Largest Jagannatha Deities in the World Arrive at the Bhaktivedanta Ashram

[Jahnava Nitai Das]

One of the Puri Temple administrators standing with Lord Baladeva.

(more pictures at bottom)

 

For more information please visit:

http://www.bvashram.org

This month the Bhaktivedanta Ashram was blessed with the arrival of our newly made deities of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra and Sudarshana. For more than one year, work on these deities has been carrying on under the guidance of Puri temple priests so that every detail of the process was done strictly according to the Puri tradition and the scriptures.

 

The deities were made as exact replicas of the original deities in Puri, incorporating the traditional procedures undertaken for the navakalevara festival (the change of Lord Jagannatha's body, held every 12 years in Puri). Work on the deities was carried out in Puri, next to the famous Jagannatha temple, in the courtyard where the Oriya saint Sri Jagannatha Das composed the Oriya Bhagavatam 500 years ago.

 

The first stage was to locate proper trees for the carving of the deities. According to the traditional system, only those trees bearing the necessary symbols of Vishnu can be used for sculpting the deities of Lord Jagannatha.

 

In Orissa no one will cut down neem trees or use them for mundane things (such as cooking or building) as they hope that one day their neem trees may be used for making deities of Jagannatha. As such, you can find many large neem trees in the countryside that are hundreds of years old.

But still it was a very difficult task to locate trees that were large enough to make the deities (who are over 7 feet tall), and which also contained the necessary auspicious symbols of the Lord. After an extended search, properly matching trees were located, but due to the age of the trees, government approval was needed before the trees could be cut.

 

By Lord Jagannatha's mercy one of our devotees, while purchasing supplies in the bazaar, had accidentally met the nephew of the Minister of Environment and Forests, a few days prior to locating the trees, and spoke to him about our plans to make these deities of Lord Jagannatha. Being a devotee of Lord Jagannatha, he was very supportive and called his uncle so that all government permission could be granted for this purpose.

 

Worship was performed to the sacred trees and then they were cut with a special axe, which would be the only tool allowed to be used in the carving of the deities, from beginning till completion. After the trees were cut, the logs were taken to the Matha of Sri Jagannatha Das, next to the Puri temple, where work went on for the last year.

 

As per the system for navakalevara, after carving the wood into the proper shape the deities are then wrapped in layers of cloth. Each layer is treated with a paste of medicinal herbs consisting primarily of sandalwood paste and neem powder. After completing the first layer of cloth, the deities were transported from Puri to our Ashram in Bhadrak, Orissa where the remaining layers of cloth will be applied.

 

The day after the deities arrived at our Ashram in Bhadrak, a large white cobra around 7 feet in length was seen next to the temple where the deities were staying, and in subsequent days two other cobras were seen around the same area. In 20 years we have never found cobras in this area, but due to the arrival of the Lord, the Nagas have come for the Lord's darshan.

 

For the wrapping of the deities, a total of seven layers of cloth will be added, with each layer being covered with the medicinal paste made from sandalwood and neem. Once the seven layers of cloth are finished, a special stone is used to rub the body of the deities for several days, to smoothen the surface before the final painting is done.

 

Over the next several months, shilpis from Puri will continue the work of preparing the deities at our Ashram in Bhadrak. Installation of the deities (prana pratishtha) will be conducted in February-March of next year by 54 priests from the Puri Jagannatha temple, in the pressence of Sri Gajapati Maharaj (the King of Puri) and many other devotees.

 

During the prana pratishtha ceremony, the Nabhi Brahma will be placed inside a special compartment in the deities chest. Several secret items will be installed within the deity, accompanied by special salagrama shilas covered in gold. Earlier this year, devotees from the Ashram had gone to Muktinath in Nepal to search for the necessary shalagrama shilas on the banks of the Gandaki river.

 

Besides the main Jagannatha deities, four other deities will be cast out of Ashtadhatu (a combination of eight metals). The deities will include the two Lakshmis who sit at the Lord's feet in Puri (Sri Devi and Bhu Devi), as well as Garuda and Vimala Devi. Each deity will be approximately 2 feet tall and weigh around 100 kilograms.

 

For more information please visit:

https://www.bvashram.org

[Guest guest]

I can't wait to see them painted. Can you tell more about saint Jagannatha Das?

[Gauracandra]

Keep up the good work.

[Guest guest]

Is this and Iskcon temple?

[Pankaja_Dasa]

 

Lord Sri Jagannath

 

EDITED

By

His Divine Grace

SRI SRIMAD B.V. PURI GOSWAMI MAHARAJ

 

Founder Acharya of the Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mission

Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mission

SRI BHAKTI BIGYAN NITYANANDA BOOK TRUST

Sri Bhakti Vinoda Ashram,

Ananda Nagar, Berhampur-6

GANJAM, (ORISSA)

 

 

In Satya-yuga there was a pious king in the solar dynasty named Indradyumna. The king born on an auspicious moment was endowed with all godly qualities such as courage, purity of heart, firm faith in divine knowledge, charity, sacrifice, inoffensiveness, truth, magnanimity, kindness to all beings, steadfastness, vigour and forgiveness. He performed a number of Rajasuya and Aswamedha sacrifices. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. He ruled his kingdom remaining in the capital city, named Avanti.

