The principal deity of Sri Jagannath Temple or Sri Mandir is Lord Jagannath. Though He is primarily worshipped as Vishnu or the Purusottama, He is also perceived as Bhairava or Siva by the Shaivites, Dakhina Kalika by the Shaktas and Rama, Krishna, Nrusimha by the Vaishnavas. Devotees of different sects regard Lord Jagannath as their supreme Lord and attribute all the mark of God in Him. Famous Gurus who were ardent devotees of the Lord are Adi Sankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Guru Nanak, Madhwacharya, Ballavacharya, Nimbark, Sankara Dev, Kabir Das, Tulsi Das etc. However the entrance into the Sri Jagannath Temple is restricted to orthodox Hindus only. But everyone can have a glimpse of the deities once in a year during Rath Yatra (Car Festival) when they come out of the temple to visit Gundicha Temple in three decorated wooden chariots.
The account of the car festival was known to the European community through the description of the visitors presented to the western world. It goes without saying that much of the accounts was distorted, exaggerated and even misconstrued. The earliest account of the festival in 1321 A.D. from ‘Friar Odoric’ as quoted in ‘Hobson Jobson’… read more »
Some historians contend that the Car Festival or the Rath Jātrā of Shri Jagannath owes its origin to a Buddhist tradition. According to Dr. R.L. Mitra, it was used by the Buddhists to celebrate the advent of Lord Buddha and in support of his statement, he has referred to the accounts given by Fahien (4th… read more »
One of the reasons that draw devotees to Lord Jagannath is perhaps the unique rituals and festivals performed for him. They include common activities of a human life taking from morning ablutions [Abakasa] to slumber [Pahuda], from summer boat ride on a cool lake [Chandan Yatra on Narendra tank] to winter luxury to be draped… read more »