotha KaranΒ (Record keepers),Β Kotha Bhog PaniaΒ (Water servitor of the kotha bhog),Β Kotha Bhoga JoganiaΒ (Kotha bhoga suppliers),Β Kotha Suansia,Β Khata Sheja Mekap,Β Khatuli SebakaΒ (Seat providers during rituals),Β Khadika SuansiaΒ (Sweeper of the Jagmohan),Β KhuntiaΒ (Temple guard),Β Khuri Nayak,Β GarabaduΒ (Water carrier to the priests),Β Geeta Govinda Sebaka,Β Gunabaluia,Β Gochikara,Β GhantuaΒ (Bell ringer),Β GhotuariΒ (Sandalwood preparator),Β Chaka Apsara Sebak,Β Chakra DihudiaΒ (Torchbearer),Β Charchaita KaranΒ (Overseer of rituals),Β Chaula Bachha KaranΒ (Rice selector),Β Chapa DaleiΒ (Chariot decorator),Β Changada KaranΒ (Keeper of clothing records),Β Changada Mekap,Β ChitrakaraΒ (Painter),Β Datta Mahapatra,Β Chunara Garud Sebak,Β Chatara Sebak,Β Chhamu DihudiaΒ (Torchbearer),Β JagiaΒ (Watchman during bhog),Β Jaya Mangal Aarti SebakΒ (Those who perform Aarti),Β Jyotish,Β TamakiaΒ orΒ Bajantri,Β Dambaru Sebak,Β Tarashia,Β TaanraΒ (metal worker),Β TadauΒ (Mohuri),Β Tada KaranΒ (Record keeper of festivals),Β TantibaduΒ (Those who use a mask while carrying offerings),Β Tatuia,Β Tamara BishoiΒ (Copper worker),Β Tulabati/Handi JoganiaΒ (Vessel provider),Β Tulabhina,Β Tolabadu,Β TulasiaΒ (TulasΔ« providers),Β Daraji/ SiputiΒ (Tailor),Β DaitaΒ (Bodyguard),Β Daudibala,Β Dandia,Β DarpaniaΒ (Mirror holder during the ritual bath),Β DalabeheraΒ (Chief of the guards),Β Dayana PatrikaΒ (Doyana leaves provider),Β DajhiΒ (Dancer),Β Deul KaranΒ (Record keepers),Β Deula PurohitaΒ (Temple Priest),Β DosakhaΒ (Torchbearer),Β DwriΒ (Gatekeepers),Β Dhwaja Dhara SebakaΒ (Flag bearer),Β Dhopa khaliaΒ (Those who wash the kitchen),Β Nahabatawala Nagarchi,Β Nala HurudaΒ (Drain cleaners),Β Nagarchi,Β Patra Bandha,Β Pati Mahapatra,Β Parbajatra Jogania,Β Palia MaharΒ (Cleaners of the temple premises),Β Patri Badu,Β PadhiariΒ (Guards),Β Panti Badu/ Tanti Badu,Β Pataseja MekapΒ (Bed maker),Β PathuriaΒ (Stonemason),Β Paniki PataΒ (Vegetable cutters),Β Parikhya Badu,Β PaikaΒ (Guards),Β Palia Mahapatra,Β Palia Mekap,Β Patara BishoiΒ (Silk Thread Provider),Β PaniaΒ (Water provider),Β Paniapata,Β Patta Joshi Mahapatra,Β PatraΒ (Garland Maker),Β PikaapaΒ (Sandalwood Grinders),Β Pushpalaka/PasupalakaΒ orΒ SinghariΒ (Dressers),Β PujapandaΒ (Priests),Β Purana PandaΒ (Scripture Reciters),Β Pratihary,Β Pradhani/Padhani,Β PrasadabaduΒ (Those who carry the Prasad),Β Pharaka,Β Phula BaduΒ (Those who carry flowers for the Lord),Β Baithi Karan,Β BadapandaΒ (Chief Priest),Β Badu Suara,Β BadheiΒ (Carpenter),Β Bania,Β Ballabha Jogania,Β Balita Sebak,Β BanuaΒ (Fire workers),Β Bahara Deula Suara,Β Bahara Deuli Jogania,Β Bidia Jogania,Β Bindhani,Β Bimana Badu,Β Biribata SamarthaΒ (Lentil Grinder),Β Biribuha Suara,Β BiduaΒ (Preparer of sacred offerings),Β BinakaraΒ (Veena Player),Β Benta Bindha Paika,Β Baidya,Β Baijayanti,Β Bojhia,Β Bhandara NayakΒ (Treasurer),Β Bhandara MekapΒ (Store keeper and dresser),Β Bhitar Gauni,Β Bhitarachha Mahapatra/Bhitarachhau,Β Bhitar Garabadu,Β Mandani Sebaka,Β Mahajana,Β MahabhoiΒ (Milk and yogurt provider),Β Mahasuar,Β Maha Sethi,Β MahuriaΒ (Flute Player),Β Madali,Β Mapa saita Karan,Β Malachula Sebak,Β Malia suansia,Β Mahunta,Β Mudirasta,Β Mukha Singhara Datta,Β Mukha Pakhal Padhiari,Β Muduli,Β Mudra Sebak,Β Mekap,Β Jogada MajaΒ (Those who clean utensils),Β JoganiaΒ (Those who supply ingredients),Β Ratha DahukaΒ (Those who sing songs on the chariot),Β Ratha Bhoi,Β RubadiaΒ (Sweeper of the temple),Β RupakaraΒ (Sculptor),Β Rosa Amin,Β Rosa PaikaΒ (Those who provide light to the kitchen and carry bhog),Β Rosa Dhopakhali,Β Rosa Mekap,Β ShankhuaΒ (Conch Blower),Β Shika Dhua Suar,Β Shudha Suara,Β SamarthaΒ (Those who grind lentil for food),Β Samprada NiyogaΒ (Musicians),Β Sabuta Niyoga,Β SuaraΒ (Cooks),Β Suara Badu,Β Suara Mahasuara,Β Suansia,Β Sudu SuaraΒ (Those who prepare Panchamruta),Β Suna GosainΒ (Those who bring water from the Suna Well and carry the deities during processions),Β Hadapa Nayak,Β Handi Jogania,Β Lugadhua Paani Kunda Seva,Β Lenka.

The Living Heritage of Shri Jagannath

This list offers a glimpse into the extensive network of services that make Shri Jagannath Temple a living and vibrant entity. Each servitor plays a critical role, contributing to the continuous cycle of devotion and spiritual energy that pulsates within the sacred complex. Their dedication and service ensure the daily rituals are performed as per tradition, keeping the temple’s spiritual heart beating.

Bringing the Spirit Home

If you are fascinated by the devotion and intricate organization of the Shri Jagannath Temple, explore the handcrafted items at justkalinga.com.Β With worldwide shipping, you can bring the essence of this sacred place into your own home.

Jai jagannath 😊 πŸ™

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ganesh swain
Ganesh

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