 

One day after performing Vishnu puja the King came to his court and requested the enlightened audience to inform him about a sacred place where he can see, with his naked eyes, the Divine Lord Vishnu. Hearing this a pilgrim saint, who visited all the sacred places of Bharatvarsa told the King that there is a sacred place on the East coast known as "Purushottama Kshetra", where exists the beautiful and sacred mountain Nilagiri or Neeladri by name, surrounded by various kinds of trees. In the centre of the mountain there is a big banyan tree near a tank named Rohini Kunda. That holy tank lies to its Western end. One gets immediate salvation by touching or seeing the sacred water of the kunda. On the eastern bank of the kunda is Neela-kanta-mani Vigrah of Sri Vasudeva Murty. His Darsan makes one immediately immortal and he can realise the transcendental reality. The nearby village named Sabar Deepaka is inhabited by Sabars or Adivasies. It is situated on the western bank of the Kunda. O Maharaja, I stayed there for one year as an ascetic, to please the Vishnu murty, Neelamadhav. I used to see the flowers falling from the "Kalpataru" and heard melodious prayers of Vishnu. There I heard a very old story that a crow, which drank the water of Rohini kunda attained salvation or "Sarupya Mokshya". Because of the influence of that place I am able to become a great scholar in many of the Sastras and now I see the Lord Purushottama everywhere. Listening to these words Indradyumna was convinced of the truth and gladly decided to send a devoted priest named Vidyapati to find out the correct location of the Neeladri deity at Sri Kshetra. Vidyapati drove out his chariot towards Utkal Desha. On the way he was considering himself as a most fortunate soul to see "Neela Madhav" with his own naked eyes, whom yogis and gnanis visualise in their minds. Nearing Neelachala the thick mountain, Vidyapati could not find the way to proceed further and so he got down from the chariot and sat under a tree praying for the darsan of Neela Madhav. After a while he saw some people sitting little away, discussing about "Bhagavan Vishnu" . When Vidyapati went nearer to them, a Sabara named Viswavasu welcomed him and offered him cold water, fruits and sweets to eat. The hungry Vidyapati was pleased to accept his offerings. Afterwards Vidyapati told him that he was a priest of Indradyumna Maharaja of Avanti, who hearing the glories of Neela Madhava from a pilgrim devotee sent him to find out the sacred place of Neela Madhava, anxiously awaiting His Darsan with fasting. Viswavasu knowing the pious intention of Vidyapati asked him to follow him through the thick forest.

 

On the way he told Vidyapati that he in his boyhood had heard about Indradyumna Maharaja perform Sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas, construct a magnificent temple and instal "Daru Brahma Jagannath" with the help of Narada and Brahma in the Purushottam Kshetra. At last both of them came to Neela Madhava. Vidyapati had the Divine "Darsan" of extremely beautiful Neela Madhava with his own eyes. Out of his profoundest love to the beloved Lord, Vidyapati offered his prostrated obeisances and prayers to him. Returning to the residence of Viswavasu he accepted the fruits, sweets and various other preparations offered by him. Those precious articles and sweets after having been offered to Neela Madhava by Devendra and other demigods were coming to his house and honoured the prasad of Neela Madhava, Vidyapati was highly pleased with his generous behaviour and treatment. He promised to stay with him throughout the rest of his life. Then Viswavasu said that Indradyumna Maharaj would reach Purushottam Kshetra. Then Neel Madhava would disappear and give Darsan as Sudarsan, Jagannath, Subhadra and Baladeva.

 

Vidyapati wanted to inform the location of Neela Madhava to the anxiously awaiting Indradyumna Maharaja. On the next day after taking bath in the Mahodadhi and again having the "attractive darsan" of Neela Madhava he returned. At the time of Vidyapati's departure from that place Viswavasu gave him the prasadi garlands being offered by Devendra to Neela Madhava Murty, so that Vidyapati might give them to Indradyumna Maharaja. Vidyapati reached Avanti after a month and offered the ever fresh prasadi garland to the Maharaja. Indradyumna was very much delighted to accept the prasadi garlands and Mahaprasad given to him by Vidyapati. The garlands were sweet-smelling and fresh to look at as they were offered by Devendra with devotion and were borne by Neela Madhava.

 

Vidyapati revealed the facts to the Maharaja that a man after having the darsan of Neela Madhava with his physical eyes will definitely attain salvation. The Vigraha was made out of Neelakanta-mani and since a long time Brahma, Indra and all other gods have been worshipping Him with sacred scented beautiful flower garlands of which one was brought to him. He again said, when I reached the top of Neeladri Hill, I could smell the heavenly scent. The immortals while sprinkling sacred water over the mountain, slowly the gods approached the Lord while dancing and singing heavenly songs. The gods were invisible to human eyes and offering their thousand varieties of articles and prayers to Neela Madhava they slowly disappeared. The Neela Kanta Mani Murty is 81 (eight one) inches high, standing on the golden lotus flower. We can witness the utmost skill in the sculpture. We can not explain the glory of Sri Purushottama Kshetra in words. The people of Sri Kshetra are all devotees of Purushottama adorned with heavenly qualities. I have heard the glories of the Lord from his servitors.

