Jagannath Temple

Why in news?

• In a historic decision, the Odisha state cabinet on 5^th January 2022 approved amendments to the Sri Jagannath Temple Act of 1954, simplifying issues pertaining to land owned by the Jagannath Temple

About Jagannath Temple:

• The temple is dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna in Puri in the state of Odisha.
• It is believed to be constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty (as suggested by the Kendupatna copper-plate inscription of his descendant Narasimhadeva II).
• The temple was built on the basis of Kalinga architectural style - a distinct sub-style of the Nagara style.
• It has around 120 temples and shrines inside. The main temple has curvilinear shape with a chakra of Lord Vishnu on the top.
• Jagannath Puri temple is called ‘Yamanika Tirtha’ where, according to the Hindu beliefs, the power of ‘Yama’, the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.
• This temple was called the ‘White Pagoda’ and is a part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram).
• There are four gates to the temple- Eastern ‘Singhdwara’ which is the main gate with two crouching lions, Southern ‘Ashwadwara’, Western 'Vyaghra Dwara and Northern ‘Hastidwara’. There is a carving of each form at each gate.
• In front of the entrance stands the Aruna stambha or sun pillar, which was originally at the Sun Temple in Konark.
• The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival.
• Many great Vaishnava saints, such as Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya and Ramananda were closely associated with the temple.
• Ramanuja established the Emar Mutt near the temple and Adi Shankaracharya established the Govardhan Math, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas

What is the Jagannath Temple Act, 1954 ?

• In the year 1806, the then British government had issued regulations for management of the Jagannath temple.
• Under these regulations, pilgrims who visited the temple were expected to pay taxes.
• The British government was entrusted with appointing senior priests at the temple.
• Three years later, the powers of management of the temple were passed on to the King of Khordha while the colonial government continued to retain some control.
• After his death, the temple management was passed on to the queen and thereafter to their grandson. It was only after India gained Independence that the state of Odisha formally introduced the Jagannath Temple Act in the year 1952, which came into effect in 1954.
• The Act contains provision on land rights of the temple, duties of the sevayat, administrative powers of the Shri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, rights and privileges of the Raja of Puri and other persons connected with the management and administration of the temple.

What does the recent amendment propose?

• The recent amendment approved by the state cabinet now decentralizes the power to settle land related issues of the temple.
• The cabinet has delegated power to temple administration and concerned officials for sale and lease of land in name of Jagannath temple.
• Unlike earlier, no approval will be required from the state government for the process.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

With reference to ‘Jagannath Puri temple’, consider the following statements:

1. It is constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty

2. The temple was built on the basis of Kalinga architectural style

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer