52 - The Greatness of Purushottama (Jagannãtha of Puri)

It is significant that the NP. attaches the highest importance to Puru’i0ttama Kshetra (Jagannatha of Puri—Orissa) as it devotes 843 verses to it, while Kašhi is described only in 279 verses and Prayaga, the. so-called King of all Tirthas only in 229 verses. According to the author of the NP., the traditionally famous Tri-sthalï—Prayâga, VaranAsi and Gayä is less important than Purushottama Kshetra. And his order of priorities in describing kshetras is Gayä, Käshi, Purush0ttama Kshetra and Prayãga. This data gives credence to the theory that the author of the NP must be a person from a state in East India. A large no. of verses on this topic are common to the NP and the Brahma Puräna (BM. P.), the NP, being presumably the borrower.

Mohini said

1. O excellent Brahmin, you are blessed. You are merciful to all embodied beings. (I am blessed) because the excellent greatness of Käšhï has been heard from your lotus-like mouth.

2. I feel that I have accomplished my objects in life since now I have been enlightened by you. Although I had fallen into the ocean of worldly existence, I have been redeemed by you, the merciful one.

3. Now I wish to hear, O bestower of honour, the greatness of a holy place of Hari, by going to which men become contented.

4. It is reported that a holy centre of Vishnu, the most excellent among other centres is described in the Puränas by sage and Brähmanas as efficacious in granting Liberation from Samsära.

5. May that be recounted, O blessed one, if I am liked by you as a disciple of yours. Indeed, good men are always engaged in rendering continuous service to all the people of the world.

Vasu said:

6. O gentle lady, listen. I shall recount to you about the excellent greatness of the holy centre named Pusushottama as narrated by god Brahma.

7-8a. In the whole of this earth, Bhärata is said to be a Karmabhümi (the land of holy rites). There, in the Bhâratavarsha, on the shores of the southern sea, is a land known as Utkala. It is the bestower of heaven and Moksha (salvation) on all.

8b-9a. It is to the north of the ocean and it extends upto Virajamandala (a country stretching for ten miles round Jaipur on the river Vaitarni). This land is embellished with all the attributes of those who are habituated in performing meritorious deeds.

9b-11. O lady of large eyes, it should be known that there are many Tîrthas and holy shrines. In Utkala, on the northern shores of the ocean, in that land which is the most excellent of all, there is a great holy centre which yields salvation and dispels sins. It is in a place covered with sand everywhere. It is sacred and it bestows piety and love.

12-13a. The holy centre which is difficult of access is ten Yojanas in extent. Just as the moon is the best among constellations;¹ just as the ocean is the best among lakes (water-reservoirs), so is the holy centre Purushottama the best among sacred places.

1. VV. 13-24 are an echo of BG (Bhagavad-gitä) X. 21-33. In the BG., the best specimen of individual is the Vibhüti of the Lord, here Purush0ttama is the best in all holy places as the Lord’s Vibhütis are the excellent most ones in their respective categories or species.

13b-14a. Just as the fire-god is the best among Vasus, Just as Šhañkara is the best among Rudras, so is the holy centre Purushottama, the most excellent of all holy centres.

14b-15a. Just as the Brähmana is the best among the castes, and Vainateya (Garuda) (the excellent most) among birds, so also Purushottama is the most excellent among holy centres.

15b-16a. Just as Skanda is among commanders; Kapila among Siddhas.

