HOME
SEARCH
MUSIC & MANTRAS
ON-LINE HOROSCOPE
DEITIES & TEMPLES
INDIA - HOLY PLACES
CONTACTS
GUEST BOOK
 
Jagannatha Puri
 


    (By clicking on images you will get three times bigger ones in new window)

The city of Puri — also called Puri-on-the-Sea, Jagannatha Puri, Nilacala,
and Sri Ksetra — is considered equal to Vrindavana and Navadvipa (the
birthplace of Lord Krishna and Caitanya respectively) as a dhama, or sacred Vaisnava holy place. For thousands of years great sages and other exalted persons have traveled to Puri on pilgrimage. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu chose to reside here for the last eighteen years of His life. Jagannatha Puri is situated on the bank of Bay of Bengal in East-Indian state Orissa.

three times bigger image in new window

Jagannatha's Temple was built in ancient times by King Indradyumna and the whole story was marvelously depicted in Tamala Krishna's drama Jagannatha Priya-natakam (We recommend you to get this play and relish it to heart's content).

three times bigger image in new window

The present temple of Lord Jagannatha was constructed by King Anangabheema. Historians say this temple must have been originally constructed at least two thousand years ago.

three times bigger image in new window

The main tower is 65 m high. On the top there is Neela-chakra ("the blue disc") made from alloy of eight metals (astha-dhatu) It is 3,5 m high and each day bears different flag.

three times bigger image in new window

The lamp is lighted there on each Ekadasi.

three times bigger image in new window

In Caitanya-caritamrita it is stated that if one is not for some reason qualified to enter the temple (because of not being born-Hindu or feels unclean), he may look at the chakra and bow down from distance, which is as good as visiting of the temple. Lord Caitanya was regularly visiting the temple.

three times bigger image in new window

In front of the main gate of Jagannath Temple there is Aruna-stamba. Carrying on the top of the stamba is the figure of Aruna the charioteer of Sun God.

three times bigger image in new window Lord Jagannatha
"Jagat" means "universe" and "natha" is "master". Thus Jagannatha is "Master of the universe" and priests are decorating Him in different ways on different occasions - in the mood of many incarnations of the Supreme Lord as Nrsimha or Varaha, but Gaudiya-vaisnavas prefer to see Him as Lord Caitanya did - as Lord Krishna. Wooden Deity is so heavy that few men have to hold each of His hand, some must push from behind and some pull from the front.
three times bigger image in new window Baladeva (Balabhadra)
is on the left side. He is actually Balarama, older brother of Krishna, His first expansion.
three times bigger image in new window Lady Subhadra (in the middle) is Krishna's sister, Divine energy.
three times bigger image in new window

Since the Deities are made from wood, each 12 years Nava-kalevara-yatra (or ritual of transformation) is hold. After elaborate preliminary preparations, the right trees are found, Deities carved, transformation made and old Deities buried in the ground. Last rites were done in 1996. Though as much as half million people attend the festival, most of the procedures are conducted in secret and no other than few appointed priests and servants can be present.

First of all the special trees with the symbolic marks of chakra, ...

three times bigger image in new window

...conshell, mace and lotus have to be found. The search party consists of exact numbers of man belonging to specific families and casts. After several stops they will reach village Kakatpur 80 km from Puri. The oldest member of Dayitapati family has to sleep in the temple of Goddess Vimala or Mangala, meaning "Auspicious One". He must have a dream during this stay in which goddess tells him the exact location where the trees can be found. The tree for each of the four Deities will be in a different place (the fourth Deity is Sudarsan). When the search party locates the places, they may find many trees, but the sacred symbols will be found on only one of them.

three times bigger image in new window

The Siva's temple and pond has to be nearby. Very rare types of trees must be growing beside: The Varuna Tree, which can protect you from snakes. It is said that this tree has the power to destroy all anger and pride. People today often carry a piece of Varuna bark with them if they must meet a bothersome person. The Sahada Tree, which gives the power to forget oneself. The Vilua Tree, which has the power to cure any disease, even heart disease, cancer and leprosy...

