Jagannatha in Historical Perspectives

Through different phases of history, Jagannath culture has attracted not only the pilgrims and the believers, but also has been a focal point of research in terms of historical antecedents, processes and cultural ramifications. Eclectic as well as syncretistic by nature, the Jagannath culture cannot be understood in terms of one single cult. This has been emphasized in the present monograph in various papers written by scholars of history, archaeology, anthropology and Sanskrit literature etc. Critical use of different kinds of sorces – archaeological, epigraphic, literary and archival – is an important aspect of this volume. Emphasis has been put on the influence of Vaishnavite, Saivite, Jaina and Buddhist traditions in the making of Jagannatha culture. Besides, issues relating to other shrines in Jagannath temple complex, management of the temple in different periods, and various rituals followed are discussed. An account of various Jagannatha temples in West Bengal and importance of Jagannatha among Assamese Hindus imply the pan-Indian network of the Jagannatha culture. Thus, this volume tries to incorporate multiple historical perspectives associated with the Jagannatha culture.