The Vishnu Purana explains; In the country of Odisha, in Nilacala in Purusottama-ksetra, the spiritual and blissful Personality of Godhead appears as the wooden Deity named Lord Jagannatha. Pancharaatara Agama which is about the tradition of Vaishnavism put forth the explanation of Sriman Narayana having four aspects of manifestation: Para (Supreme), Vyuha (Emanation), Vaibhava (Incarnation) and Archa (Icon).
Para is Nirguna Brahmaa, formless form. Vyuha, the Emanations are four in number called Chaturvyuhas; Vaasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. Vaibhava is a glorified form. Archa is Saguna Brahmaa, with form and name. Of the four the Vyuha states corresponding to Aniruddha, Pradyumna, Sankarshana and Vasudeva are related to Pranava Om consists of A (Akara), U (Ukara), M (Makara) and Ardhamatra (Half Nasal).
From these 4 sprouts out the 24 forms of Vishnu which are symbolically identified with 24 letters of the most famous and sacred Maha Gayatri mantra, “Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasaya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat''.
Gayatri Saara Sangraha identifies the 24 letters of the mantra with Chaturvimsati Murthy, 24 Vishnu deities presiding over the letters as Abhimani Devatas. From Vasudeva emanates Kesava, Narayana, Madhava. From Sankarshana emanates Vishnu and Madhusudhana. From Pradyumna emanates Trivikrama, Vamana and Sreedhara. From Aniruddha emanates Hrishikesa, Padmanabha and Damodara.
These twelve emanations are together called Dwadasha Moortis. Eight other forms of emanations are produced from these twelve secondary emanations. They are Purushottama, Adhoksahaja, Narasimha, Achyuta, Janardhana, Upendra, Hari and Krishna. In fact these are also further manifestations of the four primary Vyuha. Thus the four primary Vyuha forms plus twelve Dwadasha forms and the eight supplementary emanatory forms together constitute the 24 forms known as Chaturvimsati Murthy.
Iconography of these Chaturvimsati Murthy are identical in appearance except for the arrangement of the four emblems of Vishnu; Sankha, Chakra, Gadaa and Padma (Conch, Disc, mace and Lotus). The arrangement of the four weapons of Vishnu follow the circumambulatory (Pradakshinya) order; upper right hand, upper left hand normal left hand and finally the normal right hand. The first form of Kesava carries weapons in the familiar and conventional order: Sankha-Chakra-Gadaa-Padma. The Caturvimsati Murthy are thus:
1. Kesava, the one with beautiful and graceful locks of hair.
2. Narayana, the Ayanam (Shelter) for Nara (Human), the sole refuge for the entire living beings.
3. Madhava, the Lord of Fortune. Dhava is Lord and Maa is Lakshmi who is fortune, so Madhava is Lord of Fortune.
4. Govinda, Go means Cow, Speech, Vedas and Earth. Therefore Govinda means protector of all these.
5. Vishnu, That which pervades everything.
6. Madhusudhana, the slayer of demon Madhu.
7. Trivikrama, the one who has taken three steps to conquer the three worlds.
8. Vamana, the one who is dwarf and who checked (Vamayati) the rising pride of possession in Bali Chakravarthi.
9. Sreedhara, the one who always carries Sri (Lakshmi) in his bosom.
10. Hrishikesha, the one who has coiled up his locks of hair (Hrish+Kesa) and even Lord of the sense-organs (Hrisheeka+Eesa).
11. Padmanabha, the one from whose navel springs the Lotus, the seat of the Creator Brahma.
12. Damodhara, the one who is comprehended through a mind which is purified (Udara) by means of self-control (Dama).
13. Sankarshana, Sam Karsha itti, into whom merges the entire plurality during the great dissolution.
14. Vasudeva, the one who is Vas and deva; Vasu means one who dwells in the physical equipment of all living things (Jeeva); deva means one who illuminates. He is the vital consciousness in the light of which every experience is illumined.
