The Saga of Jagannatha and Badadeula at Puri (Story of Lord Jagannatha and his Temple)

By Col J C Mahanti (Retd)

The book is about lord Jagannatha - the established god of Hindus and His temple at Puri known as Badadeula. The book is for general reading for those interested to know about lord Jagannatha and His temple at Puri and not a historical treatise. Many of the descriptions and anecdotes in it are from the epics, legends and folktales that may or may not have historical relevance. But at the same time, they are interesting facts about lord Jagannatha since ages.
The book with the captioned name is divided into four chapters (1) Lord Jagannatha, (2) The Temple - Badadeula, (3) The Festivals of Jagannatha and (4) Mahaprasada. (the food offerings to Jagannatha). The eight annexes deal with (i) Important temples in Puri, (ii) Important mathas (monasteries) in Puri, (iii) Different beshas (costumes/dresses) of Jagannatha, (iv) Important festivals in Badadeula, (v) Fables and facts about Jagannatha,(vi) Invasion on Puri and Badadeula by Afghans and Moguls (vii) Salient facts and figures about Badadeula and Puri and (viii) Places of interest in and around Puri.

• Language: English
• Publisher: VIJ Books (India) Pty Ltd
• Release date: May 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9789382652458

Book preview

Dedication

To my elder sister Late Usha Devi,

a devotee of Lord Jagannatha.

FOREWORD

Puri is considered as one of the most sacred places in India being the abode of Lord Jagannatha. Among the four centres of sacred places of pilgrimage in India (Chaturdhamas), Puri is not only the most famous in eastern India but also the first one to be established by Adi Shankracharya as a centre of wisdom and devotion. Adi Shankaracharya, one of the wisest and most well known philosopher of the world (considered an avatara of Lord Shiva) visited Puri in the 9th century CE and established Gobhardhana matha in its tradition and composed the famous Jagannataatakama - worship of Lord Jagannatha in eight stanzas of immortal poetry.

Lord Jagannatha is most mysterious amongst all the gods in Sanatana Dharma. He is the manifestation of the Supreme Brahma. Everything about Him is extremely fascinating and mysterious. He is the only one who is worshipped along with his siblings - His elder brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra and not with His consort goddess Lakshmi. He is the only god worshipped in all major faiths and traditions existing in India since ancient times.- tribal (adibashi), vedic [vaishnavites (followers of lord Vishnu), shaivites (followers of lord Shiva) and shaktas (worshippers of Devis and followers of tantra cult)]. He embraces in His daily rituals the practice of worship of all major faiths in Sanatana Dharma.

I am grateful to Colonel (Retired) JC Mahanti for requesting me to write a brief Foreword for this wonderful book The Saga of Jagannatha and Badadeula at Puri. Colonel Mahanti has rendered an immense service and done a commendable job in writing this unique book on Lord Jagannatha. He has painfully collected many lesser known facts about Lord Jagannatha, His rituals, traditions, costumes and festivals. He has made an in-depth study and done a lot of research on Lord Jagannatha and His traditions. The book is concise and heavily illustrated yet comprehensively lucid and profound in its approach on the subject. Undoubtedly, it is highly informative and interesting to the reader and is one of the most comprehensive books on Lord Jagannatha in the English language.

Lord Jagannatha is a vast subject. There are not many books or treatise on Him as this one. I have been requested by many publishers to write such a book in English but I could not do so for lack of time and my basic laziness in doing research into the most mysterious facts of Lord Jagannatha. I am really thankful and grateful to Colonel Mahanti to have achieved what I could not. I am sure every reader of this book will enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed it.

May Lord Jagannatha bless Colonel Mahanti for his pious endeavour in writing His glory and story about His wonderful manifestation at Puri.

KP Mishra

Dr. Kabi Prasada Misra

MBBS,MD,FACC,FRCP(Glasgow),DSc

Director of Medical & Training

Sr.Cardiologist

Apollo Hospital

Sainik School Road

Bhubaneswar 5, Odisha, India

Note: With grief we would like to mention that Dr. Misra passed away on Mar 15th 2014 before the book could go into publication. The author and the publisher pray to lord Jagannatha for the peace of his soul.

