Four Hermitages of Srikshetra

There are four hermitages of four important sages at Puri. They are at four directions of Sriksetra. These Asramas are considered as old as the Ksetra. These Asramas are –

1. Angira Asrama (after the name of the sage Angira)- It is situated in the east side of the temple at Dolamandap Sahi.
2. Vrgu Asrama (after the name of the sage Vrgu)- It is in the south side of the temple at Balisahi.
3. Kandu Asrama (after the name of the sage Kandu)- It is in the south west side of the temple at Haracandi Sahi.
4. Markandeya Asrama (after the name of the sage Markandeya)- It is in the west-north side of the temple at Markandesvra Sahi.

Among them two sages (Angira, Vrgu) belong to Vedic period and two others (Kandu and Markandeya) belong to Puranic Period. Angira group is known as founder of Agni (fire). They first discovered Agni. For that Agni is also known as Angira. As per Satapatha Brahmana the word Angira is evolved from the meditation of Varuna while he was meditating upon. Vrgu is also the son of sage Varuna. He is otherwise known as Vrgu Baruni. Ramayana has made a reference of sage Kandu. Skanda Purana also writes that the sage Markandeya has come to this place to see the Lord. As per his instruction he stayed here. Therefore the Asramas of these great sages glorify the importance of Sriksetra.

More over these Asramas are also related to the rituals of the temple. Nrsimha (commonly known as Badi Nrsimha) goes round these four Asramas on the 9th day of the dark fort night of Sravana and 11th day of the bright fort night to Caitra to protect the devotees from the effect of Cholera. Mahalaksmi visits Kandu Asrama on the 5th day of dark fort night of Bhadraba to observe Risipancami Vrata. Sudarsana moves round three Asramas (except Kandu Asrama which he visits on the day of Radha Astami) on the full moon day of Sravana (Gamha Purnima) and Kumar Purnima (full moon day of Asvina).

It is very difficult to ascertain the time of construction of these hermitages. They may be as old as Vedas and Puranas. If we believe on this we may safely conclude that Sriksetra is as old as the Vedic and Puranic age.