Some scholars think that originally there was only image of Jagannatha as the object of worship called Nila

Madhava and when Nila Madhava disappeared, king Indradyumna fabricated the body of Jagannatha out of a log of wood that was picked up from the sea, as per a divine direction. Scholars suggesting that originally there ,were only two deities, cite the example of a temple found in the Cuttack district in Orissa belonging perhaps to the seventh century A.D., where the images only of Jagannatha and Balabhadra have been carved and Subhadra is not to be seen there. It is, therefore, believed that when there was a great resurgence of Saktism from the 7th century onwards, there was a successful attempt to instal an image of the mother goddess (Durga or Sakti) in the Puri temple by the side of Jagannatha. According to some others, installation of the image of Durga or Sakti, who is also known as Bhadra, Mangala etc., might have taken place during the visit of Sankaracarya to Puri. In the Konarka temple built in the 13th century A.D. about a century later than the Puri temple, there is a panel of three images. Jagannatha is seen in the middle and to his left is Durga killing demon Mahisa, while to his rjght is A linga (phallus) representing Siva. From this, it is deduced by some scholars that this might have been the original trio of the Puri temple, indicating the equal importance to Vaisnavism, Saktism and Saivism. In such a case, it is deduced that originally there was one image representing Visnu or Madhava and Siva and Durga were added subsequently. There is another theory that Bhadra or Mangala (Durga) came to be called Subhadra and at the time of Vaisnavite preponderance, she was introduced as Krisna's sister, whose name is also Subhadra. Similarly one of the names of Siva is Virabhadra. Somehow, at a time of Vaisnavic effloroscence, he was transformed into Balabhadra. The second half Of this name i.e., 'Bhadra' was retained and the first half was substituted by Bala.When he was thus called Balabhadra, he was introduced as the elder brother of Krisna. The Puranic texts mention that the original images of Puri consisted of Laksmi and Visnu known as Purusottama. a twin figure. Some literary works, bear testimony to this view too.

he temple consists of four structures called (a) the Vimana or Bada Deula sanctum sanctorum) (b) the Jagamohan or Mukhasala (the porch), (c) the Natamandir (the audience hall) and (d) the Bhogamandap (the hall for residuary offerings) built in a row in an axial alignment in east-west direction. The temple faces the east. The Vimana is constructed in Pancharatha (temple containing five Pagas or segments) Rekha order. Rekha is the name given to a type of temple with a curvilinear spire. Out of the five Pagas or segments, the middle one is known as Raha, the two feanking pagas as Anuraha, and the two corners as Kanika. Like a full-fledged Orissan temple, it has four-fold vertical divisions, i.e. the Pitha (pedestal), the Bada (wall), the Gandi (trunk) and the Mastaka (the head). The temple stands on a high pedestal though a major portion of it is buried in the ground. The visible portion shows three mouldings, which are richly carved. Similarly the Bada is Panchanga type i.e. consisting of five elements known respectively as Pabhaga (foot), lower Jangha (shin), Bandhana(bond), upper Jangha and Baranda. The Pabhaga consists of five usual mouldings and

these mouldings are connected with vertical bands in each Paga of the Bada. These five mouldings are known in the architectural texts as Khura, Kumbha, Pata, Kani and Basanta in ascending order