 

Hearing the truth from Vidyapati and adorning the prasadi garland as the blessing of Lord Neela Madhava Indradyumna purified himself clearing all his sins. He attained the eligibility to have the darsan of Neela Madhava with his naked eyes. At last he decided to proceed to Sri Kshetra with royal splendour, to perform Sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas with severe austerities to please the Lord Purushottama. So, with that aim Indradyumna was offering his devotional prayers daily to Lord Bhagavan. Abruptly sage Narada came there to bless the king. Welcoming the great sage, the king humbly worshipped him. Taking little rest Narada said, "Maharaja ! all your exceptional good qualities pleased Sidhas, Rishis, gods Indra and Brahma even. At Badrika Ashram also I have heard about your fame. One can attain Bhakti to Neelachalapati by virtue of one's thousands of previous births Divine service. Hari Bhakti only can destroy nescience. There are four types of Bhakti such as Tamasika, Rajasika, Satwika and Nirguna or Pure Bhakti. Through Satwika Bhakti one gets Satyaloka. Through Rajasika Bhakti one can attain Indraloka. Through Tamasika Bhakti one can get Pitruloka and through Nirguna Bhakti one attains Moksha. As you posses pure Bhakti towards Lord Purushottama, you are a most fortunate soul.

 

After hearing the glories of Bhakti-yoga from the sage Narada, Indradyumna requested the sage to accompany with him to Neelachala, as he was anxious to worship Neela Madhava. To that the sage Narada promised to lead him to Sri Purushottama Kshetra as he had full knowledge of Sree Kshetra and its glories. Indradyumna announced his holy desire to go to Sri Kshetra on Jyesta Sukla Panchami, Pusya Nakshatra, Friday. He asked all the people of his kingdom to proceed with him to Sri Kshetra with all their belongings. On an auspicious day, after performing sacrifice and worshipping gods and goddesses of Avanti city, the king started on a ten horsed chariot with sage Narada. The members of the Royal family, the ministers, the officers and the whole army with their respective uniforms and wealth followed the King to Sri Kshetra on chariots, elephants and horses. After travelling through a number of states at last Indradyumna reached the border of Utkal Desha. While he was taking rest with Narada on the bank of Chitrotpala river, the ruler of Utkal Desha with his followers came there to pay his respects to Indradyumna Maharaja. Indradyumna also received the Utkala King with a reverence and praised him as the most fortunate and blessed ruler of Utkal Desha, where the Supreme Lord Neela Madhava accepts his services.

 

To reciprocate his honour the Utkal King said, Maharaja ! by the divine grace of the Supreme Lord, you are endowed with all worshipable extraordinary qualities. As an emperor you could subdue all the wicked rulers and evil doers. Your famous activities have established religion in its full form in this world. Maharaja ! now Neelachala, the blue mountain is covered with thick forests. No one can enter into it. Even gods also cannot often go there. The sandystorm has almost covered the mountain. Due to it our country is now engulfed with drought. Maharaja ! We welcome you. Your presence in this country would bring relief to the people from their troubles."

 

Indradyumna hearing the story of Neela Madhava's disappearance from Utkal King, was very sad and with a melancholy mood looked at the sage. Narada consoled him saying, "Maharaja ! you being a Vaishnava, your holy desire to see the Lord will never remain unfulfilled. You will definitely have the darsan of the Supreme Lord." Then Indradyumna with his party crossing the river Mahanadi reached Ekamra Vana, the abode of Lingaraj Mahadev. Chaturmukha Brahma has installed Lingaraj there. This Kshetra is known as Viraja, where there is no influence of Rajo guna or Tama guna. Indradyumna after taking bath in the Vishnu Teertha, went to worship Anantavasudev and Lingaraj with the sage Narada and his associates. Lingaraj blessed the king saying. "O ! Indradyumna, you are a great devotee of Lord Sri Hari. He will fulfil your desires."

 

Mahadev Lingaraj told Narad, "Purushottama Kshetra is the super-natural body of Lord Sri Hari. The Heart of the Kshetra is known as Antarvedi, just like a conch (Sankha). I am ever there as Neelakantha. At present the Neelakanta mani Murty of Sri Hari has disappeared. So you please establish first Nrusimha Kshetra there. Let the Maharaja perform Sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas. Then please show the King, the Daru Brahma, which is in the form of a very big tree. Viswakarma will make four Murties out of that tree. Brahma will descend from Satyaloka to perform the installation ceremony.

 

Then the royal party proceeded towards Sri Kshetra. On the second day they reached at Kapoteswara Temple. After offering prayers to Kapoteswar with Harinam Sankirtana the party advanced towards Sri Kshetra. On the way again witnessing the depressed mood of the King Indradyumna, Narada consoled him saying, "we are in Sri Kshetra the transcendental Body of Sri Vishnu. You should shun the mental weakness. Please do not become unconscious regarding your desire. Brahma has sent me informing that you are going to Neelachala to have the darsan of Neela Madhava at the request of Yama Dharmaraja, Neela Madhava has disappeared on the next day of Vidyapati's last Darsan and you need not feel sorry, for that but perform Sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas. When he will bring the Lord then you can have His Darsan. Hearing these soothing words of Narada, the Maharaja was satisfied.

