Study of Tantrik Lokachara in Jagannath Culture

Abstract

The article reflects on the Tatntrik Lokachara as prevalent in the worship of Hindu Deities in the Jagannath Culture. The study argues that both the Aryas and the Anaryas follow the various forms of ‘Tantrik’ rituals in performing their pujas. There are three prescribed ways of performing pujas in Hindu Deities, i.e ‘Nigam,’ ‘Agam’and ‘Lokachara’. ‘Nigam’ is considered as very pious form of Hindu Vedic rituals, whereas ‘Agam’ is associated with Tantrik system and Lokachara is the union of both the system. The study analyzes that the mode of upasana or worship of Lord Jagannath is unique and mysterious. The paper unearths that as this Adivasi Deity is purely associated with ‘Sabari Tantra’, the tantrik rituals are closely associated with Jagannath upasana along with karmakanda parampara. This Karmakanda is connected with Agam, which mainly associated with Japa, Tapa and Yagna. Whereas Agam rituals are guided by Jantra, Tantra and Mantra. Hence, Lord Jagannath is considered as the Tantrik Debata. His ‘Ratna Vedi’is on the ‘Sri Yantra’. Apart from that, lord Jagannath is also popularly known as Dakshinakalika due to his Feminine attire. Tantra aims at transforming every action into reality. So, Prabhu Jagannath has a Kriya shakti ‘Bimala’ which is known as ‘Hladini Shati.’ The moving lord is nothing without Shakti. So, Lord Jagannath is considered as Peetheswara and Maa Bimala is Peetheswari. The research reveals that Panchamakara Upasana is one of the Tantric rituals of Lord Jagannath cult. As Odisha was a great ‘Uddiyan Kshetra’ and Shakti Upasana is strongly associated with this, Feminine Shakti commands as much respect as does Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva. The study highlights that this is the only Kshetra where Lord Jagannath is worshipped as Bhairav who is the union of both Kala and Mahakali Swarupa. Thus, the article by shedding light on the synthesis of Arjya and Anarjya Paramparas in Jagannath cult contributes to the religious and cultural awareness of people for a harmonious coexistence in the society.