three times bigger image in new window

...The cure is obtained by chewing its leaves. All three trees are very rare, whereas the Neem tree is very common. When the trees are found, they must construct a small hut nearby in which they will now reside. A great fire sacrifice is performed there to invite all demigods to give their blessings and cutting of the tree can start. First only the golden axe can touch the tree, then silver and after that iron axe can finish the work. 108 names of the Lord are chanted continuously. Neem wood will not decay for more than thirty years and it is one of the longest-lasting types of wood in India. Since "Neem" is called "daru" Jagannatha Deity is also called "daru-brahman".

three times bigger image in new window

Only members of the Dayitapati
family have the right of carrying the huge log back to Puri and the descendant of the original carver can carve the Deity. Only few precisely designated servants can participate in the rites of transformation. Old Deities are placed in front of the new ones and three oldest members of Dayitapati family transfer "Daru-brahman" to the new Deities...

...Not even the head priest can be there during this time. Nava-kalevara-yatra is actually this transformation ceremony during which all present have very intense experiences as they blindfolded transfer "life force" to the new Deities. Old Deities are buried in a place known as Koili Vaikuntha. Koili means "burial ground" and Vaikuntha means "Heaven".

Cobra representing Ananta Sesa

three times bigger image in new window

The temple has four gates: Simha-dwara (Lion or main Gate), Ashva-dwara (Horse Gate), Vyaghra-dwara (Tiger Gate) and Hasti-dwara (Elephant Gate).

three times bigger image in new window

There is also small sanctum of Satya-narayana, Ramacandra, Nrsimhadeva in the temple area and smaller Deity of Jagannatha called Patita-pavana ("Savior of the fallen") that can be seen by everybody directly from the street.

three times bigger image in new window

None of the temple kitchens in the world is as grand as Lord Jagannatha's kitchens in Puri. Awesome and gigantic, the Jagannatha Temple kitchens reflect centuries of tradition. Without electricity or machines, skilled chefs work under oil lamps over open wood fires. Every day they prepare more than a hundred different dishes and offer them to the central Deities. Further, given only one day's notice the chefs can prepare a full meal for up to 10 000 guests.

three times bigger image in new window

During Snana-yatra (bathing) festival Lord Jagannatha is supposed to get sick and He is brought for few days to His private rooms. There, the Anavasara (rejuvenating) ceremony takes place. Only Dayitas, servants from the lower caste, take care about the Lord and because He is supposed to have fever, fruit juices are served for drink.

three times bigger image in new window

During Anga-Raga (Nava-Yauvana) ceremony Lord Jagannatha's Deities are newly painted. But the real reason for His absence in the temple is actually enjoying undisturbed privacy and svakiya-rasa with His wife Laksmi. Then Lord Jagannatha asks Her permission to leave and comes out for His Ratha-yatra chariot festival.

three times bigger image in new window

Deities of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Lady Subhadra are by rolling movements with sounds of drums carried out of the temple to Their carts. It is grand festival and the biggest event in whole Orissa. Only during the Ratha-yatra festival the big Deities can be seen by all including non-hindus. The king of Orissa then sweeps the street in front of the carts with a golden handled broom.

three times bigger image in new window

Sri Caitanya experienced Ratha-yatra festival in unique way. In the mood of Srimati Radharani He remembered a time when inhabitants of Vrindavan came to meet Krishna at Kuruksetra. Gopis were cowherds and Krishna was King with weapons and chariots and all over were splendid riches. Gopis remembered Krishna as a simple cowherd boy in Vrindavan and paradoxically felt even more separation than before...

three times bigger image in new window

...Therefore they took the rein (ropes) of His chariot and with all strength start to pull Him back to Vrindavan. This is the real mood of Ratha-yatra relished by gaudiya-vaisnava devotees. Sri Caitanya tasted many ecstatic emotions during the festival and afterwards the verse written by Rupa Gosvami pleased Him very much: "I am the same Radharani, and now we are meeting together. It is very pleasant, but I would still like to go to the bank...

three times bigger image in new window

... of the Yamuna beneath the trees of the forest there. I wish to hear the vibration of His sweet flute playing the fifth note within that forest of Vrindavan." Ratha-yatra was also one of the favorite festivals of Srila Prabhupada. He used to say that he never attended festival in Puri, but he always had his own. And that was true in his childhood when he celebrated it with his neighbors, as well as in later times when he introduced it in many western towns.