 

Indradyumna Maharaj staying near Neelakantheswar made all arrangements to perform Aswamedha Yagna for one thousand years. On the advice of Sage Narada, Indradyumna Maharaj made a Nrusimha Murty out of black stone and placed the Murty under black sandal wood tree and worshipped Him. Looking at the beautiful Nrushimha Murty he could overcome the sorrowful mood due to the disappearance of Neela Madhava. Yet he requested Narada to inform him again the location of Neela Madhava. Showing a big Banyan Tree the sage said, "Maharaj ! here is Neela Madhava or Jagannatha covered with golden sand. This tree will survive for one Kalpa i. e. the life time of Brahma. This place gives moksha to all who touch the shade of the tree. To the west of it is Nrushimha Deva and to the North of it is Neela Madhava. To bless you the Lord will appear and give darsan to all at this place."

 

Devarushi Narada when brought the beautiful Sri Murty of Nrushimha on a well decorated chariot, Indradyumna was highly delightful seeing the Lord. He prostrated before Him and offered his prayers to Him. Narada installed the Nrusimha Murty in a place already selected by Brahma on Jyesta Sukla Dwadasi with Swati Nakshatra.

 

Indradyumna to have the darsan of Lord Jagannath started the performance of Sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas. The Yagna pendal was constructed by Viswakarma being four miles wide. He invited the gods of heaven, thousands of Brahmin pandits who were well versed in the Vedas, Shadanga Mimansa and Sastras, Yagna Vidya Parangatas, Karma kusals, Sabhasya Kalpa kusals, truthful personalities, all Kshatrias and Vaishnavas. Accordingly, he worshipped them with sandal paste, garlands and clothes. With folded hands in the presence of Narada, the Maharaja requested the audience to bless him to perform Sahasra Aswamedha Sacrifice without the slightest obstacle, and requested all including Devendra to remain there till the end of the Yagna.

 

Devendra then revealed the truth saying, "Maharaja ! you are a parama dharmika and a truthful person. Previously I knew your pious future desire," Here only Neel Madhava told us, "though I will disappear from here, again I will appear as Daru Murty (Wooden Murty) for the sake of Indradyumna. May the Lord be pleased with your Sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas and bless you. Leaving our godly bodies and accepting human bodies we will remain here and render our service to Sri Vishnu."

 

Brahma ordered the Yagna to be started. Lord Vishnu and all the inhabitants of three Lokas were satisfied with the performance of the Yagnas. Thus he could complete 999 Yagnas without any hindrance. While performing the last yagna Indradyumna saw in a dream the Daru Murty of the Lord. In an island surrounded by Khir Sagar or Milky Ocean, he saw a Kalpa bruksha with Sankha and Chakra marks. Underneath the tree he saw a throne of Jems, on which The Lord was seated with Sankha and Chakra. To His right side was Anantadeva and in between them was Lakshmi Devi. Sudarsana Chakra was to the left of Sri Hari. Brahma and Sanakas were offering their prayers standing nearby Him.

 

Indradyumna was much pleased to realise that it happened as the result of Sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas and so narrated the story to Devarsi Narada. The sage said, "O blessed Maharaj, on this spot the Lord will give darsan to you within ten days after the completion of the Yagna."

 

After the Poornahuti, the Maharaj with all his family got ready to take Avabhrita bath. All the inhabitants of three Lokas were offering their prayers to the Lord and the Maharaja for completing the Sahasra Yagnas. While Indradyumna with his party was bathing in the Sea near Bileswar Mahadev a servant informed the Maharaja that a brown coloured huge log of wood with Sankha, Chakra marks which was half visible above the water was sighted on the sea coast. It was not an ordinary wood. Devarshi said, "O ! Maharaja, the same four Murties you had seen in the dream have come now to give you darsan as a tree with four branches. Only a jeevan-mukta can see Him. Now by seeing this, you are relieved of the sorrowful and unhappy state of mind caused by the disappearance of Lord Neela Madhava." Later on the Brahmins with Veda ghosh and drum beatings brought Devendra, preserved him on a platform and were offering him their daily prayers.

 

The Maharaja while discussing about the making of Sri Murties with Narada, they heard someone speaking from the sky, "The Lord Jagannath Himself will arrive as an old Brahmin with tools to make the Sri Murties. He should be kept in the closed platform with the Deva Daru for fifteen days. Outside the platform different types of drum beatings with music should be played till the completion of the work."

Immediately, as a very old man, the Lord Himself, came there to make His own murties. Maharaja remembering the Daiva Vani (Divine sound) was in a happy mood. After some days he could see showering of Parijatas, heavenly flowers, and he could scent sweet smell and could hear heavenly music as well from inside the closed platform. After fifteen days the doors of the closed platform were opened. To the excitement and delight of all, the old man was not there. Sri Jagannath with Sankha, Chakra, Gada and Padma marks, Sri Baladeva with Gada, Musala, Chakra and Dhwaja marks on hands. Ananta Murty as an umbrella with seven Hoods above His Head and Subhadra Devi with Abhaya Hasta and having a Lotus in the other hand were visible. She is Lakshmi in a different form.

