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Located in front of the Nrusingha temple- on the southeren side of the Lord Jagannath Temple. Mukti Mandapa holds very special significance. The name Mukti Mandapa is formed by the combination of two words ‘Mukti’, which means freedom and ‘Mandapa’, which means platform.

It was built in 15^th Century on the request of Queen Mahadevi, wife of King Mansingh of Jaipur.

What Is Mukti Mandapa

It is a council of Brahmin scholars that acts as a final judicial system in religious matters. It is headed by Shankaracharys of Puri Govardhan math on permanent basis. All the disputes that fall under religion are discusses and a final verdict is passed by the council of pandits. In ancient days, the matter was when put in front of the King, he used to call the council for discussion and the verdict was passed by the council itself.

According to some local beliefs, a person gets salvation and will be free from all their sins if he/she follows all the rituals as told by the scholars of Mukti Mandapa.

Apart from these duties, Mukti Mandapa is also involved in some significant rituals of the temple and Odia tradition. The yearly Odia calendar is submitted to the Mukti Mandapa for the approval before being published and made publically available.

The council also performs rites and rituals during the Nava Kalavera festival. The council is offered Mahaprasada after morning and mid-day dhupas.

Structure of The Platform where The Council Sits

The structure Mukti Mandapa is made up of black granite stone with height 5 feet and the area covered is 900 square feet. The shape of the platform is an elevated square and is open from all sides except for roof, which is at the height of 13 feet from the ground level. Total 16 pillars support the whole structure out of which 12 pillars are around the periphery and 4 are present in the middle section. The height if each pillar is 8 feet. These 16 pillars are believed to be the symbols of the sixteen Brahmin Sasanas (settlements or villages) established around Puri city by Ramachandara Dev, the first king of Bhoi Dynasty. A number of idols of different Hindu Gods and Goddesses adorn the platform.

Mukti Mandpa holds a very high respect and place. The council and the platform is believed to be a home extensive knowledge and experience and hence many people bow their heads and touch the platform to show their respect towards this valuable seat. The platform, no doubt has been adorned by a number of learned men and therefore deserves all the respect offered to it by devotees.

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Puri is a land of remarkable culture and tradition. Along with the main temple Jagannath, there are number of other places in the city and also spread in its adjacent boundaries. Pipili,Konark, Chilika are some famous place, but today we are going to explore a hidden gem- Kuruma.

Kuruma, a small village in Puri, is located at a distance of 8 kilometers to the south-east of the sun temple of Konark. Kuruma is alternatively spelled as Kurum. The place is famous for the ancient Buddhist site. This site was built between 9th – 10th centuries A.D. It is situated on the left side of the Konarka–Kakatapur road and can be approached by a road branching from the Bali Dokan chowk and is about 2 kilometers from the chowk. The exact geographical location of this village is LONGITUDE 86⁰ 07’ 24” E and LATITUDE 19⁰ 53’ 62” N. Scholars are of opinion that this was one of the sites containing Buddhist stupas described by HiuenT’sang.

The site was first reported by Brajabandhu Das, a local school teacher and subsequently excavated by Odisha state Archaeology from 1971 to 1975. Prior to this excavacation, a stone slab containing the beautiful image of Lord Buddha was found on the bank of a tank at one end of the village. Here Buddha is seated cross legged with right hand in Bhumisparsa mudra while the left hand placed over his left knee. The image also wears a beautiful crown and a beautifully carved necklace. Besides this Buddha image, other two images were also found near the tank. One of these figures is identified as ‘Heruka’. Local people call this image as ‘Dharma’ (the Sun God) and another image is identified as ‘Yama’ (the God of Death). This Buddhist monastery is having twelve blocks, three in each cardinal direction and an open large courtyard at the center.

The monastery is abandoned now but the images retrieved from the site now worshiped within a small shed. Tourists may visit the room of teacher Sri Brajabandhu Das near to the UGME school, where some of the excavated specimens like script on stone, ancient coins etc. are kept under his supervision. From archaeological point of view Kuruma is not vary famous, but from tourism point of view it is an important place due to its close proximity to sun temple of Konark.