Candana Vesa: The word 'Candana' means sandal wood, the sweet-scented paste of which is applied to the body of the deities in the months of Vaisakha and Jyestha, for long 42 days of Candana Yatra. Hati Vesa: In Snana Yatra Jagannatha is dressed like Ganesa, who bears the head of an elephant (Hati). Nava Youvana Vesa: Immediately after the day of Snana Purnima the deities remain unseen for 15 days. Thereafter, on the eve of Ratha Yatra they are gorgeously dressed and pay darsan to the visitors. They put on very charming robes and look like persons at the commencement of their youth. (Nava Youvana). Suna Vesa: In the month of Asadha, when the deities are brought back to the main gate of the temple and are still in their respective chariots, the Suna Vesa (decoration with golden ornaments) takes place. Citalagi Vesa: The word 'Cita' literally means the decoration of the forehead with special materials like sandal paste, musk and gorachana etc. But in Puri three magnificient citas (ornaments of the forehead) made of gold, diamond, saphire and emerald are put on the the three principal deities on the Amavasya day of Sravana. Connected with this, is the decoration of Rahu Rekha. It is an ornament of the head. This is removed from the head of the deities on the day of Snana Purnima and is again put in the month of Sravana. Vana Bhoji Vesa: Since Jagannatha has been identified with Krisna, incidents connected with the life of the latter have been inseparably associated with Jagannatha. Krisna used to go to the forests with his companions, who were decorating him with the tendrils of the creepers, flowers and tender leaves of different colours. Keeping this incident in view, Jagannatha is dressed in the month of Bhadra in the befitting manner. Kaliyadalana Vesa: In the story of Krisna, Kaliya, the venomous viper, living on the banks of Yamuna was a source of great danger to the people and Krisna had killed it. To remind this incident in the month of Bhadra this Vesa takes place. The actual scene of killing the demonlike snake is dramatised in the sacred tank of Markanda. Pralambasura Vadha Vesa:A demon, Pralamba by name, was killed by Balarama, the elder brother of Krisna. So Balarama wears this Vesa in Bhadra. 9. Krisna Balarama Vesa: The deep impact of the Krisna cult in Orissa is perhaps responsible for this Vesa. It takes place in the month of Bhadra. As is clear from the name itself, Jagannatha is dressed like Krisna and Balabhadra like Balarama. Vamana Vesa: In the month of Bhadra, Jagannatha is dressed like Vamana incarnation of Visnu. Visnu had appeared in the form of a Vamana (a dwarf) and through his ingenuity, outwitted the demon king Bali and pushed him down to the inferno with his foot.

Raja Vesa: The word Raj a means a 'king'. Hence this Vesa denotes the dress of a sovereign king. Jagannatha was regarded as the king of Orissa since the rule of Ganga dynasty and this Vesa of Jagannatha continues from those days four times in a year.

It is said that there are twelve 'Yatras' (festivals) of Shri Jagannath as mentioned below, but actually there are more festive rituals performed throughout the year. 1. Devasnana Purnima 2. Ratha Yatra 3. Snana Yatra 4. Dakhinayana 5. Parshwa Parivarthan 6. Deva Uthapana 7. Prabarana Sasthi 8. Pushyavisheka 9. Makar Sankranti 10.Dola Yatra 11.Damanaka Chaturdashi 12.Akshaya Trutiya

05 A.M. : Dwara Pitha & Mangalal Alati 06 A.M. : Mailam 09 A.M. : Gopala Ballava Puja 11 A.M. : Madhynha Dhupa

The local legends say that King Narasimha Deva-I of the Ganga Dynasty had ordered the temple to be built as a symbol of political supremacy of his dynasty. Over 1200 of the most capable artisans and architects worked continuously for 12 years on the construction of the temple. It is said that the king had already spent an amount equal over 12 years of the tax collections.

