Lokanath Temple, Puri – Legends

Lokanath Temple, Puri – Legends

Lokanath:

It is believed that the Lingam was installed by Lord Rama while on his way to Sri Lanka in search of Sita. On reaching Sabarapalli (Puri), a village inhabited by the Sabara Tribe then, Lord Rama was presented with a Lingam shaped Bottle Gourd (called Lauki in Hindi) by the Sabara tribal people, so that he can pray to Lord Shiva. The name Lokanath is derived from Laukanath (literally meaning a Lingam shaped Bottle Gourd).

Pancha Pandava Temples:

Lokanath Temple is one of the Pancha Pandava Temple of Puri. As per the legend, Pancha Pandavas (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva) during their exile visited Puri and stayed here for one day. They worshipped Lord Vishnu for the safety of their journey. As a symbol of their visit, five Shiva temples were built at Puri in memory of their stay at this holy place. These famous five Shiva temples are Lokanatha, Jameswara, Kapalamochana, Markandeswarar and Nilakanthesvara. Together, these temples are called as Pancha Pandava Temples. Lokanath Temple is associated with Bhima, one of the brother among the Pancha Pandavas.

Ashta Shambhus:

As per Skanda Purana Purusottama Mahatmya, Puri is called as Shankha Kshetra as it is conch shaped. Puri Jagannath Temple stands at the centre. lt is surrounded and protected by eight shrines called Ashta Shambhus. Markandeswar is one among them. The others are Kapalamochana, Kshetrapal, Yameshwar, lshaneswar, Bilweswar and Neelakantha.

Medicinal Properties of the Water:

The unique feature is that the Shivalinga is always under water which substantiates the legend that Goddess Ganga flows through the top of the Shivalinga as a stream. The water under which the Lingam is submerged is mixed with Flowers, Sandal paste, Yogurt, Coconut, Honey, Milk, Basil (Tulsi) and Bael (Bel) Leaves etc. which are offered to the Lingam by the devotees, possess medicinal properties.

Guardian Deity of Treasury of Puri Jagannatha Temple:

The Utsava idol of Lokanath is kept inside the Lord Jagannath temple at Puri and its believed that Lokanath is the guardian deity of all the jewelleries of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.