Shree Jagannath Ashtateerthadham Mahotsav

The temple of Shree Jagannath in Puri, Odisha, is one of the Char-dham Teerthakshetras, i.e. four sacred pilgrimage centres. In this temple, Bhagwan Shree Krishna is seated in the form of Jagannath; there are idols of Shree Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The Jagannath festival is celebrated here in the month of Ashadh (in the Hindu calendar). Millions of devotees from around the world come here to witness this unique festive ceremony. It is the firm belief of these devotees that the one who seeks the blessings of Shree Jagannath is not only showered with the abundant love of his, but is also granted with energy, joy and peace.

As per the resolve of Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu, the ‘Shree Jagannath Ashtateerthadham Mahotsav’ was organised under his guidance for all Shraddhavans to experience the bliss and blessings of Shree Jagannath Dham. This Mahotsav was successfully held from 3rd May to 12th May 2003 at the Somaiya College Ground, Sion, Mumbai, under the joint auspices of 'Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Upasana Trust' and 'Aniruddha Samarpan Pathak'. The primary objective of celebrating this Mahotsav was the well-being and overall progress of our country on both the spiritual and worldly fronts.

The idols of Shree Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, worshipped during the Jagannath festival celebrated in Puri, are made from special type of wood. The form of Lord Jagannath is described through this line from the Aarti:

‘Paad Anguli Nahi hai Haath, Daru Brahma Jagannath‘

The wood of particular tree of ‘Brahma Vruksha’, also called the ‘Daru Brahma‘, is used for creating these idols. Daru Brahma means the Brahma that resides in the supreme wood obtained from the supreme tree, and these three idols are made from such fine trunks of timber. Even at Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Mahotsav, the statue of Lord Jagannath was made in the same fashion as the one in Jagannath Puri. Twenty-seven types of traditional attire were specially designed to adorn these idols.

The great devotee of Shree Jagannath, Shree Gaurangachaitanya Prabhu, is believed to have bestowed the Siddha Mantra:

Om Ramaya Jagannaathaya Namah

In order to make the spiritual benefits of this Siddha Mantra accessible to all Shraddhavans, Sadguru Shree Aniruddha guided a collective recitation in which an unprecedented number of Shraddhavans participated. During the Mahotsav, the mantra was chanted daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., ultimately completing a total of 12 crore (120 million) recitations.

Just as the sacred city of Jagannath Puri is shaped like a conch (Shankha), a replica of Shree Jagannath Kshetra i.e., the main stage area was created in the same conch-shaped form. All the rituals, peculiar worship, and religious observances followed there were performed according to Vedic traditions, while carefully preserving the sanctity and customs observed at the Jagannath Temple.

In this Kshetra, the Aarti of Shree Jagannath, “Paad Anguli Nahin Hain Haath, Darubrahma Jagannath,” was performed every hour. The traditional attire of the deities was changed three times a day. In addition, a Satsang was held daily at 9:00 p.m. in the presence of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha. Lakhs of Shraddhavans were blessed to partake in these Satsangs.

Apart from Shree Jagannath Kshetra, the Shree Jagannath Ashtateerthadham Mahotsav featured three Puris—Shree Santpuri, Yadnyapuri, and Mokshapuri and five Dhams—Shree Patitpavan Dham, Shree Hayagriva Dham, Shree Savitri Dham, Pitru Dham, and Aniruddha Dham.

Idols of Shree Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra
Idols of Shree Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra during Shree Jagannath Ashtateerthadham Mahotsav

The Puris and Dhams of Shree Jagannath Ashtateerthadham Mahotsav

In the Shree Jagannath Ashtateerthadham Mahotsav, along with the Shree Jagannath Kshetra, three Puris — Shreesantpuri, Yadnyapuri, and Mokshapuri — and five Dhams — Shreepatitpavan Dham, Shreehayagreeva Dham, Shreesavitri Dham, Pitrudham, and Aniruddhadham — were built. We will now explore the information and features of each of these Dhams.

Shreesantpuri

The opportunity to become completely immersed in the resounding chant of ‘Shree Krishna Govinda Hare Murari, He Nath Narayan Vasudeva Radhe...’ was experienced only in this Shree Santpuri. The continuous chanting of Shree Krishna’s holy name transformed Santpuri into what felt like the dwelling place of all saints, and so profound was the devotional atmosphere that every Shraddhavan seemed to experience the living presence of Shree Gaurangachaitanya Mahaprabhu throughout Shree Santpuri.

Yadnyapuri

Agni (fire), Deep (light), Aarti, Dhuni (sacred fire), and Pavitra Jyoti (divine flame) are regarded as the five fundamental elements of the Yadnya Purush (Parmatma). In accordance with the prescribed code of Yadnya rituals, five different types of Yadnyas were conducted in Yadnyapuri. The chanting of the mantras of Shree Dattaguru, Shree Jagannath, Shree Ram, Shree Parabrahma, and Shree Chaturvyuha continued there incessantly throughout the Mahotsav.