However, the completion of the temple was still far from over. Enraged the king issued an ultimatum that the work be completed by a stipulated date with dire consequences otherwise. The team of architects headed by Bisu Maharana was unable to produce a solution to their architectural problem. It is said that Dharmapada--the young son of the chief architect Bisu Maharana--arrived there as a visiting onlooker. He became aware of the anxiety looming large among the architects. Although he did not have any practical experience of temple construction, he was careful in his study of the theories of temple architecture. He offered a solution to the problem of fixing the last stone at the top of the temple. He surprised everyone by doing that himself. But soon after his glorious achievement the dead body of this adolescent prodigy was found on the sea beach at the foot of the temple. It is often regarded that Dharmapada laid down his life to save his community. The temple was dedicated to the Sun-God (Arka), popularly called Biranchi-Narayan, and the area in which it is located was known as Arka-Kshetra as well as padma-kshetra. According to folklore, Samba, son of Lord Krishna, was struck with leprosy due a curse of Lord Krishna himself. Samba for 12 years underwent harsh atonement at Mitravana, near the convergence area of Chandrabhaga River with the sea at Konark. He was finally successful in pleasing the SUN god (Surya), the healer of all skin diseases, and was cured of his ailment. In gratitude, he decided to erect a temple in the honor of Surya. The day following his cure, while Samba was bathing in the Chandrabhaga, he discovered an image of the god, which had been fashioned out of Surya's body by Viswakarma. Samba installed this image in a temple he built in Mitravana, where he propitiated the god. Since then, throughout the ages, this place has been regarded as sacred. The enthralling Konark Dance Festival is held every year, from 1 to 5 December, in Konark, in the backdrop of the mammoth Sun Temple. Beach Festivals

Lingaraj Temple stands majestically as the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. At 55 metres high, it dominates the landscape with 150 smaller shrines in its spacious courtyard and is surrounded by massive walls lavishly decorated with beautiful sculptures. This temple has actually four parts:- the main temple, the 'Yajna Shala', the 'Bhoga Mandap' and finally the 'Natya Shala'. This temple has both Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Vishnu is actually present as Saligramam idol. The Shiva idol which is surrounding the Vishnu (Saligramam) idol. Even the temple on the top has

got no trishul (which is considered to be the weapon of Shiva) and even Chakra (which belongs to Lord Vishnu). It has only Lord Rama's arrow symbol, probably because Lord Rama was a worshipper of Lord Shiva. The temple's main gates have Lord Shiva, Trishul on one side and Lord Vishnu, Chakra on the other side. The temple is traditionally believed, though without historical authentication, to be built by the SomaVanshi king Jajati Keshari, in 11th century AD. Jajati Keshari had shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar which was referred to as Ekamra Kshetra in the Brahma Purana, an ancient scripture. It is 3 kms away from the airport and 5 kms away from main Railway station. It is half a Kilometre away from Bhubaneswar-Puri main road and five kilometers away from main bus stand. A no. of town bus runs between temple and other places and one can also reach near the temple by autorickshaw from any place of Bhubaneswar.

1. Prathamastami This festival is celebrated on the Krisnastami of odia month of Margasirsa. On this occasion the movable idol (Chalanti Pratima) of Lord Lingaraja, called Chandrasekhara is taken out in a gorgeous and nicely decorated palanquin from the temple, after evening Dhupa, in a procession to His uncle's place in western side of the temple. After reahing in uncles place, the ceremonial bathing of the idol is performed on bathing altar (Snan Mandap) in the holy water of the historical Papanasini Kunda. New clothes are offered to the deity during worship by his uncle Maitryaswara Deva and aunty Maa Kapali Devi. Thereafter the Lord will be offered Naivedya (food), followed by Bheta Aarati. Then the deity bidding fawrewell to His uncle and aunty returns to the Lingaraja Temple.

2.Pravarana Sasthi The pravarana sasthi of pravarana utsava is held on the bright half of the margasirsa.locally this festival is known as oghana sasthi. With the advent of the winter,lord lingaraja has to be covered with new garments for which this is called pravarana utsava. The new garment is purified on the previous day in a ceremony called adhivasa.it is offered to the deity on the sixth day of the bright half of the margasirsa and it is used by him as pravarana till the sivaratri. 3.Pusyabhiseka This festival is performed on the full moon day in the month of pausa.when it falls with the pusya naksatra.this day is considered to be auspicious,being the birth day of lord Lingaraja. 4.Ghrtakambala ceremony This festival is celebrated on the makara sankranti.on the catursast tithi,the utsava vigahra of the lord is taken to makara mandapa. 5.Magha Saptami This festival is celebrated on the seventh day of the bright half of the month of magha and hence,it is known as magha sapthami.the day is special sacred to the sun god.on this day, the representative of Lingaraja is taken out in procession to the bhaskaresvara temple,located in