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Kakatpur is a small village in Puri District and is situated at a distance of 50 kms from Puri, on the Puri-Astaranga road. Situated on the bank of river Prachi, this temple is famous for Goddess Mangala. Goddess Mangala is the presiding deity of Kakatpur and is worshipped in this temple.

The Folklore

There is a famous story behind the evolution of the name of the deity as ‘Kakatpur’ Mangala and believed by the local people. Goddess Managla kept herself hidden under the deep water of river Prachi. Once a boatman was sailing his boat across river Prachi. At that time, the river was outpouring and flooded so he was unable to sail his boat to the middle of the river. He spent whole day and night but not able to sail his boat and during early morning, before the dawn, Goddess Mangala came in his dream and asked him to recover her from the water and to establish her in nearby Mangalapur village. The boatman dived into the water and able to find the deity from the bed of the river. Then as per the direction of the Goddess he established the figure of the deity in a temple in Mangalapur village. After this the boatman saw a black crow dived into the water and did not come out of the water for hours and days, the crow detained inside the water of river Prachi exactly in the same place from where he recovered the figure of Goddess Mangala. In local Odia language ‘Crow’ means ‘Kaka’ and ‘Detained’ means ‘Atka’. So by combining the two words it becomes ‘Kaka-Atka’, so during the course of time the Mangalapur village is known as ‘Kakat’ (Kaka-Atka) pur and the Goddess is known as KakatpurMangala.

Relation With Jagannath Temple

KakatpurMangala temple has a close relation with Lord Jagannath temple of Puri during the Navakalebara(Renovation of the Deities) festival. Old deities are buried under earth at the dedicated place inside Jagannath templeand new idols are created for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The new idols are created from a sacred wood known as ‘Daru Brahma’ in local language. Nobody knows from where to find the sacred wood to create the new idols, so as per the tradition the priests of Lord Jagannath temple come to KakatpurMangala to pray the Goddess to help them to find the sacred wood. The priests sleep in front of the Goddess with their face down and then Goddess Mangala come in their dream and tell the exact location of the three sacred trees for the three deities. This custom has been performed from years together without any deviation. This shows the power and energy of Goddess Mangala and her blessings for her devotees.

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Jagannath Puri is a land of fairs and festivals. Throughout the year tourists could enjoy their visit to Puri and enjoy a number of festivals that enhance the spirits of the city on regular intervals.

Puri brings a host of colorful fairs and festivals every season and ‘Durga Puja’ is one of the most important festivals apart from Jagannath RathYatra. In Puri the festival of ‘Durga Puja’ is also known as ‘GosaniYatra’. Every year several clay idols of MahisamardiniDurga are worshipped during this festival.

The GosaniYatra of Puri has its origin in the folk culture. This fact is evident from the local folk names, they bear such as Kakudikhai, Janhikhai, Barabati, Janhimundia, SunyaGosani, Hadabai, Gelabai, Belabai etc. During GosaniYatra, different types of other clay figures like ravana lifting kailash mountain, demons, nagas, wooden toys etc. are also worshipped. Like Gosanis, gigantic images of Naga are also made and worshipped during the festival. These large male images symbolise heroism and valour. The Naga images represent the Akhada culture of Puri.

At Puri the faces of the Gosani figures are depicted in such a manner which gives an impression that Devi is closely watching Mahisasura and engaged in fierce fighting. Here in this case both Mahisasura and Devi look at each other with great concentration. Another feature of the Gosani images of Puri is that, here the demon in most of the cases is depicted in theriomorphic form i.e., the head is of the buffalo and the body is of a human being.

The decoration of these figures is also interesting like the images which are also indigenous in nature and arranged with sola (thromocol) and jari (polythin) work. The crown, ornaments, attributes and the halo are made of sola and jari which double the beauty of these images.