16b-25a. Airävata among leading elephants; Bhrugu among great sages; Meru among the mountains; the Himalayas among the immovables (i.e. mountains); Ucchaiššhravas among the horses; Ušhanas among the wise thinkers; Vyâsa among the sages; Kubera among Yakshas and Râkshasas, the mind among sense-organs; the earth among the elements; the Ašhvattha among the trees; the ‘Wind-god among those who purify; Arundhatï among women; the thunderbolt among weapons; like the letter ‘A’ among letters; like the Gäyatrï among metres; the head ( Uttamâñga) among limbs; the spiritual lore of salvation among all lores; the king among men; Kâmadhenu (the wish-yielding cow) among cows; gold among all metals; Väsuki among serpents; Prahläda among Daityas; Rama among the wielders of weapons; sharks among fishes; lion among beasts; Varuna among water deities; Yama among those who restrain; the milk ocean among oceans; Nârada among divine sages; Bruhaspati (Jupiter)among priests; Käla(Time)among reckoners; Bhäskara (the sun) among planets. Pranava (0m) among the mantras and virtuous rites among duties—so should be known) Shripurushottama among holy centres.

25b-26. By visiting at least once, Purushottama who stands on the shore of the ocean, by knowing the Brahmavidyä once, there is no further stay within the womb.

Thus the holy centre is endowed with all attributes. It is highly difficult of access.

27. O fair lady, Purush0ttama, the lord of Devas, the Ãtman of the Universe, pervading the universe stays where the holy centre Purushottama is.

28-29a. where the lord of the universe, the source of origin of the universe is present, everything is established there. All the following are present therein: - Aja (Brahmä), Indra, Rudra, Agni and other Devas; O highly blessed lady, all these stay there always in that land.

29b-35. The following too are present: - The Gandharvas, the celestial damsels, Siddhas, Pitris, Devas, human beings, Yakshas, Vidyâdharas, the sages of praise-worthy holy vows; the sages Valakhilya and others; Kašhyapa and other Prajäpatis; Suparnas; Kinnaras; Nâgas, and other residents of heaven; the four Vedas along with their ancillaries; the different scriptures; Itihâsas, Purànas, sacrifices wherein many monetary gifts (as religious fees) are given; the different sacred rivers; the holy centres and shrines; the ocean and the mountains were established in that land. Who will not like to live in such a meritorious land inhabited by the gods, sages and Pitris and fully equipped with all means of enjoyment? There is the surpassing excellence of that lord. What is it that surpasses that wherein the lord of the universe, Purushottama, the bestower of salvation is present? Blessed are those men who stay in Utkala and resemble the Devas.

36. Those men who take bath in the waters of the Tirtharaja (the king of holy centres, viz. the Sea) and visit Purush0ttama, stay in the heaven and not in the abode of a Räjasa nature.

37. Fruitful is the life of those residents of Utkala of great intellect who habitually reside in the meritorious holy centre of Shripurushottama in Orissa.

38-40a. (Blessed are they) who see the lotus-like face of Krishna, wherein the lips are very red like copper, the eyes are pleasant and large, the eyebrows, the tresses and coronets are very beautiful; which is embellished with beautiful ear-rings, which is beautified with smiles, and charming earrings; wherein the teeth are beautiful and the nose, cheeks and forehead have all good characteristics and which cause delight to the three worlds.

40b-41a. O gentle lady, it is reported that formerly, in the Kruta age there was a glorious king wellknown as Indradyumna. His exploits were like those of Indra.

41b-42. He was truthful of speech, pure, clever and competent. He was the most excellent among the warrious wielding weapons. He was charming and blessed, brave and a liberal donor. He was an enjoyer of pleasures, and pleasing in speech. He was the performer of all Yajñas, and he was friendly to Brahmanas.

43. He was truthful of promise. He was an adept in the Vedas, Scriptures and the science of archery. He was contented. He was popular with men and women like the moon on a Full-moon day.

44. He was like the sun in being too dazzling to be seen directly; he was as sweet as the moon; he was a devotee of Vishnu, he was endowed with truthfulness; he had conquered anger, he had subjugated sense-organs.

45. He was engaged in spiritual learning; he was fond of virtue and piety and brave. Thus the king, the abode of all attributes, protected the earth.

46. He became inclined to the propitiation of Vishnu He thought, “How shall I propitiate Janãrdana, the lord of the Devas.

