Vimala Temple, Puri – History
The central icon of Vimala is of sixth century
CE. The present structure, based on its architecture, seems to have been
built in the ninth century under the Eastern Ganga dynasty, possibly over ruins
of an earlier temple. Its architecture is similar to the shrine of Narasimha near
the Mukti-mandapa (a temple hall) in the
Jagannath temple complex, dated to the ninth century.
The Madala
Panji states that the temple was constructed by Yayati Keshari, a
ruler of Somavamshi Dynasty of South
Kosala. Kings Yayati I (c. 922–955) and Yayati II (c.
1025–1040) are known by the title Yayati Keshari. The sculptures,
especially the Parsvadevatas (attendant deities), as well as the background
slab of the central icon, reflect the Somavamshi style and may be part of the
original temple, on whose ruins the new temple was constructed.
Vimala is believed to have preceded even the central
Jagannath shrine. Hindu philosopher and saint Adi
Shankara (c. 8th century) is believed to have established Govardana
Matha in Puri, with Vimala as its presiding goddess. According
to Starza (author of The Jagannatha Temple at Puri), the Jagannath Temple was
once a centre of worship for the Trimurti of
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, along
with their consorts and the three central forms of the Hindu Goddess, Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Parvati (in
the form of Vimala).
The Shri
Vidya sect devoted to Goddess worship was strong here until the
17th century. Slowly, Shri Vidya and Shiva-centric Shaiva traditions
were eroded but remnants continue, with the Vishnu-centric Vaishnavism
becoming the sole tradition. The Tantric Panchamakara,
which includes fish, meat, liquor, parched grain and ritual intercourse, were
replaced with vegetarian offerings and dance of devdasis.
Fish was caught locally and offered to the goddess. King Narasimha Deva, who
ruled between 1623–47, ended the meat and fish offerings of the goddess, although
the tradition was later partly revitalized. Today, the goddess is offered meat
and fish on special days.
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