Jainism in Odisha (Orissa)

by Ashis Ranjan Sahoo | 2015 | 106,639 words

This essay studies the presence of Jainism in Odisha or Orissa by documenting the Art, Architecture and Iconography of Jaina images, relics, structures and establishments from different districts. In Odisha, archaeological evidences show how Jainism flourished during the 1st century BCE during the reign of emperor Kharavela, stating that Jainism wa...

Jaina Antiquities at Puri District (Introduction)

Puri, the abode of Visnu, popularly known for Lord Jagannatha temple, is a coastal district on the eastern part of Odisha. This district derives its name from the Puri, one of the four pilgrimage centers of India other being are Dwaraka pitha, Badrinatha and Ramesvaram. The word “Puri” in Sanskrit means town or city and is cognate with polis in Greek. Purusottama name was applied to this town from the drama Anargharaghava Natakam attributed to circa 9th century CE. In the Nagari Plate of Anangabhima III of the saka year 1151-52, i.e., 1229-30 CE, the place is called Purusottama Kshetra. The Mughals, the Marathas as well as the early British rulers in their official records, used this name in the form of Purusottama Chhatar or only in the form Chhatar. Even in Yoginitantra and Kalikapurana, the city is referred to as Purusottam[1].

Puri is considered as the cultural capital of Odisha. The cultural heritage of this district dates back to 3rd century BCE. The architectural grandeur of this district is most prominently visible in its temples viz., Jagannatha temple, Sun temple, Mangala temple and Sakhigopal temple etc. These architectural marvels draw people from all over the world for their cultural appeal. Puri district is well known for its stone sculptures, palm-leaf paintings, patta paintings, tassar paintings etc[2]. People of different religions, sects and faith live here in complete harmony.

Being a sacred seat of Vaishnavism from the remote past, other religious cults have left their footprints in the district not in a very great extent. A very few Jaina sculptures are noticed in the district. They are mostly attached in Brahmanical or Saivite temples.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

N. Senapati and D.C. Kuanra, Orissa District Gazetteer, Puri, 1977, pp.1-65.

[2]:

Ibid.

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