three times bigger image in new window

Gundica Mandir (Temple)
This temple is located at the opposite end of main road about 3 km northeast of the Jagannatha Temple. The temple at Gundica is called Sundaracala and Jagannatha Temple is called Nilacala. At the time of the Ratha-yatra festival. Lord Jagannatha goes to the Gundica Temple and stays there for one week. After one week He returns to His original temple. It is said that the wife of lndradyumna, the king who originally established the temple of Jagannatha, was known as Gundica. The cleansing of the Gundica Temple - Gundica-marjana - takes place the day before the Ratha-yatra festival as mentioned in Caitanya-caritamrita.

three times bigger image in new window "...The next day Lord Caitanya smeared sandalwood pulp on His personal associates, gave each a broom and went to Gundica. They cleansed everything nicely including the ceiling. They moved Lord Jagannatha's throne to clean underneath it. Sri Caitanya cleansed in jubilation and chanted Hare Krishna simultaneously, everyone followed His example...
three times bigger image in new window ...Lord Caitanya's entire body was covered with dust and dirt as He washed the temple with His tears. Imitating Lord Caitanya, the devotees gathered dust and straw in their cloths and discarded it outside into one pile. Lord Caitanya's own pile of straw and dust was much bigger than the devotee's collective pile. Lord Caitanya mopped and polished the room and throne with His cloth. All the rooms were cleansed with a hundred water pots...
three times bigger image in new window ...Whenever anyone had to speak, they uttered only the holy name of Krishna. Lord Caitanya approached everyone just to teach them how to work. While praising the good and chastising the bad, without bearing grudge, Lord Caitanya said, "You have done well, teach others." Lord Caitanya personally instructed how to receive the Supreme Lord within one's cleansed and pacified heart."
three times bigger image in new window

Indradyumna Sarovara
This water tank is about a half km from the Gundica Temple.

three times bigger image in new window

Water to clean the Gundica Temple is brought from this kunda.

three times bigger image in new window

Sri Caitanya engaged in water sports with His intimate associates in this tank. Sri Caitanya once manifested His Mahavishnu form showing His associates His supernatural qualities as an incarnation of God.

three times bigger image in new window

On the way from Gundica temple to the Indradyumna tank there is a temple known as the Yagna Narasimha.

three times bigger image in new window

As depicted in the purana once King Indradyumna stayed near Nilakantheswar temple to make arrangements to perform Aswamedha Yagna (Horse sacrifice) for one thousand years...

three times bigger image in new window

...On the advice of Sage Narada, King Indradyumna made a Narasimha Deity out of black stone and placed it under black sandal wood tree and worshipped Him. It is believed that in front of this temple the Aswamedha Yagna took place and hence He known as 'Yagna Narasimha'.

three times bigger image in new window

There are two Deities of Lord Narasimha inside the temple, one behind the other. The Deity in front is called Santa Narasimha. In local language 'Santa' means 'Calm' or 'Sober'. Anyone who sees this image of Lord Narasimha will have his anger, frustration, and anxiety will vanish. The Deity in the back is called Ugra Narasimha. In local language 'Ugra' means 'Angry'. He is the internal mood of Narasimha.

three times bigger image in new window

It is said, that when Kalapahad attacked Puri and was smashing Deities of various temples, he saw Santa Narasimha and his anger subsided; hence he could not break the Deity as he had planned.

three times bigger image in new window

Jagannatha Vallabha Gardens
Sri Caitanya used to meet here with Ramananda Raya. Ramananda Raya used to train girls here to dance for the pleasure of Lord Jagannatha.

three times bigger image in new window

There are three altars in the Jagannatha Vallabha temple. On one altar there are large Deities of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra. On the middle altar there are Deities of Lord Caitanya (in saffron) and Ramananda Raya (in white). Radha-Krishna Deities are on the third altar. Caitanya Mahaprabhu performed many pastimes here like Deliverance of King Prataprudra.

three times bigger image in new window During Ratha yatra Sri Caitanya takes rest hear for nine days while Jagannatha stays in the Gundicha Temple.
three times bigger image in new window

A little ways away from the garden is Narendra Sarovara. This is a large tank where the boat festival called Chandana-yatra is held during which Lord Jagannath goes for a boat ride. Since Lord Jagannath is very heavy, the vijaya vigraha (festival Deity), known as Govinda, rides in the boat. Sri Caitanya and his devotees took part in this festival.

