A Study of the Jagannatha Dhama in India from a Historical and Cultural Perspective

Abstract

The Jagannatha Dhama is famous for its historic remains and religious sanctuaries in India. It is also well-known throughout the world for the celebrated temple of Lord Jagannatha, which stands on a prominent place near the sea-shore. This seaside tirtha by the wave lashed shore of the Bay of Bengal is an important sacred places of India. Odisha is like a lotus in the lake of Bharatavarsha and the site of Jagannatha temple is the heart of the flower.2Besides the Jagannatha temple, there are also a number of temples and mathas (monasteries) noticed in the different parts of the Puri town. The place of Jagannatha Dhamais one of the important cultural centers of Odisha and it is also well known throughout India as a place of pilgrimage from the time of Yore.3Dhamais called the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu or one of his avataras. The PuriDhama boasts of a continuous history from the third century BC to the present day and its unique monument like that of Jagannatha is famous in the world. Millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over India and abroad come to visit this holy place.4Thisarticle attempts to focus on history and culture of Jagannatha Dhama of India.