15. Pradyumna, the one who gives riches and mighty glory to his devotees.
16. Aniruddha, the one who is invincible by any one of his enemies.
17. Purushottama, the Transcendental Truth is indicated by the term Purusha, the Supreme.
18. Adhokshaja, adho na kshiyate jatu yasmat tasmat adhokshajah —His vitality never diminishes, and He is not diminished by repeated births and deaths
19. Narasimha, the one who took the form of half human half lion to destroy the atheist and bless his devotee.
20. Achyuta, the one who is Eternal, Auspicious and Changeless.
21. Janardana, the one who gives sorrow and disaster to the vicious, and who blesses with joy and peace to the good.
22. Upendra, the younger brother of Indra.
23. Hari, the destroyer. Destroyer of sorrows in life (samsaara) of his devotees.
24. Krishna, the one who delights the Earth.
Whatever past time Lord Krishna performs in Goloka Mathura and Dvaraka, He manifests all these pastimes in Puri Dhama. In Sri Bhagavatamrtam (2.1.159-163) described Puri-dhama, In Purusottama-ksetra Nilacala, by the shore of the salt-water ocean, the Lord of the universe (Jagannatha) is splendidly manifested in a spiritual form of wood. On the northern shore of the ocean, in Purusottama-ksetra, the supremely blissful Personality of Godhead pretends to be made of wood.
The city of Puri, also called as Jagannatha Puri, Nilacala and Sri Ksetra, is considered to be equal to Vrindavana and Navadvipa, a sacred Vaisnava holy place. For thousands of years, great sages and other exalted persons have travelled to Puri on pilgrimage. Puri is shaped like the shadow of a conch-shell. In the center of the conch-shell shadow, there is a portion of raised ground called Nilgiri or “the blue hill.”
On the crest of Nilgiri stands an imposing temple complex dedicated to Vishnu as Jagannath, “the Maintainer of the Universe.” In Sanskrit “jagat” means the universe, and “natha” means the maintainer. We always compare God either with Ocean or Sun (eg. Kshyama ka Sagar, Pyar ka Sagar, Gyan Surya), Like wise is Lord Jagannath is lovingly called by His devoties as Niladriviharee means (Nila+Adri+Vihari) the one who is the owner of Niladri/ Blue Mountain. Or who lives on blue mountains. So let's understand the spiritual meaning.
Blue is a colour and it indicates both ocean and sky. So God's love and power has no boundary like Ocean and sky. The more you will come closer, the more you can experience it. It's unlimited. Similarly Mountain means a place with very high elevation. Means a stage of higher consciousness. And when consciousness is high, then the thoughts, words and actions are also elevated. Similarly Arunasthambha means Aruna (Sun) stambha (supernatural power). It indicates that if u are infront of God then you are under the surveillance of the supernatural power of the living (Chaitanya) Sun. So you are always protected.
Then Garuda stambha means ( the king of all birds) and (the supernatural power). So spiritually it means, not only the human souls but also the animals are also driven by the Supernatural power. Although the meaning of every spiritual word is vast, We can conclude that God is one who is merciful and benevolent to all human souls, animals, birds and 5 elements of the nature. Lord Jagannath, and sense of fraternity, the balance of relationships between Mahalaxmi and siblings (Balabhadra and Subhadra) is really commendable and we all should learn from it. Life is not about finding our-self, life is about creating ourselves.
Lord Jagannath have no personal liason towards the Hindus and upper caste people; nurtured by Salabega / Dasia Bauri / Bandhu Mahanty are some of the illustrious examples among millions, some secular services are not offered due one's religion, race, caste or ethnicity. Lord Jagannath comes out for everyone during Ratha Yatra. As a society we rarely express gratitude in public for services received by us. There is no social ritual to acknowledge the work of those who serve us, be it the police, the medical practitioner or even the soldier.
The expression of gratitude is essential to humankind’s sustainability and survival. Gratitude’s stabilizing and healing effects, which have been researched from multiple standpoints - cultural, psychological, physical, spiritual, have made it abundantly clear that the benefits of living a grateful life are irrefutable. And when people in great numbers choose to practice, integrate, and embody gratitude, the cumulative force that is generated can help create the kind of world we all hope for and desire, for ourselves and for future generations.
The learning from Jagannath culture would be a paradigm shift in your thought patterns, and an absolute guarantee that regardless of the situations, pressures, and compulsions of life, you will still be able to enjoy and live life to fullest. The wheels of His chariot are often remarked as the wheels of time.