three times bigger image in new window

There is a small temple on an island about 30m (100 ft) into the tank, with Deities of Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra.

three times bigger image in new window

Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati
Thakura's Birthplace
Great vaisnava saint, Bhaktivinod Thakur, lived in Jagannatha Puri. As the regional governor he was also in charge of Jagannatha Temple.

three times bigger image in new window

He was not only saint, but he could see more clearly motivation of people, which made him a very effective judge. British colonizers used to look at the managerial qualities of Indians with contempt, but Bhaktivinod won their recognition also in this regard. In few minutes he could finish the cases which others were unable to close in hours.

three times bigger image in new window

In his house a son Bhimal Prasad was born, who later became famous all over India as Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. When Bhimal Prasad was a child,
Ratha-yatra cart stopped in front of Bhaktivinod's house and like in times of Lord Caitanya couldn't move for a while...

three times bigger image in new window

... Bhaktivinoda was a governor and his wife could come out with Bhimal Prasad in her arms and place him directly in front of the Jagannath's Deities...

three times bigger image in new window

...A flower garland fell on the child, thus blessing Bhimal Prasad. Shortly afterwards the cart could move again and Ratha-yatra continued.

three times bigger image in new window

The temple at his birthplace is located about 1 km from the Jagannatha Temple on Grand Road. There is a Gaudiya Math temple here, with Jagannatha Deities and a murti of Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja. There are also murtis of the heads of the four Vaishnava sampradayas — Vishnuswami, Madhvacarya, Nimbarka, and Ramanuja.

three times bigger image in new window Gopinath Gaudiya Math.
three times bigger image in new window

Puri Maharaja (right) is a disciple of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati.

three times bigger image in new window

Here he is engaged in talk with Narayana Maharaja (on the left).

three times bigger image in new window One can only guess what they are talking about...
three times bigger image in new window  
three times bigger image in new window

Sveta-Ganga

three times bigger image in new window

It is said in Sastra that if one take bath in Sveta Ganga and takes darshan of Sveta Madhava (These name is given to King Sveta by Lord, he was great devotee of Lord Jagannatha) and Matsya Madhava, he will free from all sins, in particular the offence of inadvertently stepping over Jagannatha Prasadam.

three times bigger image in new window

The taking bath in Sveta Ganga is same as taking bath in Ganga River, because many incident proves that the Sveta Ganga is non different from the Ganga River in Kashi.

three times bigger image in new window

...and if one is not to take complete bath, it is possible to take at least tree drops of its water on ones head.

three times bigger image in new window In Puranas it is described as Akrishna, meaning “not black.”
three times bigger image in new window

Sveta means white. People here say that once a year, for a brief moment, the water of this pond turns as white as milk.

three times bigger image in new window

This pond is located just opposite to the house of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya.

three times bigger image in new window

Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya's House
This house is about 1,5 km south of the Simha-dwara of the Jagannatha Temple. If you walk out of the Jagannatha Temple, turn right and follow the road toward Swarga-dwara (the ocean).

three times bigger image in new window

Go past the first right, which goes around the temple, and then walk about another 100 m and make the next right to Sweta Ganga Tank. Sarvabhauma's house, better known as Gangamata Math, is on the left.

three times bigger image in new window

When Lord Caitanya first came to Puri, He fainted in front of Deity of Lord Jagannatha and Sarvabhauma took Him to his home.

three times bigger image in new window

He wanted to teach Him Vedanta in order to protect Him from allurements of material world. At the end he recognized who He actually is and became His devotee.

three times bigger image in new window

Indradyumna Swami leads the ecstatic kirtan in the very same room where Sarvabhauma discussed Vedanta.

three times bigger image in new window

There are Radha-Krishna Deities called Radha-Rasikaraja in this house, which are said to have been worshiped by Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. The black wooden sandals are said to have belonged to Sarvabhauma.

three times bigger image in new window Inside there are paintings of devotional scenes all over the walls.
three times bigger image in new window

Here Lord Caitanya manifested His Sad-bhuj form with six arms, which shows that all His forms as Ramachandra (holding bow and arrow), Krishna (with the flute) and Caitanya (holding waterpot and rod of a sannyasi) are different manifestations of His Supreme Personality, thus exhibiting simultaneous oneness and difference.