PREFACE

Lord Jagannatha and His temple Badadeula are vast subjects. There is no dearth of books, treatise, literature, and articles (both ancient and contemporary) in various languages on them. Still their history is shrouded with mystery.

This book describing about lord Jagannatha, Badadeula - His temple at Puri and few of His important festivals was initially compiled in the form of a small handout for one of my friends¹ and his wife who visited Puri some time back. Anticipating that they might enquire about lord Jagannatha and Puri, I hastily scribbled a sketchy note on the subjects for their use. A few days later, when Lieutenant General (Emeritus) Gautam Banerjee PVSM, AVSM, YSM, called on me and asked me to accompany him to Puri to see the recently constructed Army Holiday Home (with his initiative while he was the Chief of Staff, Central Command), I casually showed him these notes. He liked it and asked for a copy for keeping in the Holiday Home for information of the visitors. Instead of giving him the hastily compiled sketchy notes, I thought of revising and including some additional information about Jagannatha, His temple at Puri and few of His important festivals like the Chandana yatra, Snana yatra, Ratha yatra and Nabakalebara etc. Little did I then imagined that it would take this shape and contain not only the accounts of Jagannatha and His temple but also various legends, tales and anecdotes associated with them that many might be interested to know.

This book is for general reading and not a historical treatise. Many of the descriptions and anecdotes in it are from Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana, other puranas and epics, legends, folktales and published articles that I learnt from time to time while discussing with others. They may not have any historical relevance or epigraphic evidence but exist since time immemorial. Apart from dealing on the main subject, a brief description about Puri city, its people and places of interest around it are included for general interest of the visitors.

In writing the text, I have used many words and phrases from Sanskrit and Odiya languages and also from colloquial local dialect to covey sense as they mean. While doing so, I have given their meaning by their sides to the extent possible. To appreciate and understand their nuances better, one may ascertain from the person using them.

While compiling the book, I received help and encouragements in many forms from my peers - Dr. Sarat Chandra Pujari D.Litt, Prof. Shitikantha Mishra Ph.D, Dr. Bijoy Kumar Rath Ph.D, Shri Subas Kar, Shri Bikasbihari Bishwal OAS (Retired) and last but not the least Dr. Kabi Prasad Misra Director of Medical & Training and Senior Cardiologist². All of them are knowledgeable about Jagannatha and the temple. I gratefully acknowledge their suggestions which dispelled many of my doubts and misconception.

I am especially indebted to Dr. Kabi Prasad Misra, who is not only a great devotee of Jagannatha but also a renowned writer who has in-depth knowledge about Jagannatha and His cult. Despite his busy schedule as an eminent cardiologist, socio-religious leader and a voracious writer on Jagannatha cult and Bhanja Sahitya, he found time to go through the entire manuscript and suggested many valuable facts for inclusion. I am also thankful to him for writing the Foreword.

Shri Bikasbehari Bishwal OAS (Retired) has taken lot of pains in editing and correcting the typographical errors and omissions while suggesting several improvements in the layout, format and getup of the book. I express my whole hearted gratitude to him.

I thank General Banerjee for his suggestion to convert the sketchy handout into a book. Otherwise, it might not have taken this shape.

I also thank M/s Vij Books India Pvt Ltd for undertaking publication of the book.

Lastly, I bow before Lord Jagannatha for His blessings enabling me to write about Him and His deeds.

Colonel (Retired) JC Mahanti

Bhubaneswar

Saka 19 36, Akshya trutiya

1 Mr. Prafulla Kumar, Retired Director General, National Highways Authority of India, New Delhi.

2 Author of Baeeshi Pahacha and many other books.

Sri Jagannathastakam

(Composed by Adi Shankaracarya)

(1)

Kadachit kalindi-tata-vipina-sangita-kabaro

Mudabhiri-nari-badano-kamala-swada-madhupa

Rama-Sambhu-Brahmamarapati-Ganeshajirta-pado

Jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhava-tu me.

(Sometimes in great ecstasy, He makes a concert playing His flute in the groves on the banks of river Kalindi. Like a bumblebee He tastes the lotus-like faces of damsels of Vajra. Great personalities like Lakhmi, Shiva, Brahma, Indra, and Ganesha worship His feet. May that Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.)

