Jagannath Dham - Puri Dham

Dham is a place of great religious and spiritual significance. Hinduism has four important pilgrimage sites that are called "Dhams."

Philosopher Adi Shankaracharya designated these four "Dhams" in the 8th Century. These four "Dhams" i.e. "Char Dham" are located in the four directions of India:

1. Puri - East

2. Dwarka - West

3. Badrinath - North

&

4. Rameswaram - South.

For over 1200 years, these Dhams have attracted pilgrims and devotees from far and wide. The "Dham" term is used with utmost reverence and honour, and historically and scripturally reserved for the ancient temples listed above.

Jagannath Dham - Image from X - @jagannathdhaam

Puri Dham is Jagannath Dham, one of the four Dham of India. For ages, Puri has been one of the holiest places, being the abode of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha. Shree Vishnu is Shree Jagannatha in the Kali Yuga.  Puri is mentioned in many ancient Puranas and texts like the Skanda Purana.

Odisha Tourism

Hera Panchami - When Maa Lakshmi Is Angry

Puri Dham is one of the most important places of visit for Hindus.

A rich cultural history and many festivals including the world-famous Ratha Jatra are associated with this holy place. 

Puri Dham is called the Shree Kshetra and the Shree Jagannatha Temple is called the Shreemandira.

Shree means Goddess Lakshmi. 

This shows Her importance.

She is the wife of Shree Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe.

Many wrongly think that Ratha Jatra is a one-day festival and the festivities end that day. 

The journey starts on the second day of the bright fortnight of Asadha (month in Hindu/Odia calendar) that is celebrated as Ratha Jatra. 

The Ratha Jatra is also called Nabadina Jatra (nine-day journey). 

On the ninth day, Bahuda Jatra is held.

However, that is not the end of the Ratha Jatra.

Actually, the Ratha Jatra festivities come to an end on the twelfth day of the commencement of the journey. 

Niladri Bije ritual marks the completion of their journey with the deities entering the Shreemandira.

There are many traditions and significant centuries-old rituals are done.

On the fifth day of the Ratha Jatra, there is the Hera Panchami tradition.

Today is Hera Panchami.

"Hera" means "to see".

This evening, Maa Lakshmi will visit Shree Gundicha Temple to see Shree Jagannatha.

What does She do there?

Wikipedia, Rasgulla War, Wife And Husband Fight #RasagolaA2Z

 Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a popular website that is consulted by many to refer to and check information.

But, misleading and wrong information published and available there, gets further impetus when quoted, shared and propagated.

This has happened in the case of the dessert Rasgulla i.e. Rasagola.

While the Wikipedia entry regarding this 'king of sweets' earlier (prior to 2015) showed Odisha as the place of origin as the sweet, the present Wiki article, after many edits and revisions over the years, now has incorrect information.

In the last couple of years, especially from 2015 when Odisha celebrated the Rasagola Dibasa i.e. Rasgulla Day, there has been propaganda and wrong information even in leading newspapers. Such sources have been cited as references for many articles published in Wikipedia.

Nothing called #Khiramohana #Khirmohan was/is offered @ #Puri Temple#Rasagola bhoga is offered on #NiladriBije
Thus, we celebrate it as #RasagolaDibasa
More info-"Rasagola & Rasagola Dibasa"#RathYatra'19- Odisha Review-https://t.co/MUvvTMALSL#Rasgullahttps://t.co/hozGesZmeg pic.twitter.com/pJZ8Hf0ZuE

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) July 6, 2020

Note- Rasagola has always been called Rasagola in the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.

Shree Jagannatha's Favourite Sweet And Food #RasagolaA2Z

Puri Dhaam or Jagannatha Dhaam is one of the Chaar Dhaam- four holiest places of visit for Hindus.

Shree Jagannatha is the Lord of the Universe.

Puri is called the Bhoga Kshetra as this is the place where God eats.

That explains the vast variety of dishes and foods offered to Shree Jagannatha at the Puri Temple.

The Shree Jagannatha Temple at Puri has one of the largest kitchens in the world and serves thousands of devotees. 

This 12th Century Temple is also called Shreemandira. 'Shree' means Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that Devi Lakshmi cooks the food. 

