The Cult of Jagannatha: Myths and Rituals offers a new approach to Orissan ethnography. In sharp contrast with dominant explanations, centred on tribal influences and the history of aryan-isation, this book provides extensive evidence on the importance of religious orthodoxy. The transition from the coastal to the inland regions of Orissa is characterised by sharp demographic and sociological discontinuities. Such regional differences are probably a reflection of aryan-isation. Ethnological accounts have most commonly relied on the historical reconstruction of this process. It has been assumed that native communities exercised a decisive influence on the traditions that flourished in the delta plain, especially those related to its vital centres-the city of Puri and the temple of Jagannatha. Myths and rituals show that sacrificial symbolism is at the core of Puri's religious system. Explicitly associated with an inaugural asvamedha (the Vedic horse sacrifice), the building of the great temple is still seen as a transformation of the brick-fire altar. These correlations are further supported by an impressive web of orthodox representations, both Vedic and Hindu. This acknowledgement of orthodoxy takes us back to the so-called singularities of local traditions. How to interpret the iconographic "specificity" of Puri's deities? What status should be attributed to the Sudra ritualists of the great temple? The present book provides new answers to these old questions. Puzzling as it may appear, the "strangeness" of Orissan ethnography is a particular, yet extremely coherent expression of Indian traditions.

In the Rig-Veda, 10.155.3, there is mention of a Daru (log of wood) floating in the ocean. Vedic prayers have indicated for taking shelter in the Daru. In spite of the fact that Acharya Sayana, the noted commentator on the Vedas, has categorically interpreted the hymn with Jagannath as the Daru floating at the sea shores, some scholars have refuted this interpretation under the argument that the hymn deals with âAlaxmi Stavaâ of Arayi.

In June 1997, A Group Of German And Indian Scholars Assembled At A Conference In Heidelberg Held On The Topic Of `Jagannath Revisited: Studying Society, Religion And The State In Orissa`. The Articles Published In This Book Represent Papers Presented At This Conference. They Include Contributions From Social Anthropology, History, Indology, Religious Studies, Archaeology And Political Science, Discussing Topics As Divere As Religious Practices Amongorissan Adivasis, The Renewal Of The Body Of Jagannath, The History Of Mahima Dharma Sect, The Ritual Politics Of A Dhenkanal Village, And The Rebellious Attitude Of The Jungle King. Even Where Jagannath Is Re-Investigated, It Is His Worship By Subaltern Groups Rather Than The Scriptural, Orthodox View That Is The Present Focus Of Study.

This Book Focuses Primarily On The Oriya Identity As Defined And Constructed In The Two Important Oriay Identity, I.E., Oriya Literature And The Jagannath Cult.

This Book Contains A Selection Of Articles On Various Aspects Of Ksatra And Ksetra, The Inter Connected Domains Of Temporal And Sacred Power In Medieval India And Southeast Asia. Thematically These Papers Are Intertwined By A Study Of Quest Of Medieval Rulers For Legitimation Through Religious Institutions. About Half Of The Papers Focus On Puri In Orisa And Its Jagannatha Cult. South Indian Is Represented By Two Papers On Religious Policy Of The Colas And The Early Rulers Of The Vijayanagara . Four Papers Deal With Southeast Asia.

Focusing on the tension between the purity and impurity of the "devadasis"--a handful of female devotees of the Hindu temple and cult of Jagannatha at Puri--this book examines ideas about kingship, power, sexual purity, the role and status of women, and other central concerns of Hindu religious and cultural life.