If we study history, it is very difficult to find out exactly when Lord Jagannath manifested Himself at Puri and came to be worshipped the way He is worshipped today. However majority of historians claim that King Chodaganga Dev first built the Sri Jagannath Temple of Puri about or after the year 1135 AD and since then Sri Jagannath is being worshipped. Many historians also believe that the tradition of worship of Sri Jagannath is even more ancient and its roots can be traced to an ancient tribal culture. But much of the history of Lord Jagannath is largely unknown till today. And this unknown aspect of Lord Jagannath makes Him even more mysterious. But an ordinary devotee of Lord Jagannath is least concerned about His history; he is content and ecstatic by having a glimpse of Him. He says – the Vedas are unable to describe Him, so how can we mere mortals even dare to do so?
Lord Jagannath to my mind is the most fascinating contribution of Indian Culture to the world and one of the most significant manifestations of human culture. Sri Jagannath Consciousness is so all pervading that it seems to have the capacity to provide nurture to all levels of human existence – rich or poor, learned or… read more »