(2)

Bhujo sabhye benum shirasi shikhi piccham kati tate

Dukulam netrante sahare-katashyam cha vida-dhat

Sada shrimad-vrindabana vasati lila parichayo

Jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhava-tu- me.

(In His left hand He holds a flute. On His head He wears peacock

feathers. On His hips He wears fine yellow silk cloth. From the

corners of His eyes He casts sidelong glances upon His loving

devotees. He always reveals Himself through His pastimes in His

divine abode of Vrindavana. May that Jagannatha Swami be the

object of my vision.)

(3)

Mahamodhestire kanaka-ruchire nila-sikhare

Vasan prasadantah sahaja-Balabhadrena balina

Subhadra madhyastha sakala sura seba vasarado Jagannatha

swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me.

(On shore of great ocean, in a large palace atop brilliant

Nilachala hill, He resides with His powerful brother Balabhadra

and His sister Subhadra, who sits between Them. He bestows all

opportunity for devotional service upon all godly souls May that

Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.)

(4)

Krupa parabarha sajala jalada shreni ruciro

Rama Vani soma sthrudamala-padmobava mukhye

Surendrei aradhya shrutigana-shikhod gita rachito

Jagannatha swami nayana-patha-gami bhava tu me.

(He is an ocean of mercy and as beautiful as a row of blackish

rain clouds. He is the storehouse of bliss for Laksmi and

Sarasvati, His face resembles a spotless full-blown lotus. Best

of demigods and sages worship Him and Upanisadas sing His

glories. May that Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.)

(5)

Ratharudho gacchan pathi milita-bhudeva-pataleyi

Sthru-pradurbhavam prati-padam upakarnya sadaya

Daya-sindhur bandhu sakala jagatam sindhu-sutaya

Jagannathah swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me.

(When He moves along the road in His chariot during Ratha Yatra, at every step large assemblies of brahmins loudly chant prayers and sing songs for His pleasure. Hearing their hymns, He becomes very favourably disposed toward them. He is the ocean of mercy and the true friend of all the worlds. May that Jagannatha Swami, along with His consort Laksmi, who was born from the ocean of nectar, be the object of my vision.)

(6)

Parambrahmam pidaham kubalaya dalot phulla nayano

Nivaso Nniladrau nihita-charano ‘nanta-shirasi

Rasanando Radha-sarasa-ba pulangina sukho

Jagannatha swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me.

(With His eyes like lotus petals, He is the ornament on Lord

Brahma’s head. He resides on Nilachala Hill with His lotus feet

placed on the heads of Ananta. Overwhelmed by the mellow of

love, He joyfully embraces Radha’s body, which is like a cool

pond. May that Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.)

(7)

Na bai prathyam rajyam na cha kanaka-ta bhogo vibhavam

Na yachyahm ramya nikhila jana kamyam bara-badhum

Sada yache kale prathama patina gito-rachito

Jagannatha swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me.

(I do not pray for a kingdom nor for gold, rubies, or wealth. I do

not ask for a beautiful wife as desired by all men. I simply pray

Him whose glories Lord Shiva always sings May that

Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.)

(8)

Hara twam samsaram druta-taram saram surapate

Hara twam papanam bidhitim param yadavapate

Aho Dinanathah nihitamachaja patumanishn

Jagannatha swami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me.

(O Lord of the demigods, please remove this useless material existence quickly that I am undergoing. O Lord of the Yadus, please destroy this vast, shore less ocean of sins. Alas, it is certain that He bestows His lotus feet upon those who feel themselves fallen and have no shelter in this world but Him. May that Jagannatha Swami be the object of my vision.)

Note:

Jagannathaishtakam punyam ya pathet prayatashuci

Sarva-papa-vishuddhatma vishnu-lokam sa gacchati

(The self-retrained virtuous soul who recites these eight verses

glorifying lord Jagannatha becomes cleansed of all sins and duly

proceeds to lord Vishnu’s abode.)

Pic - 1. Map of Puri city

(Not to scale)

PURI - THE HOLY CITY

General location

Situated about sixty kilometres from the state capital Bhubaneswar of Odisha, Puri is one of the important Hindu holy places on the shore of Bay of Bengal. It is one of the seats of lord Vishnu who is worshipped here as Jagannatha in Badadeula (temple as popularly called). There are also many ancient temples, mathas (monasteries), ashramas (hermitages), and religious institutions in and around the city.