People think that "Chhappan Bhog" (56 dishes/offerings) are available and served; however, the number of dishes is much more in number than 56. 

You can learn more in this post- 115 Varieties of Bhog of Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri

Earlier, I always thought that Rasagola (Rasgulla) is Shree Jagannatha's favourite sweet.

Like Rasagola, many sweets and dishes of Odisha like Chhenapoda are made using cottage-cheese i.e. Chhena.

In 2016, while researching to write a blog about 'Chhenapoda - Uncommon Food', I came across some reports that stated that Chhenapoda is Lord Jagannatha's favourite sweet.

(From L to R)- Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra & Lord Jagannath

Jagannath, Jayadeva, And Khandua Sarees And Fabrics #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Odisha has a rich tradition and history of handicrafts and handlooms.

Khandua Saree and Fabrics are a type of Orissa Ikat. Orissa Ikat has the Geographical Indications (GI) tag.

Khandua is Single Ikat (fabrics are woven with tie and dye process either on warp or weft). Khandua is basically a weft Ikat. 

Khandua is woven on cotton, silk and tussar sarees, dress-materials and wall-hangings.

Khandua Saree and Fabrics has got the GI Tag too.

Hera Panchami - Goddess Lakshmi Expresses Her Anger

Ratha Jatra is celebrated every year on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Ashadha month). This grand festival that began in the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha, is now very famous and celebrated all over the world. But, many are yet to be aware of the celebration of the days following the pulling of the chariots to Gundicha Temple on Ratha Jatra.

On Ratha Jatra, Lord Jagannath leaves the Shree Jagannath Temple and goes for a nine-day-sojourn with His siblings, Lord Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra, to their birth place at Gundicha temple, located 2.8 kms away. Lord Jagannath does not take His wife, Goddess Lakshmi along with Him when He goes with His brother and sister for the Ratha Jatra.

Text by Dash Benhur; Art by Tapan Moharana

Images of Lord Jagannath And Black Hole

The recent photo of the M87 black hole named Powehi reminds me of Lord Jagannath's eyes. 
(Note- So far only one black hole has been photographed. The above image is edited and I have placed a copy of the first black hole by its side. The Universe has millions of black holes.)

Lord Jagannath is the "Lord of the Universe".

Suna Besha (Golden attire) of Lord Jagannath during Ratha Jatra (Chariot Festival) at Puri, Odisha, India

Lord Jagannath on way to His Chariot during Ratha Jatra (Rath Yatra / Car Festival) at Puri, Odisha, India

Palanquin Carried Special Cover for Rasagola #AToZChallenge

 A Palanquin Carried Special Cover, "Rasagola in SriJagannathji's cuisine", was released on March 1st, 2018 at Puri Head Post Office by the Department of Posts. The special cover was released on a special day- Dola Purnima, the day before Holi when traditionally Holi colours and sweets are offered to the Gods.

 

This Special Cover features the traditional offering of Rasagola as bhog/prasad to Goddess Laxmi on behalf of Lord Jagannath during Niladri Bije at Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha. 
Rasagola has been a Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath from centuries and Rasagola is one of the more than hundred dishes that are offered as bhog/prasad.

Jagannath And Laxmi #AToZChallenge

Odisha is known as the 'Land of Jagannath'. Lord Jagannath is the presiding deity of Odisha. He is the family god in most Odia households. Lord Jagannath has a unique place in Odisha's history and Odia customs. But, He is not restricted to Odisha or India alone. He is everyone's God. The word 'Jagannath' means- 'Lord of the Universe'. 

Lord Jagannath is also called 'Jagabandhu' that means- 'Friend of the Universe.'
Lord Jagannath is the friend, philosopher and guide of the people of the entire Universe.

The culture of Odisha means Jagannath culture i.e. the culture of Jagannath - a unique embodiment of various faiths, religions, cultures and ideologies. The Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, is mentioned in many ancient Sanskrit texts, such as the 'Padma Purana', 'Matsya Purana', 'Narada Purana' etc. In Odia, 'Purana' refers to 'holy book'.

The cult of Lord Jagannath advocates that people of all castes have the right to worship God and read scriptures. 