Focus is effective; We are taught the value of focus in everything we do. Life is a personal journey through various mundane events and spiritual experiences. Duality is the nature of the world and the truth lies in between the gap of two opposites. The mind becomes that on which it meditates in accordance with the analogy of the wasp and the caterpillar (just as you think, so you become) this is the immutable psychological law. There is a mysterious or inscrutable power (Sakti) in Upasana which makes the meditator and the meditated identical.
We don’t always manage to sail through life the way we hope with our levels of understanding; especially on this covid Lockdown. Helping others in their difficult times is an immeasurable gift to humanity. This is the time to explore the values of remote working and physical presence and make a significant transition.
Are we playing victim or warrior in our lives. This is CBT in psychology. It’s a great example, how we interpret our experience. People are all different and live their lives in incomparable ways. But what makes us entitled to judge the happiness of others. Ego compares the self with others, often putting someone down in order to boost up itself. Once we’ve reached a point where judgment takes over the mind, there isn’t room for true happiness.
If karna was not in denial or his locus of control was not external. He would have ended up with different consequences. Our decisions define our fate and most people externalise it by seeking validation, blame others. We forget that my response is in my hand. That’s the biggest power we have. Pandavas went to Krishna seeking him as above them. You can only wake a person who is sleeping but not pretending to sleep. Karna never went to Krishna to seek enlightenment or uplifment.
The only remedy is acceptance. In order to do this, we have to remember that we can’t know someone’s whole story. Acceptance is positive energy that attracts love and forgiveness. We are all human and we all make mistakes. Stop beating yourself up. Apologize and ask for forgiveness. You may not receive the outcome you want, but doing the right thing can clear your conscience. The secret of judging less and accepting more is to replace your judgment with an observation. Judge less, accept more, and be at peace.
The biggest challenge with Kauravas and dritrashtra was that they were in denial and not willing to awaken. Even Gandhari blamed Krishna and cursed him. He took it humbly seeing a mothers pain. Though she was also unfair and didn’t see her parenting style. Again externalised the matter and parked the bill with Krishna. Those who will externalise their problems will not awaken.
A rather large number of people do believe that in breaking others, they build their image, decency, personality and they wake up after the broken ones fracture to the level of not to be repaired. Some things may be unforgivable but that doesn’t mean that they don’t warrant an apology. Forgive yourself, learn from your mistakes and be the best person you can be today. Gratitude for our ancient tradition and teaching.
We are blessed the largest democracy and second most populous country in the world. Our country strength lies in our faith in spirituality and trust in cultural science. Do you know, some western country like Canada adopted their second religion as Buddhism, Iconic cities like San Francisco, London, Los Angeles, Tokyo even remote corners of Russia celebrate Rath Yatra in its full glory. This time creating anxiety about our lives, livelihoods, healthcare, education, employment and economics. We must collectively fight against this unprecedented health crisis. May Lord Jagannath ends this Covid Pendamic as soon as possible.
Bhagavat Gita and Vishnu Saharanama
Bhagavat Gita is the quintessence of Mahabharata and a sermon by Sri Krishna, while Vishnu Sahasra Nama is a prayer sung by Bheeshma as his parting message to Pandavas. Actually Krishna himself requested Bheeshma to reveal these stotras to Pandavas. Bheeshma surprised, questioned Krishna “why are you choosing me at this stage in my life for this, while you yourself could do this?”
Then the Lord clarified : “Mine is like water of the ocean, which is not potable. When the message is through you, it is like rain from the cloud formed out of water from the ocean. This of course can quench the thirst. Moreover, I am the quintessence of Vedas. Whatever I say would appear as though I am extolling myself. On the other hand, if you, a realised soul, speak about it, it has universal acceptance."
