I am
all set with the 'essentials' I need to write a Project Report for my Institute
this semester which include
✔ Stationery ✔Pictures ✔References
✔ Good luck!? oh yes most Important, and for
that I need to explain the whole background to everybody. So I have
worked on three projects in last eight months and this would be the fourth one
(believe it or not) . This one deals with 'The Intangible Heritage of
Jagannath Puri Temple'. I have been so excited since this topic came to my mind
and now I can't wait to begin with it. The Idea of the assignment is based on
the Cultural pattern of Puri in present day, the century old practices and
rituals and the beauty in these complex believes. After reading much about
it, I came to the conclusion that the glory and greatness of Jagannathism
is a great story to do. Such a broad based system of religious life is not to
be found anywhere in the world.
Moreover, Only recently I have
also got this realisation that I dig for 'Intangible Heritage' around me. The
performing arts, the traditions, the living
expressions, social practices, festivals. I live to see these long
living, on going Wonders. The idea of working on the 'Temple Traditions' have
always been interesting me. I was very little when I visited the 'Purushottam
Kshetra' with my family and I do not remember much from that. I have wanted to
go again, not because of religious reasons but because reading about the
fascinating facts of this temple has compelled me to witness the marvel of it
in reality. Its origin, history, it's association with the
Tribals, and the innumerable rituals that take place inside the
magnificent temple complex is very unique. So a month back I was in Orissa, and
I finally in Puri. It was just as I expected, a huge mass of devotees
eager to see the 'Trimurti'.
When we think of the Puri
temple, we also think of the presiding deities therein. Hence I
decided on understanding the Cult of Jagannath and the social, religious,
cultural life associated with it. Jagannath, "Lord of the
Universe" is worshipped along with his brother Balabhadra and sister
Subhadra.
The famous Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra,
an Intangible Heritage of the area which has been ongoing, since years.
It is participated by lakhs of pilgrims from the whole of India, has a number
of vidhis or practices in connection with the pulling of the chariots and the
journey of Jagannatha to the garden house (which will be a focus point in my
report). One of the vidhis is called 'Cherapahanra'. This literally means, the
sweeping of the floor. On this occasion, when the deities are brought from the
main temple and placed on the special seats designed for them on the chariots,
the Raja of Puri, is required to sweep the floor of the chariots in front of
the deities with a golden broom-stick. Thousands of eyes watch the performance
with rapt attention. Needless to say, this vidhi or practice is symbolic of the
highest form of social justice and equality that has remained an objective to
be realized by humanity in all walks of life.
The most interesting and tasteful section of my report will focus
on the 'Chappan Bhog'. Being a foodie myself I can't wait to get started. As I
crossed the main entrance, I found on the left-hand side, a vast kitchen area
of the temple. The Puri temple may be described as the 'biggest hotel of the
world'. It can feed even one lakh persons. The method of preparation is most
hygienic and the traditional process of preparation of food for so many people
in so short a time, takes many by surprise. To the right, we have the Ananda
Bajara which is the popular name of the food selling market within the
enclosure. Ananda Bajara literally means, the pleasure market. The food
offerings of the Jagannatha temple which is called 'Mahaprasada' is a wonder of
the Hindu world. Usually persons of all castes are seen enjoying Mahaprasada
sitting in one place in a row.
Another grandiloquent event associated with the Lord Jagannath is
Naba Kalabera. The event involves installation of new images in the temple and
burial of the old ones in the temple premises. It's the most elaborated theory
which is offered me to study so I will be doing another write up on it soon.
There was
so much I saw and took in that is difficult to express. Till then wish me luck
for the upcoming assignment.
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