Lord Jagannath's wife, Goddess Laxmi, is very powerful. Maa Laxmi is the 'Goddess of Wealth'. She upholds justice and equality. She is against casteism and appreciates and rewards devotion. 

A story linked to Jagannath and Laxmi has been shared at the end of this post.

Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri is widely referred as- 'Shree Mandira' or 'Sri Mandira' i.e. the Temple of Mahalaxmi. 'Shree/Sri' means 'Laxmi' and 'Mandira' means Temple.

Book based on Laxmi Purana by Dash Benhur; Art by Tapan Moharana

115 Varieties of Bhog of Shree Jagannatha Temple Puri

The state of Odisha in India has a rich culinary tradition. Odisha boasts of an amazing variety of dishes, most of which are associated with the ancient temple traditions of Odisha from centuries.

The general public is yet to learn about this state's rich culture. Many Odias, even those residing in Odisha, are grossly unaware.

On 24th December, 2017, thanks to Neeladri Adyatmik Trust, we got a novel opportunity to attend a unique event that introduced us to 'Odisha Mandirara Bhoga Parampara' i.e. the 'Bhog tradition of Odisha Temples'. A book by the same name was released on the occasion.

An 800-pages book 'Shree Jagannath Gyana Kosha' was also released in the event.

Chhapana Bhoga (56 Bhog) of Shree Jagannatha is pretty famous. But, the fact is Shree Jagannatha is offered many more dishes and thus, the number of bhog is not just 56 in number. Number of offering vary as per the traditions, and on the festive occasion of Makar Sankranti, there are 84 bhog- the highest number of offerings are given. It is even mentioned in the Record of Rights as "Makara Chaurasi Bhoga".

Some of the dishes like 'Mandua' are unknown even to some Puri city inhabitants!

We had the opportunity to see 115 varieties of bhog exhibited in the event.
You can take a look at this short video that shows some glimpses :

Lord Jagannath's Rasagola #RasagolaProject

“I never stood a chance, did I?”

"Why this doubt?"

"They are debating about my origin!"

"The truth still remains the same, no matter what some say!"

"And most of the world doesn't know the truth- that you have always gifted me to your wife - Maa Lakshmi."

"Yes, I take your help to pacify Lakshmi after my replies to Her questions (Bachanika). She then lets me inside our home after my Ratha Jatra outing with my siblings "

"On Niladri Bije, Bhittarachhu Mohapatra, a major priest (sebayat) prepares me with much love as per the ancient tradition and hands me over to you to gift."

   

"Then, I smartly gift you to Lakshmi, who is both surprised and delighted to receive my sweet gift!"

Hera Panchami

Ratha Jatra or Rath Yatra is celebrated every year.

It is a grand festival that began in the Shri Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha, and is still celebrated as per the ancient rules. Ratha Jatra is also celebrated all over the world.

          

The three deities namely, Lord Jagannath and his siblings- Lord Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra go on their annual visit to their aunt's place. When the brothers along with their sister go for their Rath Yatra, they do not take Lord Jagannath's wife, Goddess Maa Lakshmi along with them. 

Rasagola Dibasa

Here is a Quiz/GK question for you:

"In which state did the sweet-dish Rasgulla or Rasagola originate?"

Image Courtesy

If you answered- Odisha or Orissa, then full marks to you.

Many do not know the birthplace of the Rasagola. The popular perception is different.
On learning this, some get emotionally charged up, some others feel it is funny, while many disbelieve.

Actually, Rasagolas have been associated for centuries with the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri in Odisha.
The last day of the Rath Yatra, called Niladri Bije, is the only day when Lord Jagannath is offered Rasagolas as prasad by His devotees.
Also, Lord Jagannath Himself offers Rasagolas to please His consort, Maa Laxmi.
The Lord gifts Rasagolas to Maa Laxmi to gain entrance into the Temple.

Sweet Yatra

He went to His birthplace with His siblings, like He did each year at that time of the year.

His wife was angry that He did not take Her with Him.

She followed His path and damaged His chariot and returned to their home..

After enjoying His Jatra (Yatra- journey/travel/trip) with His siblings, He returned home.

His wife let His elder brother and sister enter the gate, but did not let Him enter.