"Bhagavat Gita is the root of the tree, while Vishnusahasranama is the fruit"
Vishnu Sahasranama is a prayer that lists 1000 names of Vishnu written in a meter called Anushtup. There are 7 important meters in Sanskrit: Gayatri, Ushnik, Anushtup, Bruhati, Pankti, Trishtup, Jagati. There are also supposed to be the names of the 7 horses that draws the chariot of the Sun God. (Hence, in Sanskrit slokas, the word Ashva refers to the number 7). The function of prayers written in these key meters have been many fold:
1. It gives the satisfaction of praising the Lord by listing his names.
2. It is a way to pass on the collection from one generation to the next, via the Sruti-Smriti method of learning, with no written material to be preserved.
3. There are those who say that Sanskrit letters (Akshara = which also means indestructible) and the meters built up from them, when imbued with sound energy (when one chants them in a fashion which is regulated by the meter), create vibrations (sound is nothing but a series of vibrations of various amplitudes following one another in a specific manner) that cause some good for the body.
4. At the very basic level, it is a form of aerobic exercise for the brain to recite these from memory because every word reference with something related for example, Giridhari (Govardhan Parvat is associated with Gokul--a village that worshiped Lord Indra, this mountain (Giri) that Lord Krishna held on his hand (Dhar), and subsequently was called as Giridhari).
Now, the Bhagavad Gita:
1. It is a crystallization of our philosophy, which literally translates as "love of learning" (sophie = knowledge, philo = love/like).
2. It is a collection of biological understanding as existed at the time of Veda Vyasa.
3. The sages that went before Vyasa, while they may not have had the tools of dissection and experimentation that we have today, were using logic and Sookshma budhi to sort out how the body functions.
And how the mind functions.
4. And how one can optimize one's life such that the mind and body of an individual stay sharp and perform optimally at every age.
5. So biology information is sprinkled in the Bhagavad Gita where Krishna explains what the biology is (using words that we will not think of as having anything to do with biology, but those were their terms in those days).
6. Bhagavad Gita was really not meant to be chanted, as much as it was meant to be understood, both as a "set of guiding principles" for how a "wise, capable" person should conduct himself/herself in the face of the type of dilemmas that are experienced by mankind, how to make the best of one's body, how to make the best of one's mind, how to achieve "excellence in what you do,", "WHATEVER you do,".
For example when Krishna says "योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्।" (BG 2:20), one should see through the apparent meaning "excellence in killing" and interpret it as "excellence in action". While I am not interested in carrying a bow and arrows and out maneuvering a bunch of people in a martial setting, and the guidance fits just as well. While the guidance taken in a local context looks like chronologically irrelevent, as one understands the basis of the recommendation, one realizes that the knowledge has universal application.
The Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. When Pandava prince found himself in a tight spot whether to go ahead in the war and fight like a warrior against his own kin or to follow his heart—Lord Krishna, who was also the charioteer and guide of the Pandavas started the dialogue which enlightened him and the coming generations forever.
Krishna explains to Arjuna why his 'Kshatriya dharma's is supreme when at the battle field and how he could reaffirm dharma through his act. That is the work of Lord Krishna in our lives, let's take a quick look at what we can learn from the song of the lord (Gita) today:
Your body is temporary but soul is permanent. Perhaps, this explains why we need not attach 'moh' with our bodily desires. Whatever your do, all your acts should be attributed to Lord Krishna. He must be present in your thoughts, all the time.
There is nothing that is actually yours. Nothing that your will take with you once you die. So, physical or material asset holds a true value, per se.
Have faith. Believe in the philosophy that whatever has happened in the past was good, what all is happening in the present is great and similarly the future will be good as well.
Death is inevitable. Whoever is born shall die one day. None is immortal. So remember Lord Krishna in all your deeds.
Peace of mind is important. Therefore, the lord says in Bhagavad that anger is delusional, and can cause trouble in mind. One should try and be as calm as possible to maintain a balance.
Avoid any type of extremity. Don't be too sad or too happy over anything. Meditation is the key to attain that mental balance.
Selfishness can kill your wisdom. Krishna says a selfish person can use his true wisdom. He/she will only look at their own benefits and not what serves the best interests of others. So, try and not be selfish in real life.
Always remember that the supreme being is watching you and resides inside your heart. All your deeds come from him. The lord is omnipresent.
Never ever shy away from your duties. A man is known by his actions, so perform well and righteously. Don't run away from your assigned duties in life.
Authored by Dr Anadi Sahoo