 

Again divine sound was heard which said, "The Murties should be covered with pure white silk cloth, then be painted and decorated in three colours such as Jagannath with black, Subhadra with saffron, Baladeva with white and Sudarsan with thin red colour. With the Darsan of these Sri Murties people will get their desires fulfilled. To bless all the souls desirous of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha the Lord has kindly appeared before you. Near the Kalpa Vruksha is the Nrusimha Murty. On the Northern vacant site, please construct a magnificent temple. Install the Sri Murties in it. The family members of Viswavasu (Sabara Bhakta) and the family members of Vidyapati hereafter will have hereditary rights to perform Samskar, painting and other services of the Deities."

 

Hearing these Divine words, Indradyumna after covering, painting and decorating Sri Murties, removed the screen around the platform and allowed all the human beings to have the darsan of the Sri Murties.

 

The Maharaja allowed the people of the universe to see the Daru Murties in order to relieve them from imperfection and worldly bondage. He had no commercial interest. Selfish and ignorant people may think that wooden Jagannath Murty was controlled and regulated by them. Thus, today the material minded society is doing business with transcendental Sri Murties.

 

Indradyumna Maharaja under the guidance of sage Narada with needful articles collected by the priests, performed the Puja of the Sri Murties. He worshipped with Purusha Sukta to Jagannath, with Dwadasakshara Gopal Mantra to Baladeva, with Devi Sukta to Subhadra and with Saudarsani Sukta Mantra to Sudarsan Chakra. After completing puja, Maharaja, to please all the gods, distributed several crores of coins to qualified Brahmins. The Sankhodaka offered to Brahmins became a huge tank known as Indradyumna Sarobar. If any one after taking bath in that tank performs Devarchana will gain the fruits of thousand Aswamedha Yagnas. The tank water can be compared with Gangodaka. If one offers pinda in this teertha, his twenty one ancestors can annihilate all their sins.

 

On an auspicious day after worshipping Lord Jagannath, Maharaja Indradyumna contemplated to construct a temple for the Sri Murties. He performed the vastu puja and Yagna and prayed the Bhudevi to stand eternally without quaking where the temple was going to be constructed by him. The blind, dumb, poor and weaker sections of the society were fully satisfied, as all their demands were fulfilled by the Maharaja. The kings of various states were delighted to have the darsan of Lord Jagannath and to witness the grand reception given to them by the Maharaja. Indradyumna brought many sculptures and stones needed for the construction of the temple from different parts of the country by spending several thousand millions of sovereigns.

 

At present several educated people think that our ancestors have blocked the wealth in the name of temples and so we are suffering from poverty. They being unfortunate, can not realise the significance of the service of the Supreme Lord through employing so many architects and labourers for years. So, the material and the articles belonging to the service of the Supreme Lord are being used by ignorant people of the society for the development of their gross and physical comforts.

 

All the Vaidic Brahmins said praising Indradyumna, "O ! Maharaj, it is a matter of great rejoicing that the cause of all the causes Lord Jagannath has appeared as Daru Brahma in Purushottama Kshetra as declared in Rig-Veda 10-155-3. So it a a revealed Vedic Truth that Daru Murty of Jagannath was not made by any human being. He is Apaurusheya. The Supreme Lord, His creation, His activities and His advent in different worlds have connecting link with Vedanta Vakya. He is known through Vedanta. Same Veda declares Him as Veda-Vedanta -Vedya-Pooran Purusha and sings His glories. So one can attain Moksha through the darsan of Daru Brahma. The Vignana Murty till now has appeared to our naked eyes. The people of Bharat Varsa including the people of Utkal Desha as well, are most fortunate to see the Lord Jagannath with their natural eyes."

 

Narada told the Maharaja that he was going to Satyaloka to inform Brahma about the Advent of Lord Jagannath to Sri Kshetra. He asked Indradyumna to install Nrusimha Murty after completion of the temple.

 

The rulers of the different parts of Bharata Varsa sent their renowned sculptures and wealth to assist the Maharaja in completing the construction of the grand temple with its final shape of splendour beauty and attraction. Thus the temple with its top most height was erected on Neeladri. Such a gigantic temple can nowhere be seen throughout this world. All the kings appreciated the beauty of the temple. Indradyumna entering into the temple, prostrated before the sage Narada and requested him to bless him so that the temple would stand long enough to serve the Lord Jagannath. Narada said, "Maharaja it is for your sake Lord Jagannath has appeared in Sri Kshetra. It is through your pure devotion, you have conquered the Omnipotent. So you have become Jeevan mukta. Let us unitedly perform His service. If you travelling to Satyaloka in person invite Brahma he will surely come here with Sapta Rishis to install Sri Murties in the new Temple. No human being except you, till now, could make an attempt to reach Satyalok with this human body. Let us both start."

 

So saying they went round the Sri Murties and after offering prayers theirs, both of them travelled to Satyalok in Pushpak viman through Janalok. Jeevanmukta Indradyumna with Devarshi Narada travelled to Satyalok with his human body, through Bhakti.