three times bigger image in new window

Sad-bhuj

three times bigger image in new window There is a hidden tunnel in the house that is said to lead in two directions — to the sea and to the Jagannatha Temple. It is said that this tunnel was used by Sri Caitanya
three times bigger image in new window

During His first visit, Lord Caitanya stayed here for 5 days. Than He departed for His South India tour.

three times bigger image in new window

After the Ratha-yatra festival Lord Caitanya was offered a very wonderful feast here in Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya's house. The elaborate descriptions of all preparations can be found in Caitanya-caritamrita. It seemed that Sri Caitanya could match the amount of prasadam taken by Jagannatha Himself (!)

three times bigger image in new window

three times bigger image in new window

Lord Jaggannath's favourite sweets are often seen at the bazars.

three times bigger image in new window

Chatak Parbat Gaudiya Math
This temple is near a large white water tower, about a ten-minute walk from Haridasa Thakura’s samadhi, close to the Tota Gopinath Temple.

three times bigger image in new window

This temple is in the area where Sri Caitanya mistook the sand dune hills to be Govardhan Hill.

three times bigger image in new window

"Identical with Giriraj govardhan" says on the wall...

three times bigger image in new window

The bhajan-kutir of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja is here, as well as his bed.

three times bigger image in new window

There is a murti of Veda-Vyasa in the bhajan-kutir.

three times bigger image in new window

Sand dune that had witnessed mahabhava...

three times bigger image in new window

...is in the proximity to the entrance of the...

three times bigger image in new window

Tota Gopinath Mandir

three times bigger image in new window

This temple is the home of one of the most amazing Deities of the Supreme Lord.

three times bigger image in new window

The sign on the door says "Shree Tota Gopinathjee," and there are two stone lions by the door.

three times bigger image in new window

On the middle altar is Tota Gopinath, accompanied by black deities of Radha and Lalita. Tota Gopinath is in a sitting position. Sri Gadadhar used to worship Tota Gopinath regularly. When he was old and could not reach with the garland to his neck, Tota Gopinath sat down so that Gadadhar could give Him the garlands.

three times bigger image in new window

Gaudiya Vaishnavas accept that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ended his manifested pastimes in Puri by entering into the knee of the Tota Gopinath Deity. If you come in the morning around seven, you can give a donation to see the crack in His knee where Lord Caitanya entered the Deity and left this world.

three times bigger image in new window

On the far left altar are Lord Balarama and his two wives, Revati and Varuni.

three times bigger image in new window

On the right altar are the Deities of Radha-Madana Mohan and Gaura Gadadhar.

three times bigger image in new window "Tota" means "garden"....
three times bigger image in new window

...and this temple is situated amidst of nice greenery...

three times bigger image in new window

It is a favorite place for quiet bhajan for many devotees...

three times bigger image in new window

...especially in early morning and evening time.

three times bigger image in new window

Siddha Bakula is the bhajan-kutir of Haridasa Thakura, where he chanted 300,000 names of God daily.

three times bigger image in new window

Since Haridas could not enter the Jagannatha Temple, being of a Muslim family, Lord Caitanya took the stick He had used as His toothbrush and stuck it in the ground.

three times bigger image in new window

...It immediately grew into a beautiful shade tree, under which Haridas Thakur lived...

three times bigger image in new window

The devotees came to Haridas Thakur saying, that Lord Caitanya wanted to meet him. He replied, "If I could just get a solitary place near the temple, I could stay there and pass my time. I do not wish the servants of Lord Jagannatha to touch me. I would remain there in the garden alone. That is my desire..."

three times bigger image in new window ...Happy to hear this, Sri Caitanya came personally to meet Haridas after His devotees departed for sea bathing and their residential accommodations...
three times bigger image in new window

Sri Caitanya took Haridas within the flower garden and there, in a very secluded place, He showed him his residence. Sri Caitanya requested him, "Remain here and chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. I shall personally come here to meet you daily...

three times bigger image in new window

...Remain here peacefully, and look at the cakra on top of Lord Jagannatha's temple and offer obeisances...

three times bigger image in new window

... As far as your prasadam, I shall arrange to have that sent here."

