Shree Jagannath Dham, one of India’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites, is known by many names, each showing its long history and importance. Today, it’s called “Puri.” Its first name, “Purusottam Dham” or “Kshetra,” shows its sacred status. Maharaja Indradyumna built the first temple of Lord Jagannath here, known as the Daru Brahma temple. Legend says Lord Purusottam appeared after Indradyumna‘s Ashvamedha Yajna, and a sacred pond, one of the area’s five tirthas called “Indradyumna Tirtha,” was created.
The pilgrimage’s greatness is told in scriptures, including the Sanskrit Mahabharata as “Indra Tirtha.” The pond, named “Indradyumna Pushkari,” was created during Indradyumna’s Yajna. Even though Indradyumna’s name faded, a devotee placed his idol at the holy shore one morning, leading to the “Indradyumna Temple.”
Emperor Chodagangadeva later built the present Jagannath Temple, showing his deep devotion to Lord Jagannath. This temple stands today as a sign of his faith. The revered priestesses of the Shabara Tantra, Mother Nitei Dhobani and Mother Pitei Sautuni, and the worship tradition of “Badu Mahapatra Jaga,” are honored throughout Odisha, India. Including Dhobani and Sautuni, from lower castes, alongside an emperor in worship shows Puri’s inclusive spirit.
King Shvetaraja also built the temple of Lord Shvetamadhava on the holy Shvetaganga’s banks, adding to Puri’s spiritual importance.
These stories highlight Puri’s spiritual and cultural richness and its tradition of inclusiveness that continues today.