On the following day of Dusshera the Goshanis from all the sahis (streets) come together in procession in front of Jagannath Temple to pay tribute to Lord Jagannath. This is known as ‘BhasaniYatra’. Huge crowd from puri and nearby villages gather in front of Jagannath temple to celebrate BhasanaiYatra. In late night, the idols are taken for visarjana in the nearby rivers and sea.

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Puri along with Bhubaneshwar and Konark marks the epicentre of spirituality as the area is dotted with a number of ancient old temples, which hold crucial significance in Hinduism.

Among all, Chakratirtha is an important pilgrim centre of Puri. It is situated towards the northern end of Puri town and at a distance of 3 kilometres from the Lord Jagannath temple. It is located on the right side of Chakratirtha Road, leading from Subas Bose Chowk to Penthakota, the fisherman village. At this place there is a temple dedicated to Lord Nrusingha. Local people know this temple in various names like Chakra Narasimha Temple, Chakra Nrusingha Temple and Chakra Narayana Temple. At this temple, a large Chakra, the devine weapon of Lord Visnu or Jagannath, is being worshipped in water in the sanctum sanctorum made of black granite with a statue of Lord Narayan at the centre, known as Chkranarayana.

The presiding deities of the temple are three images of Lord Nrusingha known as Abhaya Nrusingha, Chakra Nrusingha and Laxmi Nrusingha. These three different forms of Lord Nrusingha as worshipped at Chakratirtha have unique values in Hindu religion. The form of Abhaya Nrusingha represents Sri Balabhadra. The form of Chakra Nrusingha represents Goddess Subhadra and the form of Laxmi Nrusingha represents Lord Jagannath. In puranas, the first three gods of the universe, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar have also found expression in the forms of Chakra Nrusingha, Laxmi Nrusingha and Abhaya Nrusingha respectively.

Significance

It is believed by local people that once there was a cyclone in Puri and the Neelachakra (the wheel at top of Jagannath Temple) was displaced from its location, flown across the sky and finally fell at Chakratirtha. It is also believed that the ‘Daru’ (divine log of wood for the creation of deities of Lord Jagannth temple during Navakalevara ) touched the ground at Chakratirtha for the first time coming through the sea. Chakratirtha has another spiritual significance as the abode of Goddess Mahalaxmi’s father is situated here.

Chakratirtha temple has close association with Lord Jagannth temple and every year the Agnyamala from Lord Jagannath comes to Lord Nrusingha. Narasimha Janma festival is observed in this temple with great devotion.

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Puri is one of the most fabulous places to enjoy the vacations and also seek blessings of Lord Jagannatha. Apart from the main Shree Temple, there are number of other temples that hold special significance and one such temple is Gundicha Temple, and is also known as Garden House of Lord Jagannatha.

This temple is located at the end of Grand road about three km north east of Jagannth temple and is marvellous piece of architecture with intricately carved structure all over in light-grey snadstone.

Relation to Lord Jagannath and Rath Yatra

It is during the Rath Yatra, that this temple becomes the centre of attraction as Lord stays in this temple for 7 days during Rath Yatra time. For rest of the year, the temple remains empty and can be visited by tourists.

Gundicha Mandira is also called the “birthplace” of Jaganantha Swami because here on a special platform called the mahavedi, a celestial carpenter carved the daru that manifested the Deities of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra during the reign of King lndradyumna. This temple is named after King Indradyumna’s wife, Gundicha Maharani. In this area King Indradyumna performed one thousand ashvamedha yajnas.

During Ratha Yatra, Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi, along with Sudarsana, leave Jagannath Mandira for nine days: one day for traveling to Gundicha, seven days spent there, and one day to return home. This Journey is known as to Gundicha Yatra, Nava Dina Yatra (“nine days Journey”), or Ghosa Yatra. It is most auspicious to have darshana of Lord during this time. Every year the Rathayatra culminates at this temple which is surrounded by lush gardens and tall cooling coconut trees. Fragrant flowers and shady trees create a Vrindavan atmosphere which Lord Jaganantha enjoys for 7 days before returning to Sri Mandira.