three times bigger image in new window Rupa Goswami recited Lalita Madhava and Vidagdha Madhava before Sri Caitanya and His followers under the tree here. During his stay in Puri, Sanatana Goswami lived here with Haridasa Thakura.
three times bigger image in new window

In course of time, the King of Orissa ordered his officers to cut down the tree here in order to construct Lord Jagannatha's Ratha-yatra cart. Big amount of wood is needed, since the carts are about 13 m high and each year new ones are constructed...

three times bigger image in new window ...The next morning the royal officers found the tree hollow and returned without cutting it. The main branch of the tree is petrified, stone to the touch. This is the part that was transformed, so the king would not take it. People tie stones to this kalpa-taru (wish-fulfilling tree) and make their wishes.
three times bigger image in new window

Haridas attained such an elevated position of ecstasy from chanting the Hare Krishna mantra that even though a beautiful prostitute came to tempt him with sex, he was not interested. Thus, he is called the namacarya: the master of chanting the holy names.

three times bigger image in new window

In 1991, a small shrine was found here, along with the old and bent tree under which Haridas would chant. However, since then, as found in 2001, there is a nice temple and plenty of walled protection for the tree at this place.

three times bigger image in new window This is considered a very holy spot for the Gaudiya Vaisnavas, as this is where Haridasa Thakura left his body and where, after his departure, Sri Caitanya carried his body while dancing in ecstasy.
three times bigger image in new window

Gambhira is located close to Siddha Bakula. There is a sign over the door reading "Shri Shri Radhakanta Math, Gambhira".

three times bigger image in new window

It is about half a km from the Lion Gate going toward Swarga-dwara or the ocean.

three times bigger image in new window

This is the former house of Kasi Misra.

three times bigger image in new window

Radhakanta was worshiped by Gopalaguru Goswami, the disciple of Vakreswara Pandit. On the far right is a deity of Sri Caitanya, and on the far left is Nityananda.

three times bigger image in new window

The well where Sri Caitanya drunk...

three times bigger image in new window  
three times bigger image in new window

You can look through a small barred window into the room called Sri Gambhira. This is the room where Sri Caitanya lived.

three times bigger image in new window

There is a lamp here that remains always lit and never goes out. You can see Sri Caitanya's original wooden sandals. His quilt, water pot, and bed.

three times bigger image in new window

Sri Caitanya lived for 12 years in this room. On a marble throne, a murti of Sri Caitanya is encircled by a cloth, so that just His face is visible.

three times bigger image in new window

...Lord Caitanya's ecstatic symptoms manifested in Gambhira are incomprehensible by common man, but Gaudiya Vaishnavas accept them as the topmost manifestations of love of God...

three times bigger image in new window

...It is described that there in the Gambhira, Mahaprabhu experienced Radhika's separation for Krishna when He went to Mathura and Dwaraka, and She remained in Vrindavana...

three times bigger image in new window

...His devotees used to sleep in front of Caitanya's room so that He would not hurt Himself while experiencing intense feelings of separation...

three times bigger image in new window

...Caitanya-caritamrta describes...

three times bigger image in new window

...that sometimes Lord Caitanya went away in spite of all the protective efforts of devotees...

three times bigger image in new window

...and they have searched for him...

three times bigger image in new window

...all night...

three times bigger image in new window

...and found Him in the fisherman's nets..

three times bigger image in new window

Sunrise in Jagannath Puri...

three times bigger image in new window

...is simply "oceanic"...

three times bigger image in new window

...and many take that...

three times bigger image in new window

...just for recreation.

three times bigger image in new window

But the ocean current can be strong in Puri, and drownings are not unheard of. Be careful when swimming.

three times bigger image in new window

Local people know that.

three times bigger image in new window

...and take the safe road.

three times bigger image in new window

Green coconuts provide very pleasant beverage called "dab". It is very refreshing drink very much welcomed in hot Indian climate.

three times bigger image in new window

To find good source of drinking water can be troublesome and dab is so pure that during wartime in emergency cases it was used as blood infusion in absence of specially manufactured substances.

three times bigger image in new window

On the way from Gambhira to Swarga-dwara area where this quite unique statue of Lord Caitanya at the road crossing...