 

When their chariot reached near the Satyaloka, Narada said, "behold Maharaja ! the wide space is brighter than the light of thousand Moons. It gives satisfaction and delight like the ocean of Nectar. This is the abode of Chatur Mukha Brahma." Going slowly ahead further they heard Veda dhwani of Brahma Rishis. Then they clearly heard Itihasas, Puranas, Chandas, Kalpas and spiritual stories. When they came near the assembly gate of Brahma both of them saw many gods, pithru devatas, dikpalas, Manwanthara-dhipas who were waiting at the gate for entrance. The gate keepers allowed Narada to enter in, keeping Indradyumna at the gate. Narada went inside and offered his sastanga pranams to Brahma and informed Him about the arrival of Indradyumna. The order of Brahma, allowed the Maharaja to enter the assembly hall, where Brahma was unconscious hearing the melody of gods' Divine music. Narada also felt happy hearing the music. Devendra was astonished to see Indradyuma in Satyaloka.

 

When the music stopped, Brahma said, "O Indradyumna ! you are a beloved devotee of Bhagavan Vishnu. Though this abode is inaccessible to human beings, you could reach it with the blessings of Narada. The purified Munis are anxious to attain this place. Again after reaching the abode they perform penance till Mahapralaya." Knowing well the intention of the Maharaja, Brahma asked him the purpose of his arrival at Satyaloka. Then said Indradyumna, "Brahman you know well, my desire. According to your sweet will and the advice of Narada, I have performed Sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas. At the closing of the last Yagna, Daru Brahma, as Jagannath, appeared at Sri Kshetra. His darsan brought me to Satyaloka. I have constructed a temple at Neelachala and I request you to instal the Lord Jagannath in it. With this request I have come here with Narada."

 

Meanwhile, Durvasa Muni entered the assembly hall and requested Brahma to allow a number of visitors, standing at the gate since a long time to have His darsan. Hearing this Brahma said, "Those visitors cannot compete with Indradyumna. He is a Jeevan mukta. He is my fifth descendant and a Vishnu Bhakta. He cannot be compared with those that are standing at the gate. Their penance could help them to come thus far. Now since you wanted, they can be brought inside." So, the visitors were brought in by Durvasa.

 

Looking at them Brahma said to Indradyumna, "You have done well by constructing a temple for Lord Jagannath. Since your arrival to Satyaloka one Manvantara or Seventy one 'Divya Yugas' has passed away. So, during this long span of time, all your children, descendants and so many Rajas are born and perished. But the temple you have constructed and the Daru Brahma are standing there without decay. Neither you can feel the change of time, nor you are influenced even by old age or physical death. Maharaja ! you go to Sri Kshetra in order to perform the Samskar of the temple and collect the needful articles required for installation."

 

While Indradyumna was returning to Bhuloka, the gods asked Brahma with his permission, why Neela Madhava, to whom they were worshipping beforehand, appeared as Daru Brahma after his disappearance from the Neeladri. This question is an important and secret one. None knows the answer. Hearing their honest enquiry Brahma said, "Through out my first fifty years (prathama parardha) Sri Hari as Neela-kanta-mani Murty was visible in Purushottama Kshetra. The second fifty years of my life (Dwitiya Parardha) and Sweta Varaha Kalpa begins from today morning. The first Swayambhuva Manu's time has come. So, Bhagavan Janardhana as Daru Brahma Murty appeared in Bhuloka since this morning. Till the end of my life, i. e., the next fifty years of my life time, the Lord will remain as, Daru Brahma. There is no difference between Vishnu and myself. Vishnu is my Heart and I am Vishnu's Heart. O, Devatas ! there is an island known as Sweta Dweepa in the middle of Ksheera Sagar. The cause of the universe, Sri Purushottama is in Yoganidra in that Island. The hairs of Lord Purushottama can be called as spiritual Kalpataru (Divine tree) with Sankha, Chakra marks. The tree out of its own accord has come out from the ocean and later on changed as a sole enjoyer of the universe, (Lord Jagannath). Seeing the depressed condition of Jeevas, Sri Krishna taking pity on them kindly accepted Daru Brahma form.

 

There are four Yugas known as, Satya, Tretaya, Dwapar and Kali. Four combined Yugas are known as Divya Yuga. According to human calendar, one Divya Yuga comes to 432,000 years. During Brahma's one daytime each of the fourteen Manus will enjoy seventy one Divya Yugas. Brahma has to survive for one hundred years according to His Calendar. Then Mahapralaya comes destroying the fourteen lokas (Worlds). Hearing this the Devatas promised Brahma to take Birth in Bhuloka to serve Lord Jagannath, remaining at Sri Kshetra. Witnessing the eagerness of the gods, Brahma told them that he was going to instal the Jagannath Murty in the temple at Sri Kshetra. So, all the gods accompanied Indradyumna came to Sri Kshetra as commanded by Brahma.

 

Indradyumna reaching Sri Kshetra in Bhuloka offered his prayers and prostrations to the Lord Jagannath with circumambulation. The gods also followed suit. The Maharaja was extremely happy seeing his temple in the same good condition. Padmanidhi and Viswakarma later on followed Brahma to collect the ritual articles required for the installation ceremony.

 

At that time an emperor named Gala was ruling the world. When he saw the splendid temple at Sri Kshetra during the absence of Indradyumna Maharaja, he wanted to instal the Madhav Murty artificially prepared by him.