The city attracts large number pilgrims and devotees through out the year. The congregation peaks during annual Ratha yatra (Chariot festival) held during month of July/August each year and also during other annual festivals like Chandana yatra, Snana yatra etc. and on Nabakalebara (transmigration into a new body) held after every twelve years or so.

Ancient names of Puri

In Sanskrit, the word Puri means location e.g. Indrapuri. In vedas and puranas like Rigveda, Matsya purana, Brahma purana, Narada purana, Padma purana, Skanda purana, Kapila samhita and Niladrimohodaya etc. the place Puri is referred in various names, some of which are as follows: -

Purusha-mandapa-grama: - It is mentioned in Rigveda that long ago, the place was a small hamlet called Purusha-mandapa-grama where Purusha (creator of the universe - Supreme Divinity) was worshipped on a mandapa (altar) near the sea shore and prayers from the vedas (four ancient Hindu scriptures) were offered to Him. Nearby, there were the ashramas of great sages like Bhrigu, Atri and Markandeya etc. In course of time, Purusha-mandapa-grama was called Purushottamapuri (later shortened Puri) and the Purusha became Jagannatha.

Nilachala: - The most ancient name of the place Nilachala (Blue mountain) was perhaps due to the huge sand lagoon on which the present temple of Jagannatha stands. However, this name is not in common use now.

Che-li-ta-lo, Charita and Chattar: - Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang in his travelogue refers Puri as Che-li-ta-lo. According to renowned archaeologist Cunningham³, its ancient name was Charita which could be a distortion of Che-li-ta-lo mentioned by Hieun Tsang.

Purushottamakshetra: - The Nagri Plate of Ganga king Anangabhimadev III (1211-38 CE) mentions that after construction of present temple and installation of the idol of Purushottama (referring to Jagannatha) by Ganga king Chodagangadev in the 11th and 12th century CE, the place came to be known as Purushottamakshetra. Thus Kshetra added as suffix to Purushottama could be a further distortion of Charita.

The Moguls, Marathas as well as the early British rulers referred the place as Purusottama-chhatar or only Chhatar in their official records. This could be another distortion of suffix kshetra of Purushottamkshetra; may be due to phonetic problems.

Purushottama: - The name Purushottama-kshetra was later shortened and the place was called only Purushottama. The Ain-i-Akbari issued by the Mogul emperor Akber describes the place as only Purushottama and subsequent Moslem historians referred likewise; omitting the suffix. In the Sanskrit drama Anargha Raghava Nataka written by Murari Mishra in the 9th century CE, the place is also referred as Purushottama. Even today, many call it Pur-so-tam which is a phonetic distortion of Purushottama.

Modern names

Until the 10th or 11th century CE, when the present temple was not built, the name Jagannathapuri or Puri did not exist and the place was known as Purushottamakshetra or simply Purushottama.

Now it is known by many names after the names of its established deity Purushottama or Jagannatha and also on the geographical features or importance of the place. Some of these are as follows: -

(a)  After established deity - Shreekshetra, Purushottamakshetra, Purushottamdhama, Purushottam-puri, Jagannathadhama and Jagannathapuri. Puri is the shortened form and most commonly used name.

(b)  After geographical features - Niladri, Nilachala, Nilachalakshetra (based on the blue mountain concept) and Shankhakshetra (for the right handed conch shell shape of the place).

Early inhabitants

It is said that long ago Puri and its adjoining areas were dense forests inhabited by aboriginal tribes e.g. sabaras, kandhas and mundas etc. who predated the Dravidians and the Aryans. Various epics and puranas (ancient mythological treatise) describe that the sabaras were worshipping their god as legendry Neela Madhav (Blue Krishna) who later came to be known as Jagannatha.

Now Puri is a cosmopolitan city and people belonging to all sects, religions and races reside. Here one finds people from different parts of the country and also the foreigners residing permanently.