Bhubaneswar. 6.Sivaratri The most important festival of the temple is sivarathri,sivarati or sivas night is a popoular fast and festival.In tantric literature, it is believed to be a kalaratri. It is considered to be a sacred night.It is held on the fourteenth day of the dark half in the month of phalguna. 7.Ratha Yatra Like sivarathri, rath yatra is considered to be an important festival in the Lingaraja temple. It is celebrated in the month of Caitra on suklastami(eight day of the bright fortnight). The ekamra purana describe this festival in twdo chapters. It was an important festival of lord Lingaraja and it is variously known in the texts as ratha yatra,asoka ratha yatra, as it was held on the asokastami day. 8.Damanabhanjika The festival of damanabhanjika is observed on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnigh of caitra. The venue of the celebration is in front of the tirthesvara temple.on this day the utsava vigraha of the lord is taken to that place in a procession. 9.Chandana Yatra The candana yatra is held for twenty-one days from the aksaya trtiya,i.e.the third day of the bright fortnight in the month of vaisakha.every day the proxy image of lord is taken to the bindusara,where the lord enjoys the boating festival. 10.Parasuramastami This festival is conducted on the eight day of the bright fortnight of asadha.on this day the utsava vigraha of Lingaraja is carried to the parasuramesvara temple and worshipped there. 11.Sayana Chatardasi It is believed that siva goes to sleep on the fourteenth day of bright fortnight of asadha and hence this festival is called sayana caturdasi. 12.Pavitraropana While visnus pavitraropana is held on the twelfth day of the bright fortnight of sravana, this auspicious rite of Lingaraja is held on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of sravana. 13.Yama Dvitiya The festival of yama dvitiya is celebrated on the second day of the bright half of the month of karttika. 14.Utthapana Chaturdasi Utthapana caturdasi is held on the fourteenth day of the bright half of karttika.it is believed tha siva goes to bed on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of asadha and rises up from the bed on the fourteenth day of the bright half of kartrika.

Rajarani means king and queen, so the shrine is often mistakenly considered to have been named after its royal patron and his wife. The truth of the matter is that it actually refers to the stone employed in its construction, called rajrania in the vernacular. The unusual thing about Rajarani is its 55 foot high convoluted tower. This is not in fact, asingle structure but rather a multitude of smaller vimana-s, crowding together like supplicabts praying for a sight of god. They combine to create one huge vertical but round block, though the plan is square at the base. The effect is far from monolithic or oppressive for it is relieved by dainty carvings over each tiny spire.

This temple is located in old Bhubaneshwar. This gracefully proportionate 11th country temple stands against the backdrop of green paddy (rice) fields, looking very alluring. This temple is famous for its elaborately ornate sanctuary. Here one can see a pair of satries or dikpals (temple guardians). In addition to these one can see beautiful nymphs, embracing coupler, lions, elephants decorating the pillars and walls. Yama in various forms and postures can be seen-it is both fascinating and intermidating for e.g.: Yama holding several heads and a sword over the lying figure of a dead man. The Orissa king who created this temple died before the finishing touches to the temple were given. A deity was placed leaving the 1 sanctum sanctorum eternally godless, yet it is filled with vacant peace as no pujas are performed here and one can roam around freely.

Mukteswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mukteswara, is carved with figures of ascetics in several poses of meditation. The highlight of the temple, is the magnificent torana - the decorative gateway, an arched masterpiece, reminiscent of Buddhist influence in Orissa.. The sculptured gateway, the jagamohana with diamond shaped latticed windows and decorated interiors and the plethora of sculptural work all deserve mention in this temple dedicated to Shiva Although it is only a small monument rising to a height of 35 feet. Literally every inch of its surface is carved. This temple has also been described as a dream realized in sandstone and it is a monument where it is said sculpture and architecture are in complete harmony with one another. This 10th century temple built in the year of AD 950, is an important transition point, between the early and the later phases of the Kalinga school of temple architecture. The sculptural decoration of the Mukteswara is exquisitely executed, and it is often referred to as the "gem of Oriya architecture". Richly sculpted, the temple offers pride of place to tales from the Panchatantra. The arched gateway is particularly fine. It also shows excellent combinations of Hindu and Buddhist and Jain features, which find a common voice in much of Orissan temple craft.