She was raspy and said- NO!

The situation was somber.

He tried reasoning with Her and answered Her queries.
(Obedient husband indeed!)

Next, to placate Her, He offered Her some delicious sweets named Rasagolas.

Rasagola- A sweet/dessert that originated in Odisha, India

My Views On Religion

For me, religion is what we believe & cling on.
We 'support' as we 'belong' having been 'born'...

If we are born in one religion, but are raised in another,
We'll be like the Hindi movie- Amar Akbar Anthony brothers!

Source

If we have faith, we worship pictures/idols/pebbles as Gods.
Yet crazy fanatics do opposite of what has been taught by the Lords.

Why the fight when all religions have the same goals & path?
In the name of religion, why the unhappiness & the bloodbath?

Source

Suna Besha

In my previous posts- Rath Yatra Puri & Rath Yatra, I have shared some info & images about the unique festival- Rath Yatra that is celebrated in the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha, India.
It is also celebrated in many parts of the world.

Rath Yatra at Puri, Odisha, India

Yesterday, on Bahuda Yatra, the deities returned to the Temple after the completion of their annual holiday to their birthplace.

Today is celebrated as "Suna Besha" i.e. Golden Attire/Look.

As per the Shree Jagannath Temple history, Suna Besha was introduced during the reign of King Kapilendra Dev in 1460 AD.

From L to R- Suna Besha of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, Lord Jagannath

  The deities are dressed in Gold ornaments.

The Explorer Of Miracles!

This post is about why I chose 'The Explorer of Miracles' as the new name of my Blog, that too a year after I started it.

An year ago, in 2012, my sister, Amrita, a keen Blogger - http://amritasabat.blogspot.in/, wondered why did I still not have a Blog! Her take was that- As someone who had got her stories published in Tinkle magazine way back in school and poems, articles and contributions published in leading magazines and newspapers, I should have joined in the Blogging bandwagon since inception! Anyway, better late than never! It was she, who signed me up for my very own Blog!

"So, what do you want to name it?", she asked.

"APNE HATH JAGANNATH", I answered.

I realized that she was the epitome of patience and my serious consultant, who had all the time in the world for me! Though she hadn't asked me for an explanation why I had chosen this phrase, I still went ahead doing just that thinking it's my moral obligation! 

"I want Lord Jagannath to feature in my Blog's name. I would like to start out with His blessings."

Lord Jagannath is the deity of Sri Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha, India. There are many Sri Jagannath temples now dedicated to Him. However, His Temple at Puri is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimages expected to be covered by a Hindu in one's lifetime. The Sri Jagannath temple was built in the 11th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva who belonged to the Eastern Ganga dynasty. 

Lord Jagannath literally means "Lord of the Universe." His name is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of). The Odiya words "Jagati" (ଜଗତି - means an elevated platform or "Ratnabedi" on which the wooden form of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra are worshiped on or the temple or its precincts) and "Natha" (ନାଥ - means "Lord") give rise to "Jagannatha." 

Lord Jagannath has paramount significance not only in Odisha, but in India and the World. His annual visit to his aunt's place, along with his elder brother, Lord Balabhadra & younger sister, Devi Subhadra, is celebrated globally as the Rath Yatra or Chariot festival. The three main temple deities are out on a trip/procession on bright, elaborately designed Chariots. Since ancient times, Rath Yatra has been associated with intense religious fervour. It's a unifying festival that surpasses all barriers. How many Gods can manage such annual stepping out of the Temple in style & reaching out to devotees, irrespective of their race, gender, caste, creed, religion, skin-colour, nationalities...?

 

To me, "APNE HATH JAGANNATH" means that "Lord Jagannath is in my own hand(s)."

It is said- "God helps those who help themselves." Our hands are our instruments that we can use with the Lord's blessings to bring about positive change and developments in our lives as well as in the world at large. We feel empowered as we have the force, the power with us. My Blog's Name rocks!

She entered the details and asked me to fill in the Blog description. I wrote that I believe in change, action, ability, responsibility, success, winning... pretty much what my Blog description still holds. Thanks to her, my Blog was put up on cyberspace for everyone to stop by to read it and to leave their cyber-trace! I am extremely grateful to her for that. May God bless her! Thank you Amrita! Yet another addition to the list of things I'm grateful for!