The cleansing of the Gundicha Temple – Gundicha-marjana – takes place the day before the Rathayatra festival as mentioned in Chaitanya-Charitamrita. Darshan of Jagannatha during His stay at Gundicha temple is known as Adapa Darshana. It is said in scripture that darshan of the Lord Jagannatha at Gundicha temple is equal to ten darshan at Nilachala Temple (main temple).

The place where Gundicha temple is situated is known as Sundarachala. Sundarahcala is compared to Vrindavana, and Nilachala, where Jagannatha recides, is compared to Dvaraka. During Ratha Yatra, Lord Jagannatha comes to Vrindavana, as the devotees are in the mood of residents of Vrindavana, begging the Lord to return with them.

Goddess Gundi

Some folklore suggests that main deity of the temple is Goddess Gundi, an avatar of Goddess Durga, who cures chicken pox.

Apart from these legends, there are few versions as well. Whatever the story may lie behind, but today the fact is that Gundicha Temple is one of the major attractions in Puri and also a must visit.

For more such interesting places and legends, stay tuned with Hotel Holiday Resort – visit us at www.puriholidayresort.com

Puri holds a prominent place as a Hindu Pilgrimage site. With Lord Jagannath residing here, Puri attracts a lot of ardent devotees from all over the world to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath. However, Puri is not just one among the Char Dhams, but it is also regarded as an abode of Hindu Goddess Vimala, and therefore is highly regarded as Shakti Pitha.

Who is Goddess Vimala?

Goddess Vimala is regarded as tantric consort of Lord Jagannath and is therefore believed to be another form of Goddess Laxmi. It is believed that she guards the temple complex and devotees should pay visit to Goddess Vimala before seeking blessings of Lord Jagannath.

The importance of Goddess Vimala becomes instantly visible by the tradition of temple, which is based on an age-old legend- Food offered to Jagannath does not get sanctified as Mahaprasad until it is also offered to Vimala.

The Shrine

The temple of Goddess Vimala is located in the south-west corner of the inner enclosure of the Jagannath temple complex and on the western corner of the tower of Jagannath, next to the sacred pond Rohini kunda. Facing towards east, the temple is constructed of sandstone and laterite in typical Deua style of architecture.

Significance as Shakti Pitha

The Vimala Temple is considered to be one of the most Shakti Pithas. The Shakti Pithas are the most sacred temples dedicated to Hindu Goddesses, and are ainly identified with Goddess Durga and Goddess Parvati.

A Wikipedia article dedicated to Goddess Vimala states that

“In Goddess-oriented worship, Vimala (Bimala) is regarded as the presiding goddess of the Purushottama (Puri) Shakti Pitha. Jagannath, a form of the god Vishnu/Krishna (Krishna is generally regarded as an avatar of Vishnu), is worshipped as the Pitha’s Bhairava. This is a departure from the usual tradition of Bhairava as a form of Shiva. So, in this temple complex, Vishnu–one of the Hindu trinity – is equated with Shiva, another of the trinity; this is interpreted to convey the oneness of God. In this regard, Vimala – generally associated with Shiva’s consort – is also considered as Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. Conversely, Tantrics consider Jagannath as Shiva-Bhairava, rather than a form of Vishnu.”

The shrine may not be a palatial one, but certainly holds a crucial significance and is revered by Goddess-oriented Shakta and Tantric worshippers.

Festivals

Durga Puja and Vijayadashami are the two main festivals celebrated to revere Goddess Vimala

History of The Temple Complex

The present structure is believed to date back to 9^th century, with the central icon dating back to 6^th Century CE. Based on the architecture of the temple it seems to build under Eastern Ganga Dynasty. However, there are indications that a shrine would have been situated before the present structure, which somehow got destroyed and it’s the renovated version of the shrine. At some places, like the sculptures, especially the parshvadevatas (attendant deities), as well as the background slab of the central icon, reflect the Somavashi style and may be part of the original temple, on whose ruins the new temple was constructed.