 

Within a short period, Indradyumna made all the needful royal arrangements through Viswakarma to receive and give necessary accommodation with comforts to Brahma, Brahma Rishis, Devatas, Siddhas, Munindras, the rulers of Bhuloka and Nagarajas of Patala loka. Hearing the grand arrangements made by Indradyumna, Gala Raja with all his army came angrily to Sri Kshetra. But, to his astonishment, he saw all the Devatas and Devarishi Narada at the huge Yagna pendal of Indradyumna. His anger subsided and he immediately coming near to Indradyumna, requested him to excuse and with rapt attention heard the whole story about Daru Brahma, the appearance of the Lord, the construction of the Temple, the presence of Brahma along with all Devatas and the elaborate arrangements made for the installation of the temple. Gala Raja repented for his ignorance of the Daru Brahma. He felt sorry that he could not have His Darsan, though he was often coming to Sri Kshetra. He consoled himself thinking that Indradyumna might handover kindly the service of the Lord Jagannath after installation. Gala Raja aspired to have the vision of the great installation ceremony ever seen by anybody. Indradyumna said to Gala Maharaja that after the installation of Daru Brahma in the temple he would proceed to Brahma Loka giving the service of the temple to him. Then he should conduct the service as desired by Lord Jagannath.

 

The sage Narada asked Indradyumna to prepare three chariots with ornamental decorations of gold. The chariots of Vasudeva, Subhadra and Baladeva should be marked with Garuda Dhwaja, Padma Dhwaja and Tala Dhwaja symbols respectively. Sage Narada who is wellversed in ritualism performed the installation ceremony of the three chariots. Narada after worshipping Nrusimha, offered Puja to Garuda. The Murties of Jagannath, Subhadra and Baladeva were placed on their chariots. All the Brahmins, Kshatrias, Vaisyas and Sudras began to serve the Sri Murties with Chamaras, fans, flowers, fruits etc. Mahatmas and Sadhus waited with rope in their hands to drag the chariots.

 

Indradyumna with needful articles awaited in the pendal with all the Devatas. All of a sudden melodious heavenly music was heard allround and the Divine flash was observed. All the people of that place being unable to see the light closed their eyes. When they slowly opened their eyelids they saw Brahma sitting on a golden Vimana, being carried by hundreds of white swans. Ganga Yamuna water was sprinkled upon Him. The Sun and the Moon were standing on His both sides with white Umbrellas. Brahma Rishis were singing His glories, Apsaras were dancing when Gandharvas were playing music.

 

Indradyumna offered his prostrations and with folded hands praised the Lord Brahma. With Narada and Durvasa when Brahma came near the temple gate, and was overjoyed to behold the temple beauty. He then told Indradyumna, "you are most fortunate because you could bring all the inhabitants of the seven Lokas (Seven Worlds) for the installation ceremony of your temple."

 

Brahma going round the three chariots of Baladeva, Subhadra and Jagannath thrice, offered His prayers with ecstasy. Then He went round the Yagna pendal and saw the befitting dwelling arrangements made by the Maharaja for Devatas, Bhudharas, Brahmarishis, Brahmanas, Kshatrias, Yogis, Tapaswis and Vaishnavas.

 

Under the Divine guidance of Brahma, Maharshi Bharadwaja performed the needful rituals of the temple and installed Lord Jagannath in it. Then Brahma, Narada and other Maharshis standing with folded hands offered their prayers. They reached the chariots slowly and brought the Sri Murties of Baladeva, Subhadra, Jagannath and Sudarsan to the Yagna pendal. There they performed the Abhisheka with all teertha water to the four Murties, reciting Sri Sukta and Purusha Sukta mantras. Afterwards all the three Murties were brought to the inner apartment of the temple and were installed on the Ratna Simhasanas (Thrones of gems). Then Brahma offering his prayers said, "O, Lord ! You are ever existing. You are the cause of all causes. The whole universe is within you, yet you have kindly established yourself willingly in this temple. We perform this installation ceremony by your will and order." Then touching the Lotus heart of Daru Brahma, Padmayoni performed the japa of one thousand Anustup Mantras.

 

Indradyumna performed the installation ceremony on Vaisakha Sukla Astami, Thursday with Pushya Nakshatra. So on that auspicious day if any one has the darsan of the Lord Jagannath, definitely he attains salvation. After the ceremony, Brahma asked Indradyumna to enter into the temple to worship the Lord.

 

Indradyumna did accordingly. Entering in, he was astonished to see the Lord as Nrusimha Murty and informed the fact to Brahma. Jagannath out of His causeless mercy gave His first Darsan as Nrusimha, so that the people may not be misguided that He is only a Murty made of wood, concluded Brahma. Brahma offering His prayers to Nrusimha initiated Indradyumna with Nrusimha Mantra of Atharva Veda. All learned Vedantists declare only this Mantra to be the mean to attain Vaishnava Loka. Four Vedas are in this Mantra. At the beginning Swayambhuva Manu receiving this Mantra from Brahma expanded the creation of this world. Through it one can attain eight Sidhis. This Mantra only can bestow the fruits of all Yagnas, Tirtha Yatras and charities. The Divine Nrusimha Murty destroys all the sins of human beings.