47. In which holy centre, Tirtha, or hermitage shall I do so.” Thinking thus he mentally surveyed the whole of the earth.

48-49a. He reviewed before his mind’s eye the various holy centres of the earth that dispel sins. Finally, he decided on the well-known great holy centre Purushottama that bestows salvation.

49b-50. The king went there with the full complement of his vehicles and army. He got a lofty palace erected there. He performed a horse-sacrifice in accordance with the injunctions and distributed wealth by way of monetary gifts.

51-52. The powerful king installed Sankarshana Krishna and Subhadrà there. He caused five Tïrthas¹ to be constructed there. With great devotion he performed ablution, charitable gift, Japa, Homa and the visit to the deity. He propitiated lord Purushottama every day in accordance with the injunctions and with great devotion. Thanks to the grace of the lord of the Devas, he attained salvation.

1. Every important Tirtha has generally a set of five important-most sub-tirthas which are called jointly Pañcha-Tirthi. According to BM. P. 60.11, Märkandeya pool, Banyan tree (identified with Krishna), Balaräma, the ocean (the Bay of Bengal) and Indradyumna lake (Saras) are the five important Tirthas. The credit of creating or causing these is given to Indradyumna here.

Mohini enquired.

53-56a. O Lord, was there an already installed image Of Vishnu in that excellent, meritorious sacred Vaishnavite place called Purushottama, for the sake of which the king went there along with his army and vehicles and established the images of Krishna, Balaráma and Subhadrâ, the bestower of auspicious things. I have great doubt, O excellent Brahmana and feel a great surprise too. I wish to hear everything. Tell me the reason thereof.

Vasu narrated

56b. Listen to the anecdote forming its background—a story which destroys sins,

57. I shall succinctly narrate to you what was formerly asked by goddess Shri on the top of the golden peak of mount Sumeru which was full of all wondrous things.

58-59a. The goddess bowed down with her head to Lord Jagannätha, the imperishable (eternal), creator of the world who was residing there. Out of her desire for the benefit of the world, she asked this following question regarding the excellent-most holy place on the earth.

Shri said

59b-61. “O lord of all the worlds, tell me now clearing the doubts in my heart. The mortal world, the earth, is full of great miracles. It is very difficult to perform auspicious Karmans leading to Moksha here. It is a great ocean of lust and fury and contains big sharks (crocodiles) in the form of coveteousness and delusion. What is it, then, whereby the Atman is liberated from impassable ocean of worldly existence? Excepting you there is no one in the world who will propound everything and dispel my doubt.”

62. On hearing her words thus, Janärdana, the lord of the Devas, spoke with great pleasure and explained the great means of happiness that is comparable to the nectar and great essence of everything—the means that is easily achievable yield great benefit and will not cause any strain.

The glorious Lord said:

63-64.¹ 0 goddess, there is a wellknown excellent holy centre named Purush0ttama. In the three worlds there is nothing else equal to this. O goddess of the Devas, by glorifying it, one is liberated from all sins.

1. The rest of this chapter from vv. 63-87 is a prolonged quotation (With a few deleted in between) from the BM. P. Ch. 45 vv. 53-89, the only difference is that in the NP. the interlocutors are Shri and Shri Bhagavän (Vishnu) and in the BM. P. god Brahmä and sages.

65. It is not fully comprehended and realised by men; Daityas or Dànavas. O fair-faced lady, this is pointed out by Marichi and other excellent sages.

66-67a. On the shore of the southern sea, there is a holy (Indian) fig (Nyagrodha) tree. Even during the (close of the) kalpa, when everything is destroyed by means of great meteors (?) it is not destroyed. It remains by itself there.

67b-69a. As soon as one sees that banyan tree or if one resorts to its shade frequently, the sin of even Brahmana-slaughter perishes. What then about other lesser evils? Those creatures (living beings) which circumambulate it and make obeisance to it, shake off their sins. All of them go to Kešhava’s abode (Vaikuntha).