three times bigger image in new window

...there is this colorful Gaudiya Math...

three times bigger image in new window

We know that Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati liked dioramas and exhibitions of that kind...

three times bigger image in new window

...and this temple is so colorfully decorated...

three times bigger image in new window

...with wonderfull murals...

three times bigger image in new window

...that almost every main lila...

three times bigger image in new window

...from the Bhagavatam...

three times bigger image in new window

...can be found...

three times bigger image in new window

...in some corner...

three times bigger image in new window

...or on the wall...

three times bigger image in new window

...of this eye capturing display.

three times bigger image in new window

Parampara...

three times bigger image in new window

...Goswamis...

three times bigger image in new window

...Ratha-yatra mood...

three times bigger image in new window

...simply everything!

three times bigger image in new window

Jagadananda Math, where Jagadananda broke the pot of sandalwood oil...

three times bigger image in new window

...is the Radha Syamasundara Deities of Brahmananda Bharati.

three times bigger image in new window

Across the road is Radha Giridhari Temple...

three times bigger image in new window

...with beautiful Deities...

three times bigger image in new window

...and interesting salagram-silas...

three times bigger image in new window

...of really amazing shapes.

three times bigger image in new window

ISKCON temple...

three times bigger image in new window

...with the Radha Krisna Deities is at the spot....

three times bigger image in new window

...where Bhaktivinoda Thakura had his bhajan kutir...

three times bigger image in new window

...next to samadhi of Haridas Thakur.

three times bigger image in new window

The samadhi temple of Haridasa Thakura, the nama-acarya (teacher of the chanting the holy names) is located by the beach in the Swarga-dwara area near the Purusottama Gaudiya Math. If you are walking on the beach there is a sign for the Sea Hawk Hotel. It is right behind this hotel. Many rickshaw-walas know where it is located.

three times bigger image in new window

Within the temple, the chapel structure is Haridasa Thakur’s samadhi....

three times bigger image in new window

There is a nice painting of Haridasa Thakur in the samadhi.

three times bigger image in new window

On the center altar is a wooden Deity of Sri Caitanya; on the right, Prabhu Nitya-nanda; and on the left, Advaita Acharya.

three times bigger image in new window

It is interesting to see how during evening arati...

three times bigger image in new window

...devotees get the darsan of the Deities through the Haridasa's samadhi...

three times bigger image in new window

...and then they go to the next altar for darsan.

three times bigger image in new window

...but the kirtan of the holy names continues almost constantly.

three times bigger image in new window

Disappearance of Haridas Thakur.
Like a great mystic yogi or Bhisma, Haridas gave up his material body in the presence of Lord Caitanya and all the devotees at Siddha-bakula...

three times bigger image in new window

...Then Sri Caitanya picked up Haridas Thakur's body and chanted and danced in ecstasy for sometime with the other devotees. Then Haridas was carried to the sea beach for His burial ceremony, which was personally conducted by Lord Caitanya.

three times bigger image in new window Sri Caitanya gave a benediction saying, "Anyone who has chanted and danced here at Haridasa Thakura's samadhi will achieve the favor of Krishna very soon...
three times bigger image in new window

...There is such wonderful power in seeing Haridasa Thakura."

three times bigger image in new window ...That is also why devotees use to came here and chant the holy names of God.
three times bigger image in new window Indradyumna Swami leads the kirtan...
three times bigger image in new window ...and...
three times bigger image in new window

...everyone who has seen his kirtans says that it is really worth to be there...

three times bigger image in new window

...after short intermission...

three times bigger image in new window ...different kirtan leaders take up the lead for some time...
three times bigger image in new window ...and everything leads to ecstatic conclusion.
three times bigger image in new window

Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra Kee Jay! Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Kee Jay! Gaura Premande!

English texts, selection of images, design:
Tattva-darsi das
Most texts are based on the information from Jada Bharata's book Holy Places of India,
which contains many additional information useful for travelers. It can be found on:
www.spiritualguides.net

Photographs from their travels:
Tattva-darsi das, Radha-raman das, Aisvarya Kumar and bhakta Petr

 


Published:
January 2011 (first article December 2002)
 
How did you like this article?
from 0 (min.) to 10 (max.)
How many readers expressed it: 67




The Hare Krishna inspiration
© 2001-2010