The temple was renovated around 2005 and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, Bhubaneswar Circle.

Those were the key features and interesting facts of Vimala Temple, situated in Jagannath Temple. Make sure to seek Goddess’s blessings while in holy town of Puri and stay tuned with Hotel Holiday Resort for more such updates of abode of Lord Jagannath.

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Ratha Yatra, also referred as Ratha Jatra or Chariot Festival is the most famous festival celebrated in Puri. It is the oldest Ratha Yatra taking place in India and the World, whose descriptions can be found in Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana and Kapila Samhita and takes place annually on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Ashadha month.)

The festival commemorates Jagannath‘s annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (aunt’s home) near Balagandi Chaka, Puri. The significance of this annual festival can be known from the preparations that start well in advance as a huge crowd gathers in Puri on this holy day to catch the glimpses of their beloved Lord Jagannath.

Procession

The idols of Lord Jagannath along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra steps out the temple sanctum and are placed in three richly decorated Rathas. From the main temple they are taken to Gundicha or Mausi Maa temple, where they stay for 9 days, before returning back to Shree Mandira. The whole procession is carried out in a joyful mood with loud music, devotional songs, and chants praising Lord Jagannath. The devotees flock Puri from all over the world to participate in this auspicious festival with earnest desire to pull the chariots of deities and even the hot and humid weather could mar their spirits of rejoicing the annual festivity. Sudarshan Chakra is also part of the procession.

Different kinds of sevaks are employed to offer various services to Lord and his siblings.

The Rathas or Chariots

The chariots used to pull the deities are also considered very auspicious and every year new chariots are carved from wood of specified trees like phassi, dhausa, etc. They are customarily brought from the ex-princely state of Dasapalla by a specialist team of carpenters who have hereditary rights and privileges for the same. The logs are traditionally set afloat as rafts in the river Mahanadi. These are collected near Puri and then transported by road.

The chariots are richly decorated as per the prescribed and followed for centuries stand on the Bada Danda, the Grand Avenue. Covered with bright canopies made of stripes of red cloth and combined with those of black, yellow and blue colours, the huge chariots are lined across the wide avenue in front of the majestic temple close to its eastern entrance, which is also known as the Sinhadwara or the Lion’s Gate.

Lord Jagannath’s chariot is called Nandighosha. It is forty-five feet high and forty-five feet square at the wheel level. It has sixteen wheels, each of seven-foot diameter, and is decked with a cover made of red and yellow cloth. Lord Jagannatha is identified with Krushna, who is also known as Pitambara, the one attired in golden yellow robes and hence the distinguishing yellow stripes on the canopy of this chariot.

The chariot of Lord Balarama, called the Taladhwaja, is the one with the Palm Tree on its flag. It has fourteen wheels, each of seven-foot diameter and is covered with red and blue cloth. Its height is forty-four feet.

The chariot of Subhadra, known as Dwarpadalana, literally “trampler of pride,” is forty-three feet high with twelve wheels, each of seven-foot diameter. This chariot is decked with a covering of red and black cloth – black being traditionally associated with Shakti and the Mother Goddess.

Ratha Yatra 2018

This year, Ratha Yatra is falling on 14^th July 2018. If you are interested in attending this grand procession in Puri, then it is advisable to make bookings in advance and collect all the necessary information before-hand so that you do not face any problem later on. As it is a very popular and grand festival, thousands of people travel to Puri. During this time of the year, Puri becomes one of the most crowded places in Odisha. Therefore, we at Hotel Holiday Resort offer the best services to our guests and make all the necessary arrangements for their visit to Puri during Ratha Yatra festival.

Hotel Holiday Resort makes sure that your stay during this time of the year is comfortable and enjoyable too. Contact us for any further query regarding the festival, tour and accommodation facilities and services. We would be happy to welcome you during Ratha Yatra 2018 and cater all your needs on your stay in Puri.

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