Studies in the Cult of Jagannatha

by K. C. Mishra | 1991 | 88,395 words

Summary: This book studies the Cult of Jagannatha by presenting articles that investigates the complexities surrounding the deity Lord Jagannatha in the sacred land of Utkala (Orissa). Jagannatha is central to the region's social, cultural, and religious life, yet the deity's origin and evolution are historically indistinct, marked by the assimilation of diverse religious, social, and anthropological factors. The cult is presented as a universal religion that transcends barriers, embodying a synthesis of various Hindu sects, philosophical systems, and even tribal, Buddhistic, and Jaina practices. The compiled research papers aim to shed new light on the multifaceted history, iconography, rituals, and pan-Indian significance of the Lord, who is revered by devotees across India.

Source 1: exoticindiaart.com
Source 2: archive.org

Contents of this online book ( + / - )

The full text of the Studies in the Cult of Jagannatha in English is available here and publically accesible (free to read online). Of course, I would always recommend buying the book so you get the latest edition. You can see all this book’s content by visiting the pages in the below index:

Warning! This document has not been proofread. However, for each page you can (and should) verify the text with the original source PDF file.

Prefatory note

Part 1 - Sayana’s interpretation on Rigedic verse 10.155.3

Part 2 - Lord Jagannatha—a legend and a symbol—an interpretation

Part 3 - Archetype, Symbolism and Myth in the Cult of Jagannatha

Part 4 - Jagannatha and Buddhism

Part 5 - Art and Architecture of Jagannatha temple, Puri

Part 6 - Worship of stone/wooden images of Lord Jagannatha

Part 7 - Notes on Tirthakshetra and Purushottamakshetra

Part 8 - Religious rites relating to Jagannatha in Orissan Dharmashastra

Part 9 - Madhava worship and Shri Jagannatha

Part 10 - Orissan Vaishnavism and the Cult of Jagannatha