A Methodical Inclination towards SHRIKHETRA Shrine
(Part-II)
Beginning from the main Motto Unity in Cultural Diversity in the terms of traditional rites; Lord Jagannatha Shrine also conveys very fascinating reasons and clues behind its magnificent architectural cum custom establishment. So, have a look at such astonishing facts.
While probing for Jagannatha Cult through periphery of Puri Dham in the previous part, Let’s accelerate into the close Temple surroundings to enjoy more classic evidence in the arena of Science-Mythology.
NOTE : If the reader haven’t yet read the part-1 of this article, Link of Part-1 is given below
In the moment, one will be bowing him/herself with a indebting field from vicinity of Nilachala Prabhu in the midst of Grand Avenue (Bada Daanda), he/she usually shocked by breathtaking craft of Blue Wheel (Neela Chakra), just below the sacred Flag Patitapabana at top most point of the 214 feet high temple.
Representing the most powerful weapon of Lord Vishnu, the eight spoke of the wheel confined within a circumference of 36 feet, which is made of eight metals (Ashtadhatu) composed of iron, copper, zinc, mercury, lead, brass, silver and gold. This wheel is connected to the Long Copper Plate right below the ground to shield the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) of the shrine from thunder, lightning via providing a channel for the Electrical Grounding.
Then moving through the main door (Singha Dwaar) of the temple , one finds Garuda Stambha in the Nata Mandira (a place for dance and music) , on the top of which Garuda, the carrier of Narayana is seated with folded hands. This pillar is placed just at the level of Ratna Vedi (Ratna Simhasana) so that Garuda can point his eyes to the feet of Lord Jagannatha and a devotee can get a view of Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The stambha is said to be shaped from a recognised root of Ayurvedic science and shelled with some chemical solution. When devotees embrace the pillar (Garuda Stambha) by chest with hands around it, they indirectly cure themselves from chest related disease while offering their prayers to the Lord.
Similarly , Art and Architecture of Nata Mandapa (Hall of Dance) and Bhoga Mandapa (Hall of Offering) purely cascades psychological and spiritual influence that awakens the metaphysical side of one’s mind.
There has been an old tradition that we go to the temple of Lord Vishnu or Shiva , with a pious mindset and empty stomach. The psychological aspect behind this practice is that, people fearing about their sins, they start to visit temples regularly with empty belly & receive Lord’s Mangal Arati prasaad “Tulsi”. This daily intake of Tulsi cures issonofils, thyroid and cold tendencies along with some extent of abdominal issues.
Attending Morning rituals of Mahaprabhu, one is able to get bathing water of Lord ( Paduka or Abakasha Jal ) which heals chronic constipation along with the Tulsi. Few Legends say that, also bathing water of Garuda washes away different fevers and cures dyspepsia related indigestion problems.
Following regular Nitis, Bhoga is offered from the hall of offering, and is basically for the public. In this bhoga, the varieties are Plain Rice, Ghee Rice, Khechudi, Kanika ( Sweet Rice ), Vegetable Curries, Dal, Dalama, Mahura, Besara (Unique taste of SriKhetra), Saga, Dahi Baigana ( a curry made of curd & brinjal ), Gotasola, Gota Muga,Madhuruchi, Dahibara, Jhili Khaja, Pheni, Salty Khuruma, Jagannatha Ballav , Magaja Ladu etc. The whole special set of more 56 offerings to the Lord is known as “Chappan Bhog”.
I am remembering a recent article in newspaper (The Samaja) last month that, Once Swadeshi Chikitsa Sangh head Rajiv Dixit Sir been to Puri temple for a while, where he was curious about why the Mahaprasad is cooked in earthen pots (Kodua). Then the servitors (Sebayat) replied, that is the most holy way to be offered to the Lord of the Earth. Later on, he took the Dal as a sample to cross verify about its nutrients. Unfortunately, due to lack of instruments at Bhubaneswar Lab; he had to take NewDelhi for testing. & you will be shocked by the results obtained. Even after 36 hours , testing said that it was as freshly rich with all 18 types of nutrients and without any loss of proteins, while a simple home pressure cooker food normally left with 13% nutrients.
Therefore, one or other way round, this reverent pious hub, solely enlightens one’s mental peace and lowers the momentum of psychological strains via its rich heritage, profound culture, noble monumental and crowning shine.
{Reference :- Dr. A Kar}
To be continued …
Next part will be coming soon (Regarding 7 puzzling wonders of Jagannatha Shrine)