Mokshapuri

The concept of attaining Moksha (liberation) has always held a special attraction for the Indian mind. In Mokshapuri, a murti of Shree Bhagwan Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, had been consecrated. He is also regarded as an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu.

Here, Sadguru Shree Aniruddha had made a solemn Sankalpa to perform one crore recitations of the Navkar Mantra. Yet, through the devotion and enthusiasm of the Shraddhavans, the total recitations surpassed even that sacred resolve. The Navkar Mantra is regarded as one of the most exalted and sanctifying mantras, revered for its immense spiritual power.

Idol of Shree Bhagwan Rushabhanath at Mokshapuri during Shree Jagannath Ashtateerthadham Mahotsav

Idol of Shree Bhagwan Rushabhanath at Mokshapuri
Idol of Shree Bhagwan Rushabhanath at Mokshapuri

Shreehayagreeva Dham

Hayagreeva is an incarnation of Mahavishnu depicted with the head of a horse. A symbol of divine strength and power, Hayagreeva is always accompanied by the goddesses Bala and Atibala. In order to facilitate the maximum reception of positive spiritual energy, entry to this Dham was reserved exclusively for male devotees.

Another purpose behind this arrangement was to inspire male devotees to become more conscious of their personal duties and their responsibilities towards their families and society. Chavya Muni, Parashara Rishi, Agastya Rishi, and Arjuna were among the ardent devotees of Hayagriva, this divine incarnation of Mahavishnu.

Shree Hayagreeva, the horse-faced Avatara of Mahavishnu in Shreehayagreeva Dham

Shree Hayagreeva, the horse-faced Avatara of Mahavishnu
Shree Hayagreeva, the horse-faced Avatara of Mahavishnu

Shreesavitri Dham

Adimata Savitri is regarded as the embodiment of feminine power, while Sulakshana Savitri, the devoted wife of King Satyavan, is revered as the symbol of devotion and steadfast loyalty. The idols of both Adimata Savitri and Sulakshana Savitri were consecrated in Shree Savitri Dham. The purpose behind establishing this Dham was to nurture within women the qualities of devotion, strength, and steadfastness, enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities as both mothers and wives with confidence and grace. Daily worship was offered here to Savitri, who, through her unwavering devotion and determination, brought her husband's life back from the very jaws of death. This Dham was open to all women, including young girls, married women, unmarried women, widows, and elderly women.

Pitrudham

Every individual harbours a desire to perform sacred rites and fulfil their duties towards their ancestors. At Pitru Dham, every Shraddhavan was given the opportunity to offer Bilva leaves to a symbolic murti representing Bhagwan Shivashankara in His Paramahansa Banalinga form, which is believed to bestow peace upon the soul after death. Continuous chanting of sacred mantras was carried out at this Dham throughout the Mahotsav.

Aniruddhadham

The Aniruddha Dham was lovingly created by the Shraddhavans of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha out of their deep devotion for their Sadguru. Here, Shraddhavans were provided with information about the various devotional services offered along with information about the many noble works and missions undertaken by Sadguru Shree Aniruddha for the welfare of all.

Shreepatitpavan Dham

A grand sacred water reservoir (Jal kunda) formed the centrepiece of Shree Patitpavan Dham. The waters of seven holy rivers had been collected and stored in this reservoir. Within it were planted branches of the Banyan (Vad), Peepal, and Audumbar trees. A murti of Shree Dattadigambara, crafted using the sacred soil of Gangotri and Yamunotri and the waters of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, was consecrated in this reservoir.

Shraddhavans performed pradakshina around the sacred water reservoir. As per the guidance of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha, the location and design of this holy Dham were created in a uniquely beautiful manner. The atmosphere there was deeply sacred and spiritually uplifting.

A Festival of Pure Devotion: Shree Jagannath Ashtateerthadham Mahotsav

During the Mahotsav, Mahabhog was offered daily to Shree Jagannath, and the Prasad was subsequently distributed to old-age homes and orphanages.

Countless Shraddhavans from across the world participated in the Shree Jagannath Ashtateerthadham Mahotsav with immense devotion and reverence. Even today, the cherished memories of this extraordinary festival continue to linger in the hearts of many

Shree Patitpavan Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
Shree Patitpavan Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
Shree Patitpavan Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
Shree Patitpavan Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Moksha Puri Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthdham Utsav in the year 2003
Shree Hayagreeva Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
Shree Hayagreeva Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
Shree Hayagreeva Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
Shree Hayagreeva Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
Shree Hayagreeva Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
Shree Hayagreeva Dham during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Utsav in the year 2003
ShreeJagannath, Balabhadra & Subhadra  idols during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Mahotsav in the year 2003
ShreeJagannath, Balabhadra & Subhadra idols during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Mahotsav in the year 2003
ShreeJagannath, Balabhadra & Subhadra  idols during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Mahotsav in the year 2003
ShreeJagannath, Balabhadra & Subhadra idols during Shree Jagannath Ashtatirthadham Mahotsav in the year 2003