 

Indradyumna, after receiving Nrusimha Mantra from Brahma could behold the same calm and serene Jagannath swamy instead of terrible Nrusimha Murty, so he was very happy. The Avatari Krishna gave His Darsan to Indradyumna as Nrusimha according to the Divine will of Brahma. Looking at Nrusimha he was first astonished to see how four Murties brought on three chariots could become one Nrusimha Murty with dreadful lion's face. To this Brahma replied, "Indradyumna ! Janardhana's Adi Murty is Nrusimha form. To bless me He has kindly appeared as this Nrusimha Murty. Please do not consider this as a wooden Murty. This Murty destroys all griefs and bestows fully eternal bliss. He is no other than the Supreme Lord. The Daru Brahma is visible as four Murties according to four Vedas. All the learned people know Him well that He is the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe. So He is Daru Brahma in His revealed form. Transcendental sound and form are one. Thus, Rig Veda is Baladeva, Sama Veda is Lord Jagannath or Nrusimha, Yajur Veda is Subhadra and Atharva Veda is Sudarsan. So, four Vedas are visible as four Sri Murties. You should have no doubt about an Avatar because He can appear in any form, He desires. He exists at the time of universal destruction and construction in different forms. He is all pervading. Worship Jagannath fully with unalloyed devotion. If any one with any desire worships Him here with this Mantra, He is highly pleased."

 

When Brahma prayed to Nrusimha Murty, the four Murties as Baladev Subhadra, Jagannath and Sudarsan gave Darsan. Again Brahma worshipped Jagannnath with Purusa Sukta Mantra, Baladev with Dwadasakshara Mantra, Subhadra with Sri Sukta Mantra and Sudarsan with Dwadaivna Mantra. He then prayed to the Lord," O, Lord ! You are always merciful towards your sincere devotees. This Indradyumna after completing several births with unabated devotion could get your Darsan. Though the fruit of your Darsan is salvation, yet he is anxiously awaiting to serve you and to hear the nectarine words from your Holy lips.

 

To create strong faith in the Devotee Daru Brahma said, "O, Indradyumna ! I am fully pleased with your Niskama karma and Bhakti. None except you have received such wealth of devotion. I bless you. Let your devotion towards Me remain unshakeable. You have constructed the magnificent temple spending several crores of sovereigns. At a later future the temple you have constructed may require repairs or reconstruction. Even after such things are made I'll not leave this place. I will be here till the end of Brahma's life. Your name will always remain attached to this temple. Your sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas pleased Me to appear on Jyesta full moon day. So every year on that Jyesta Poornima day, arrange for My Maha Snana or great bath. People witnessing the ceremony will be purified. To the North side of Kalpa Taru, there exists a well named Sarva Teertha Mai. On Jyesta Sukta Chaturdasi you have to perform the needful rituals of the well. On the Poornima day the Brahmins with golden pots will have to bring water from the above well and have to use it for the bathing of the Trimurties. For this Snana ceremony you have to construct a Pendal to the North-east corner of the temple. Take the three Murties to the Pendal and after the ceremonial bath take back the Murties to the Temple. For, fifteen days none should be allowed to have My Darsan. After that the Gundicha Mahochave should be performed. He who sees Me on the chariot on Ashada Sukla Dwitia with which Pusya Nakshatra combines, will be redeemed of all his sins. In this way you have to celebrate My Carfestival. The place where you performed Sahasra Aswamedha Yagnas and where I appeared for the first time is Gundicha platform. You take us there every year on three chariots. It is My beloved place because you performed Yagna there for thousand years. The temple you constructed on Neelachala under the guidance of Brahma is as dear to Me as the Aswamedha Yagna Platform, the Nrusimha Kshetra. The place is more pleasing to Me as it is My birth place and I am there for so many thousands of years. Yet Brahma and yourself have installed Me in the Neelachala Temple, where I should stay eternally due to your devotional desire. I should stay for nine days every year in My native place Gundicha, which is by the side of Indradyumna tank. Those who see Me in the Adapa Mandap after taking a holy dip in your tank will reach Vaikuntha. In this way My Sayan, Parswaparivartan, Uthapana rituals in Margasirsha, Pusya snans, Dolochava in Phalguna, Chaitra month ceremony, Vaisakha Chandan Yatra and other annual ceremonies should be properly performed.

 

Turning towards Brahma, Lord Jagannath showered benedictions upon Him. He said, "According to your will, I have appeared in this Neelachala as Daru Brahma to satisfy all sorts of My devotees. You please return back to Satya loka and let the gods return to Devaloka. There is no doubt that I will stay here as long as you are in Satya loka." Hearing this all the gods returned to their original abodes and the Lord Jagannath remained in Neelachala Temple as Daru Murty to bless all the human beings of this universe. When Indradyumna followed Brahma for Satya loka, Brahma advised him to stay in Neelachala for the service of the Lord Jagannath. "Lord Jagannath is pleased with our services means all our desires have been fulfilled", said Brahma. According to the desire of Brahma, remaining at Neelachala Kshetra Indradyumna performed all the services of Lord Jagannath.