Sri Shivaratri, Sri Gaura Purnima, Sri Rama Navami, Sri Chandan Yatra, Sri Nrisimgha Caturdasi, Sri Snana Yatra, Sri Jhulana Yatra, Sri Balarams Appearance Day, Sri Radhastami, Sri Vamana Dvadasi, Sri Kartika Damodara Vrata, Sri Govardhan Puja, Sri GoPuja, Sri Nityananda Trayodasi, Sri Rathayatra and Sri Janmastami. Devotees may accept formal initiation into the chanting of the holy name vowing to abstain from intoxication, gambling, illicit sexual connections and the eating of meat, fish or eggs. ISKCON members believe indulgence in the aforementioned activities disrupts physical, mental and spiritual well-being, and increases anxiety and conflict in society.

Situated in the heart of the city, it is a temple complex built and managed by a private trust. The spire of the main temple housing beautiful icons of Ram, Lakshman and Sita in the sanctum is a high rising structure visible from many parts of the capital city. The whole complex, consisting of smaller temples dedicated to Hanuman, Shiva and other gods, has been painted ochre but inside it is all marble. The temple is visited by the devout in scores everyday. But the number of visitors swells on festivals.

6.00 AM Kakad Aarti 7.00 AM Maha Abhishek Puja 12.30 PM Madhyana Aarti 6.30 PM Dhoop Aarti 9.30 PM Seja Aarti Every Thursday, Babas Palanquin procession within the temple premises, after the Dhoop Aarti. Shree Ram Navami The day commences with Kalasa Yatra and holy water is collected by devotees for Maha Abhlshek. A blissful havan is conducted by offering prayers to Shri Ganesh, Naba Graha, Dattatraya & Shri Sai Baba. This is followed by Babas Maha Abhlshek. There after devotees get together for the Madhyana Aarti and the afternoon culminates with Prasad Sevan. After Dhoop Aarti, Babas palanquin procession starts in a grand way which starts from the temple and goes to Swosti Plaza temple and then returns back. Guru Poornima The day commences with a blissful havan conducted by offering prayers to Shri Ganesh, Naba Graha, Dattatraya & Shri Sai Baba. This is followed by Babas Maha Abhlshek. There after devotees get together for the Madhyana Aarti and the afternoon culminates with Prasad Sevan. After the Dhoop Aarti, Babas palanquin procession starts from Sai Dham, Tankapani road to Sai Durbar (2816/2817, Rabi Talkies Road, Bhubaneswar) Dushhera Religious festivities are observed on Maha Astami, Navami & Dasami.

Astami Apart from the daily scheduled rituals of the temple, Akhanda Sai Sahasranama Japa is arranged for the devotes and there after a blood donation camp is organized where in devotees get together for the noble cause. Navami Apart from the daily scheduled rituals of the temple, a free health check up and medicine distribution camp is organized which is open to all. After the Dhoop Aarati, a soulful Bhajan Samaroha is arranged. Dashami The day commences with Kalasa Yatra and holy water is collected by devotee for Maha Abhlshek. A blissful havan is conducted by offering prayers to Shri Ganesh, Naba Graha, Dattatraya & Shri Sai Baba. This is followed by Babas Maha Abhlshek. There after devotees get together for the Madhyana Aarti and the afternoon culminates with Prasad sevan. After the Dhoop Aarti, Babas palanquin procession starts from Sai Dham, Tankapani road for nagara parikrama in the city.