Bhubaneswar, July 26: The Jagannath Temple, revered as a symbol of divine grace and cultural heritage, extends its spiritual footprint beyond the shores of Odisha, resonating deeply with devotees across India and beyond.
Today, let's explore a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, situated in Kharghar locality of Maharashtra’s Navi Mumbai, built by the Odia diaspora.
The Maharashtra Odia Welfare Association, established in 1998, was formed to unite the Odia community residing in Maharashtra. Aiming to create a cultural and religious landmark, the association embarked on a mission to establish a Jagannath Temple.
In 2010, construction of a small temple began, and by January 21, 2011, the consecration of the holy trinity took place alongside the establishment of the temple. The community soon planned to construct a larger temple, which commenced in 2014.
By 2018, the construction of the new temple was completed, and the deities were ceremoniously shifted to their new abode. Puri Gajapati Maharaja and Maharani had inaugurated the grand temple on the auspicious occasion of ‘Hera Panchami’ in 2018. Standing tall at 69 feet, this temple has become a significant spiritual center for the Odia community in Maharashtra.
The sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple houses seven idols, and the temple walls are adorned with 190 deities. In addition to these, there are temples dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, Goddess Vimala, Lord Hanuman, Lord Surya, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Shiva within the temple complex.
The idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan were sourced from Bhubaneswar, while all other stone idols were brought from Khiching, near Karanjia in the Mayurbhanj district. The Nilachakra of the temple was obtained from Balakati in Khorda.
The temple employs 11 servitors who ensure the smooth conduct of rituals. On average, more than five hundred devotees visit daily for the 'darshan' of the holy trinity. The temple's intricate artworks and 'Pattachitra' paintings are crafted by Odia artisans, showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship.
Rituals are performed in accordance with the guidelines set by the Mukti Mandap Sabha and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
The annual Rath Yatra is celebrated with great grandeur here, attracting devotees from far and wide. Temple Trustee and President Dr. Bhagaban Panda performs the 'Chera Panhara' rituals on the chariots. The holy trinity is transported in a chariot to a temporary accommodation about two and a half kilometers from the main temple. This grand event draws more than 30,000 devotees and features various cultural programs, including Yajna, 'prasad sevan', and medical checkup camps.
Following the journey, the deities reside temporarily after the 'Adapa Mandap Bije'. Special rituals and prayers are then performed. On the afternoon of 'Bahuda Yatra' day, the chariot is pulled back to bring the deities to the main temple premises. The rituals of ‘Adhara Pana’ and ‘Suna Besha’ are conducted before the deities return to the sanctum sanctorum.
This Jagannath Temple is shrouded in supernatural lore and events. During the search for a suitable site for the temple's construction, the Odia community faced significant challenges. The plot where the temple now stands was vacant at that time, although a Mahalakshmi temple was situated nearby. The Odia diaspora eventually finalized this plot for the construction of the temple.
The organizers reported their chosen plot to the local administration, only to learn that it had previously been allocated to a non-Odia Muslim for the construction of a mosque. Just as the organizers were beginning to despair, they received an unexpected phone call from the administration, informing them that they could proceed with taking the land for their temple.
The Muslim individual who had initially planned to acquire the land unexpectedly decided to cancel his plans. He even suggested that a Jagannath Temple should be built on the plot, citing the proximity of the Goddess Mahalakshmi temple. The reason behind his sudden change of heart that day remains unknown, as it was not disclosed by him also. This surprising turn of events left everyone astonished.
During the temple's inauguration in 2011, a ‘Yajna’ was being performed when an extraordinary event occurred. A cobra appeared and rested on Lord Jagannath's head for a while. It then moved to the heads of Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra, staying briefly on each. This supernatural sight was witnessed by everyone present. Once the rituals concluded, the snake slithered about three to four feet away and then vanished.
The Lord Jagannath Temple in Navi Mumbai has become a cornerstone of spiritual life for the Odia diaspora.
