The Spiritual Heart of India: Puri and Jagannath Temple

The history of Odisha and Odisha culture is a journey that spans centuries. Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Odisha culture has been influenced by dynasties like the Mauryas, Guptas, and Gajapatis.

The state is renowned for its ancient temples, including the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri. art and culture of Odisha are characterized by Odisha festivals, such as Ratha Yatra and Durga Puja, and Odisha culture art Odisha festival forms like Pattachitra. The Odia Cuisine, including delectable Odia dishes, like “MahaPrasad“ in Puri. reflects its unique identity. The tribal culture of Odisha adds to the cultural tapestry with its traditions and craftsmanship.

Exploring the spiritual essence of Puri

The District of Puri has been named after its head quarters, Puri. The importance of the town as a seat of Vaisnavism increased when Chodaganga Deva constructed the temple (in the 12th century) of Purusottama Jagannath and installed the images of the deities. Thereafter, it became famous as the abode of Purusottama and was popularly called Purusottama Kshetra.

King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva

Purusottama name was applied to this town from the drama Anargharaghava Natakam attributed to cir. 9th century A.D. In the Nagari Plate of Anangabhima III of the Saka year 1151-52, i.e., 1229-30 A.D., the place is called Purusottama Kshetra.

This name in the form of Purusottama Chhatar or only in the form Chhatar was used by the Mughals, the Marathas as well as the early British rulers in their official records. Even in Yoginitantra and Kalikapurana, the city is referred to as Purusottam. Puri region was also known as Utkal.

The name Purusottama Kshetra was also for sometime known as Purusottama Puri and as the word Purusottama Kshetra was contracted into Kshetra or Chhatra, so also Purusottama Puri was expressed in the contracted form, Puri.

In fact, in many early British records this town is known by the name “Pooree”. In modern times, Puri has become the most popular name amongst all other names of this town.

Under Mughal Rule (1592-1751), Odisha for the purpose of revenue administration was divided into three circars, namely Jaleswar, Bhadrak and Kataka, each of which under the Mughals was subdivided into Bishis.

Puri formed a part of Kataka circar. After their occupation of Odisha in 1751, the Marathas brought about some changes in the revenue divisions of the province. They divided Odisha, which then extended from the river Suvarnarekha in the North to the lake Chilika in the South, into four Chakalas viz. Pipli, Kataka, Soro and Balasore. The Chakala of Pipli comprised major portions of the modern District of Puri.

The Chakalas were divided into Parganas and again into Mahals or Taluqs. The conquest of Odisha by the British in 1803 set fourth great changes in revenue divisions and political relations.

In June 1804, the province was divided into two divisions, namely the Northern and Southern Divisions, with the river Mahanadi forming the boundary.

By 1805 both divisions were amalgamated and G. Webb succeeded Groene as Collector and Robert Ker became the Judge and Magistrate of the whole province.

By 1916 the head quarter was permanently shifted to Cuttack, which was the head quarter during the Mughals and Marathas. By 1818, the office of the Commissioner was established and Robert Ker became the first Commissioner.

Finally on 23rd October 1828, the province was divided into three Districts, namely Balasore, Cuttack and Jagannath, which was later known as Puri. W. Willkinson were the first magistrate of Puri.

Again by the year 1995, Puri District was divided into 3 Districts i.e.

1. Nayagarh District comprising of Nayagarh sub-division.

2. Khurda District comprising of Khurda and Bhubaneswar sub-divisions.

3. Puri District comprising of Puri Sadar sub-division only.

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Goals for Tomorrow :

1. Explore something more on Puri and Jagannath namaste Temple. Part - 2.

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