Puri as Dhama

Because of its ancient religious sanctity, Puri became an important religious centre for the Hindus. For its religious importance, Adi

Shankarachrya visited Puri in 810 CE and established Goverdhana matha Since then, Puri has gained special significance as one of the four Dhamas (divine sites) of Hindus. (Here, one of the four Jagatguru Shankaracharya resides.)

About the four Dhamas, it is believed that lord Vishnu dines at Puri, bathes at Rameswaram, sleeps at Dwaraka and meditates at Badrinath. It is also said that pilgrimages to Dhamas are not complete without making to Puri.

Following Adi Shankarachrya, many spiritual leaders and religious preachers of different faiths and cults visited Puri from several parts of the country seeking divine blessings. Some even established mathas and ashramas signifying religious and spiritual environment of the place. Notable amongst them are Jayadeva, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Thakur Haridas, Babajee Radharaman Dev etal. from Nawadipdham of Bengal, Saint Kabir and Guru Nanak from North India (Uttar Pradesh and Punjab), Acharya Ramanuja from South India (Tamilnadu) and Namdev and Ganapati Bhatta from West India (Maharastra and Karnataka). Guru Nanak established Bauli matha which is now known as Bauli Saheb gurudwara.(Sikh religious temple).

Accessibility

In earlier days, there was no proper road to Puri. Pilgrims and devotees, both within and outside the state, walked on the beaten tracks through hills and forests facing many hazards. Affluent ones travelled on horsebacks or in palanquins. Those from North India travelled up to Calcutta (Kolkata) using riverine course in the river Ganges and thereafter on foot, horseback or palanquin. Often, they were prey to the thugs (wandering robbers and assassins) and the wild animals.

Around 1790 CE during the Maratha rule, the famous Jagannatha sadak linking Bengal with Puri was constructed. A hundred years later, the British East India Company laid the railway line from Calcutta to Puri and the first passenger train to Puri rolled out in 1898 CE. These made the journey safe and less cumbersome.

Now things are different. Puri is well connected by the air, rail and road to many places of the country. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar from where air services to important cities are available. From airport, one can hire a taxi or travel by train or bus to Puri. It is connected by rail to most places with direct train services to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Ahmedabad etc. Regular and frequent buses are available to all cities and important places within and out side the state from the bus stand near Gundicha temple.

Cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws and taxies are the local mode of conveyance. They are readily available but at negotiated rates. Since vehicles are not allowed right up to Badadeula, the Temple Administration provides shuttle mini-bus services from the vehicle park to Badadeula and back at a nominal charge.

Climate

Puri has a moderate climate. The maximum and minimum temperatures during the summer and winter months are around 36⁰ and 17⁰ Celsius respectively. It is humid most of the year. However, due to cool sea breeze blowing through out the day, the heat is not much experienced. Best time to visit Puri is between October to April although there is rush of pilgrims and devotees through out the year particularly during Ratha yatra and other festivals.

Since 1913 CE when Odisha was part of Bihar state, Puri was the summer residence of British governors who finding heat of Patna uncomfortable chose to spend the summer months in cooler environment here. Even after formation of Odisha as a separate state in 1936 CE, Puri continued to be the summer residence of governors till 1973. Now the Governor House is unoccupied and occasionally used by visiting dignitaries who stay during their visits.

Accommodation

There are a number of dharamsalas (buildings with rooms and dormitories for accommodation of pilgrims at no or nominal charges built by religious and philanthropic institutions and individuals), lodges, hotels and holiday homes of many government and private sector organisations including the recently constructed Army Holiday Home. They cater to the pockets of all classes of visitors.

About half a century back, when there were not many lodges and hotels in the city, pilgrims and visitors were staying either in the dharamsalas or with their ancestral pandas (priests or religious guides) in panda gharas (guest room of pandas). Now with the increasing number of lodges and hotels, the institution of panda ghara is progressively dying out though the dharamsalas exist.

Eating out

The Anandabazar (Divine refectory) within the precinct of Badadeula is the largest open air refectory where varieties of mahaprasada (food offerings to Jagannatha) is sold and eaten. Generally the pilgrims and devotees prefer to eat mahaprasada during their visit to Puri. However, the timings of availabity of mahaprasada is uncertain due to delays in religious rites and dhupas (rituals of offering prasada)

There are also large number of hotels, restaurants and eating places in the city catering to variety of cuisines for individual tastes. Along the beach, one finds many temporary kiosks and hawkers selling snacks and beverages.

