Hanuman is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and is worshipped by millions of devotees worldwide. He is considered to be the epitome of strength, devotion, and loyalty. Hanuman Jayanti, celebrated during the Mahavishuva Sankranti festival, is a significant occasion for his worshippers. During this festival, the devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Hanuman. The Shri Jagannath Temple in Odisha is a prominent temple where Hanuman is worshipped with great devotion. This article explores Hanuman’s significance in the Shri Jagannath Temple and his role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the temple and the comfort of its visitors.
In the Hanuman Chalisa, Goswami Tulsidas states that remembering Hanuman can bring relief to those who are struggling with various troubles due to their delusions. He also claims that the Hanuman Chalisa is a powerful Mahamantra that has been tested and proven over time.
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated during the Mahavishuva Sankranti festival. In the state of Odisha, worshippers of Lord Hanuman receive a garland called Angyamala as a confirmation symbol during Hanuman Jayanti and Odia Naba Barsha, which is the New Year for Odias. After receiving the garland, the deity is taken to the southern house and placed in a beautiful vimana, which is arranged near the jhulam mandap of the Shri Jagannath Temple.
In a splendid ceremony accompanied by the sounds of bells, kahali, and various musical instruments, the enshrined Mahavir located at the four doors of the Jagannath temple, as well as the Mahavir situated outside the southern temple, are brought to the courtyard of Jagannath Ballabh Math. Then, Hanuman is placed in the courtyard, and prasad is offered to him. Following that, Mahavir proceeds in a procession to the Daripari Hanuman temple to receive offerings.
Upon returning from the Dariapari Mahavir temple, a unique offering is arranged at the Jagannath Ballab Math. During the return procession, known as Bahuda, devotees are captivated by the spectacle of the procession heading towards the southern door of the Jagannath temple.
The worshippers of Sriram consider Lord Sri Jagannath to be an embodiment of Sriram himself. Whenever Lord Sri Raghunath is present in the temple, his faithful servant Hanuman is also present there to serve him. This is why Hanuman is installed in various locations throughout the temple. According to many researchers, Hanuman is believed to provide protection to the temple and the shrine, along with the powerful Shrinilachakra, against natural calamities.
To safeguard the temple, there are four Hanumans, also known as the four Mahaviras, positioned around the shrine. These include Fate Mahabir at the east gate, Kanapata or Veer Vikram Mahabir at the west gate, Barvai Mahabir at the south gate, and Charichakra Mahabir or Tapasvi Mahabir, also known as Astabhuja Mahavir, as the guardian of the north gate. Kanpata Mahavir is particularly noteworthy as it is believed that because of his presence, the sea cannot breach the walls of the temple, even during tumultuous weather. It is considered ill-omened for the sea to make such noise amidst the opulence of the temple.
Apart from this, many Mahavirs are enthroned in the panchkoshi of the Shrikhetra and continue to protect the Shrikhetra and Shri Jagannath Temple. The statue of Hanuman idol is in special charge in the temple. These are idols without vermilion. All other Hanumans are covered with vermilion except these. These Hanumans are victorious in the Anada Bajar, the sale of pleasures, the self-satisfaction of the devotees, the preservation of the majesty of the Mahaprasad and the discipline.
Hanuman’s presence can be felt in the temple’s natmandapa, where he serves the important role of overseeing the orderly passage of pilgrims, devotees, sadhakas, ascetics, and sages who come to see the Lord. Hanuman is also known as the gatekeeper of the god, Deva Dwarapala Panchamukhi Hanuman, and he serves as the Prathekhya Mahavir, victorious in the outer Bebha on the west side. Interestingly, those who make donations to the Sreejagannath temple hundi are believed to receive blessings from Lord Hanuman himself, provided that they give freely and with a pure heart.
Hanuman’s role in the temple goes beyond just being a deity to worship. He has been given the responsibility of overseeing the orderly movement of visitors within the natmandapa. This includes pilgrims, devotees, ascetics, and sages who come to seek the blessings of the Lord.
In addition to this, Hanuman is also known as the gatekeeper of the god, Deva Dwarapala Panchamukhi Hanuman, who guards the temple’s western entrance as Prathekhya Mahavir.
Interestingly, it is believed that those who make donations to the temple hundi receive blessings from Lord Hanuman himself. However, these blessings are said to be bestowed only upon those who give freely and with a pure heart.
Overall, Hanuman’s presence in the temple is significant and his duties are essential in ensuring the smooth functioning of the temple and the comfort of its visitors.
On the natmandap of the temple, on the pillars, on the east side, on the Kurum Bebha, stone, metal and painted idols are worshipped. These great heroes relieve the devotees.
Hanuman is an integral part of the Shri Jagannath Temple, and his presence is felt throughout the temple complex. His role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the temple and the comfort of its visitors cannot be overstated. He is worshipped with great devotion by millions of people worldwide and is considered to be a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty. The Shri Jagannath Temple is a significant temple where Hanuman is worshipped, and devotees seek his blessings during Hanuman Jayanti and other auspicious occasions.