69b-71a. On the southern side of the shrine of Kešhava and to the north of the holy fig tree is the region of holy Dharma. By seeing the image made by the lord himself at the place, men go to my mansion without any exertion.

71b-72a. Going (along that way) once Dharmaràja (Yama) saw me, approached me and bowing down his head, spoke to me thus: -

72b. “Obeisance to you O lord, to the brilliant refulgence, to the lord of worlds.

73-81a. I bow down to that lord who stays in the milk-ocean; who lies down on the extensive body of Shesha; who is the most excellent one; who is the bestower of boons; who is the everlasting maker of the worlds; who is Vishnu. the unborn (eternal) lord of the universe; who is omniscient; who is unconquered; who is dark in complexion like the blue lily; whose eyes resemble the lotuses; who is present everywhere, who is devoid of attributes, quiet, the unchanging creator of the universe; who is the maker of worlds; who is the lord of worlds; who is conducive to happiness; who is the ancient Purusha worthy of being known; who is both manifest and unmanifest, who is the eternal ancient Being, who is the creator; who is a sanctifying holy being unto all the worlds; who is the preceptor of the universe; who is endowed with Šhrïvatsa on his chest; who is bedecked in Vanamâläs (garlands of sylvan flowers) who is clad in yellow garments; who has four arms who wields conch, discus and iron club; who is beautified with necklaces and armlets; who wears coronet and bracelets; who is endowed with all auspicious characteristics; who is devoid of all sense organs; who is as steady and firm as a mountain; who is subtle, eternal and of the form of fiery brilliance; who is devoid of both existence and nonexistence; pervasive and beyond Prakruti. I bow down to that Ishvara, the lord of the universe, the lord bestowing happiness. Thus the lord of Dharma (Yama) eulogised me with different hymns in the vicinity of the holy fig tree. Then he made obeisance to me.

81b-83. “O highly blessed lady, on seeing him standing with palms joined with reverence after obeisance, O gentle lady, I asked the god of Death, the reason for the eulogy, “O mighty armed Vaivasvata, you are identical with all Devas. Why did you eulogise me thus. Tell me succinctly”.

Yama said:

84-85. In this holy shrine, well-known after Purushottama there is an idol made of Indranïla (sapphire). It bestows all desires. O lotus-eyed deity, men devoid of desires see that idol with faith and (single-minded) emotional feelings and go to the world called Shveta (Dvïpa).

86. Hence, O destroyer of enemies, I cannot proceed with my usual work of chastising the sinners. O great lord, be pleased. Withdraw this idol, O lord.”

88. On hearing these words of Vaivasvata Yama, I spoke to him thus— “O Yama, I shall conceal this idol with sands all round”.

88. Thereafter, O gentle lady, that idol was concealed with creepers, so that men desirous of going to heaven could not see it.

89. O gentle lady, after hiding it with creepers of golden coverings (?) I bade farewell to Yama to the southern direction”.

90-91. Janârdana, the Lord of the Devas, narrated to her the following incidents that happened thereafter in the holy place, the famous sacred shrine of Purushottama, when the sapphire idol was concealed—all the following incidents occurred: -

92-97. Indradyumna’s departure; visit to the shrine; description of the holy centre; O Mohini, its prosperity, the vision of Baladeva and of Krishna in particular and that of Subhadrä; the greatness of them all; the vision of Narasimha; the glorification of prosperity; the vision of Ananta and Vâsudeva; the glorification of his attributes; the greatness of Shveta-mädhava; the description of the gateway of heaven; the sight of the ocean; the ablution therein and the performance of Tarpana rite: the greatness of ablution in the sea and of Indradyumna pool (saras); the benefit of the Pañchatirthas (five shrines and holy pools) oh the full moon day in the month of Jyeshtha; the bath of Krishna and holy Balaräma; the benefit of all pilgrimages; the description of the world of Vishnu and again of the holy place. Thus Purushottama himself described to her the truth of all these things.