Shopping

Curios, brass and bronze religious souvenirs like idols of deities, puja (worship) items, rudraksha and tulasi malas (garland of beads) and conch shells etc. are sold in shops and stalls all along Badadanda (Grand avenue in front of Badadeula) and also on the sea beach. There are also shops dealing with the gift items made of sea shells, papier-mâché, appliqué works of Pipli, patachitra (traditional paintings on cloth or palm leaf) of Raghurajpur and the famous handloom saris of Odisha.

It is customary to carry home a small saffron coloured cane baton, sukhuli (dry mahaprasada like khaji and laddu etc.) and nirmalya (sun dried rice mahaprasada) as souvenirs of visit to Badadeula and Puri. These are sold in the shops and stalls on Badadanda near Badadeula.

Puri as an administrative unit

Pre-independence period: - Under the Mogul rule (1592-1751 CE), the territory of Odisha extended from the river Suvarnarekha in the north to the lake Chilika in the south. For the purpose of revenue administration the Moguls divided the territory into three circars namely Jaleswar, Bhadrak and Kataka (Cuttack); each of which was subdivided into bishis. Puri formed a part of Kataka circar.

The Marathas, after occupation of Odisha in 1751 CE, brought out some changes in the revenue divisions. They divided the territory into four chakalas viz. (i) Pipli, (ii) Kataka, (iii) Soro and (iv) Balasore. The Pipili chakala comprised of the major portions of the present Puri district.

The conquest of Orissa by the British in 1803 CE set fourth great changes in revenue divisions and political relations. In June 1804 CE, Odisha was divided into two divisions namely the Northern and Southern division; the river Mahanadi forming the boundary. Two years later, both divisions were merged and formed into a province. Puri became the capital of the province till 1816 CE when it was shifted to Cuttack.

From 1813 to 1819 CE there was a Joint Magistrate at Puri with jurisdiction over Pipli, Gop, Hariharpur and Kiran thanas. In 1819 CE, this office was abolished and the office of Joint Magistrate of Khurdha was given the charge of above thanas.

In February 1822 CE, the province was again divided into two Divisions with river Baitarani as the dividing line. Puri became a part of Southern division under Cuttack district. Finally on 23rd October 1828, the province was divided into three districts, namely Balasore, Cuttack and Jagannatha, (later named Puri).

In 1912 the new province of Bihar and Orissa was formed and later in 1936 CE Odisha became a separate province with Puri as one of the districts.

Post-independence period: -After the integration of erstwhile princely states with Orissa on 1st January 1948, the feudatory states of Nayagarh, Daspalla, Khandapara and Ranapur were formed into a subdivision added to Puri district as Nayagarh subdivision. A fourth subdivision Bhubaneswar was added later on the 26th January 1959. Thus old Puri district consisted of four subdivisions i.e. Puri Sadar, Khurdha, Bhubaneswar and Nayagarh. Further division of the district was made in 1995 CE when the Nayagarh and Khurdha subdivisions were taken out and made separate districts.

Cultures and traditions of Puri

Puri is one of the fascinating littoral districts of Odisha. Its culture and traditions predate recorded history and reflects the ethos of Odishan society. The numerous temples, mathas, ashramas, various festivals and above all, the religious faith and belief of the people depict the rich cultural heritage of the place and the people.

The people: - The local inhabitants of Puri are hospitable. They follow the Jagannatha cult - the cult of tolerance and universal brotherhood. People from different religions faiths and sects live together in harmony. They love good food and music. Ratha yatra, Chandan yatra and the Snana yatra etc. are some of the important festivals that enliven the religious spirit of the people. The people speak Odiya - the official language of the state, though Hindi, Bengali and English are widely understood.

Temples, mathas and ashramas: - As Puri is a confluence of various religions and sects, one finds here places of worship of many religions like Hinduism (including its sub-sects vaishnavites, shaivites and shaktas), Sikhism, Islam and Christianity etc.

Amongst the numerous Hindu temples in and around the city, Badadeula is the most renowned Vishnu shrine. Through out the year, it is visited by a large number