The Legend of Lord Jagannath and His Connection to Puri

Introduction

Puri, a coastal town in the state of Odisha, India, is renowned for the Jagannath Temple, one of the four Dhams established by the revered Shankaracharyas. This article explores the origins of Lord Jagannath's association with Puri through a detailed legend that intertwines the divine, human, and historical elements of this revered site.

Construction of the Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple in Puri was constructed under the patronage of King Chodaganga, who initiated the construction. Under his reign, the Jaga mohan or the assembly hall and the Vimana or the chariot of the temple were established. These foundational structures laid the ground for the complete temple, which was later completed by Anangabhima Deva in the year 1174 AD.

A Divine Encounter

The most notable legend linking Lord Jagannath to Puri revolves around King Indradyumna, who was deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu. One day, he was informed that Lord Vishnu had taken the form of Nila Madhava. The king dispatched a priest named Vidyapati to locate the divine form. Vidyapati's journey led him to a community of Sabaras, where he met Vishvavasu, the local chief, and his daughter Lalita. After some time, the couple married.

Vidyapati noticed that whenever Vishvavasu returned, his body emitted a fragrance reminiscent of sandalwood, camphor, and musk. Upon inquiring from his wife, Lalita revealed that Vishvavasu was devoted to the worship of Nila Madhava. Inspired, Vidyapati requested his father-in-law to lead him to the deity. Vishvavasu, with a blindfold, guided Vidyapati to a cave and instructed him to search for a route by marking mustard seeds on the way.

The Divine Revelation

Upon leaving the cave, Vidyapati informed the king, who proceeded to the site but found no trace of the deity. In his despair, the king fasted unto death on Mount Neela. During his dearth, he heard a divine voice suggesting he build a temple and install an idol of Sri Narsimha. The deity instructed him to create idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, alongside a Sudarshan Chakra.

One night, as the king slept, he had a vision of Lord Jagannath. The deity commanded the king to locate a fragrant tree and create idols from it. Following the divine command, the king returned to Puri and constructed the temple, filling it with the divine presence of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

The Blessing of Lord Brahma

The completed temple pleased Lord Brahma, who granted the king a wish. The king wished for a life without issues and to be the last of his lineage. He also wished that, if any family member remained, they should work for the temple instead of society.

Invasions and Preservation

Over the years, the temple faced numerous invasions by rulers, with a total of 18 known instances. During these times, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra were transferred to protect them from destruction. Despite these challenges, the Jagannath Temple has stood strong, maintaining its sanctity and significance in the hearts of devotees.

The legend of Lord Jagannath and his connection to Puri is a testament to the enduring divine presence in this sacred place. From the initial struggle of finding the divine form to the invasions and preservation efforts, the story encapsulates the spiritual journey and resilience of the temple and its community.