Origin of Jagannath Deity

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The origin of the Jagannath deity is open to several interpretations. The myth claims it to be a divine creation, while many historians see the tribal deity of the Sabaras transformed into Jagannath. An icon of Buddha was installed as Jagannath or Vishnu-Krishna by Adi Sankaracharya at the Govardhan Math, established by him at Puri. Therefore, Adi Sankaracharya should claim the credit for bringing in Jagannath as a Vaishnav deity.

Jagannath in the present shape became the presiding deity of Puri as Purushottam-Jagannath and the worship of Jagannath trinity developed in Ganga period. Sudarsana was added and, therefore, the quadrangle worship. The influence on Jagannath was first recorded in Purushottama Mahatyamma, which is an interpolation in Skandapurana created in 12th century A.D.

Jitamitra Prasad Singh Deo, is an amateur archaeologist at Khariar. He is credited with the discovery of pre historic cave painting of Yogimath Donger, Ghat Ghumar rock shelter, copper plates and gold coins of Sarabhapuriya dynasty, clay seal of; Nannadeva, Kalachuri coins, terra cottas, beads and sculptures of many types. With the presentation of his findings, a branch museum has been opened at Khariar by the Government of Orissa in 1976. He is Life Member of Institute of Historical Studies, Calcutta; and Orissa History Congress, President of Khariar Sahitya Samiti which has already celebrated its centenary, and Archaeological Committee, Kariar. Author of Cultural Profile of South Kosala, he has contributed to different research journals, bulletins, periodicals and magazines.

The Study on 'Origin of Jagannath Deity', is an individual work and the author has not received any project for it. Therefore, the author is unable to produce photographic illustrations and only three illustrations could be given.

When a study on the Origin of Jagannath Deity', (the Lord of the Universe), is done, it is appropriate to know about Knowledge and Reality.

The Knowledge which is acquired from teachers and from books are imitative, repetitive, derivative and educative. Another Knowledge which is above these types of Knowledge is intuitive. Only intuitive knowledge reaches to the Reality.

Intuition means the power of the mind by which it immediately perceives the Truth of things without reasoning or analysis, a truth so perceived, is immediate knowledge in contrast with mediate.

The realised Souls, otherwise known as Rishis and Yogis in India are individuals of Intuitive knowledge in Human creation. The knowledge of intuition cannot be expressed in words fully, because it is the practical experience in Meditation. All the Holy books or scriptures of the world therefore indicate, but have failed to express the full Truth, the full consciousness or the full realisation.

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