 

Nearly a year later, when I shared the link of my now-popular post on the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag- http://www.anitaexplorer.blogspot.in/2013/07/bhaag-milkha-bhaag-25-lessons.html with all in Twitter last month, one of my Twitter-buddies, Sandeep Chanda, expressed surprise that why have I chosen such a Blog name! He asked me if I was aware what my Blog's name implied. I shared my point of view. However, he shared a link with me that describes "Apna Haath Jagannath" as a derogatory slang that is used in some parts of India to indicate- "Masturbation."

I was furious to learn about this. Who is the person responsible for this? How dare anyone do this? Why did anyone distort the meaning of what should and could have been a well-meaning phrase? Why insult the Lord's name? Surely, there are many words that could have served the purpose?

Even Kishore Kumar and the persons associated with the Hindi film of the same name must have been unaware of the suggestive meaning, else they would never have given the title - Apna Haath Jagannath to their Hindi Movie! A recent Hindi Film- Kaminey - also faced issues for using the same phrase in one of its dialogues. It feels terrible to find a negative connotation to an otherwise positive phrase...

Already, there's an English word- "Juggernaut" that doesn't exactly have flattering descriptions.

The meaning according to www.freedictionary.com -

" jug·ger·naut  (jgr-nôt)

n.

1. Something, such as a belief or institution, that elicits blind and destructive devotion or to which people are ruthlessly sacrificed.

2. An overwhelming, advancing force that crushes or seems to crush everything in its path: "It doesn't assume that people need necessarily remain passive when confronted by what appears to be the juggernaut of history" (Christopher Lehmann-Haupt).

3. Juggernaut Used as a title for the Hindu deity Krishna.

[Hindi jagannth, title of Krishna, from Sanskrit jaganntha, lord of the world : jagat, moving, the world (from earlier present participle of jigti, he goes; see g^w- in Indo-European roots) + ntha, lord (from nthate, he helps, protects). Senses 1 and 2, from the fact that worshipers have thrown themselves under the wheels of a huge car or wagon on which the idol of Krishna was drawn in an annual procession at Puri in east-central India.] "

It is so unfair that Lord Jagannath got associated with this English word. Rath Yatra has been ceremoniously observed for centuries. Just because some Englishmen had such poor understanding as is evident from the above dictionary definitions, they presented Lord Jagannath in poor light. 

Further, the Juggernaut (Cain Marko) is also a fictional character that appears in publications published by Marvel Comics.

I changed the name of my first ever post- http://anitaexplorer.blogspot.in/2012/08/apne-hath-jagannath.html from "Apne Hath Jagannath"; the heading now reads- "Jagannath Technology For All." Perhaps, that's why no editor had carried it out in any of the newspapers I sent it for consideration for publication!

 

After getting information from Sandeep, I immediately changed my Blog's name before his suggestion to do so! Thank you again, Sandeep!

Rath Yatra celebrations were on and I chose "Jagannath Swami, Nayana Pathagami."

Translated into English this means, "Lord of the Universe, kindly be visible unto me." 

I conveyed this to both my hubby and my sister. The former said he was aware of the slang, while the latter had no clue and got enlightened like me! I requested everyone to let me know if anything is amiss henceforth, including to my hubby, who kept this info away from me!

I learnt that our knowledge is limited and there are many things that we do not know. The same term may mean different things to different people. "One man's meat is another man's poison". People may distort good terms for their sadistic pleasures. It is unfair, but is so prevalent. Learning channels must be kept open for information exchange!

 

I had to share all this as it has caused me great anguish that even the Lord of the Universe has not been spared on Earth. There is a hope that if anyone searches for the term 'Apna Haath Jagannath', then this post will also appear amongst the search-results...

I have now changed my Blog's name yet again! 

"THE EXPLORER OF MIRACLES" reflects the 'Explorer' in me who loves to encounter 'Miracles'.

Lord Jagannath has a big role to play for that!

I know by Lord Jagannath's grace, all will be well & I'll get to Explore my share of Miracles!

Thanks! OMJ! (Oh My Jagannath!)