Jagannatha Temple

Orissa, Puri district

Opaque water-based pigments and lacquer on cotton cloth

This exceptional, large pilgrimage pattachitra depicts the Puri temple complex, sacred sites in the temple town and mythological themes and scenes. The Jagannatha temple complex dominates the diagram, showing the central shrine midway up a slender shikhara or tower. The two male figures, Jagannatha and Balabhadra are shown dancing with raised yellow wing-like ‘arms’ and the female Subhadra standing between them. Within the temple complex are a variety of small shrines. A pair of prancing leogryphs form the Lions Gate at the bottom of the temple structure. The other sacred sites and shrines in Puri which are divided into registers, are illustrated on either side of the temple compound. These include a temple dedicated to Shiva and Brahma. Also illustrated are many mythological themes related to the god Vishnu, including his ten incarnations (dashavatara) arranged in a line above the sanctuary. Shown in a panel at the top left are Jagannatha and Balabhadra on horseback being given curds by the milkmaid Manika as they ride to the aid of the Raja of Puri. On the right is the hero Rama, another avatar of Vishnu, and his brother Lakshmana defeating the demon Ravana.

Puri painting, one of India’s oldest popular iconic traditions, is associated with the regional following of Jagannatha, a manifestation of the god Vishnu, and with the ancient pilgrimage centre of Puri in Orissa on the eastern coast of India on the Bay of Bengal, where the cult took hold. The cult evolved from a synthesis of local tribal gods and Hindu deities worshipped today as Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Jagannatha, literally meaning “Lord of the World” is a form of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Balabhadra is Balarama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu and Subhadra is Krishna’s sister. The painting tradition evolved to serve the cult, with painters playing an important role by performing certain tasks at particular times in the elaborate cycle of rituals.