Shri Jagannath Temple and the Evolution of Religious Traditions in Odisha ( part-4)
By Lokanath Mishra
Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha: The Supreme Religious Authority of Jagannath Temple, Puri
The Jagannath Temple of Puri is not only one of the most sacred shrines of Hinduism but also a living center of Sanatana Dharma, Vedic learning, and ritualistic tradition. Within its sacred complex stands a unique institution of immense historical and spiritual importance—the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha. Recognized as the highest council of learned Brahmin scholars, the Mukti Mandap has been the custodian of Dharma and a decisive authority on religious and cultural matters for centuries.
The Mukti Mandap Library and Office
Situated near the sanctified precincts of Maa Bimala Temple within the Sri Mandira complex, there is a dedicated library for the Mukti Mandap Pandits. This library is not merely a storehouse of ancient scriptures, Vedas, Puranas, and sacred texts but also serves as the official office of the Mukti Mandap Sabha. It functions as the intellectual and administrative center where matters of tradition, ritual, and temple governance are discussed and codified.
Membership and Authority
The Sabha draws its membership from the designated 24 Brahmin Shasanas (villages), which have historically provided scholars, priests, and ritual experts to the temple. All Brahmins from these 24 Shasanas constitute the general body of the Mukti Mandap Pandits Sabha.
These Brahmins hold the unique privilege to:
• Sit upon the Mukti Mandap inside the temple.
• Accept dakshina from devotees as a mark of respect and gratitude.
• Bless devotees (Āśirvāda) with mantras and prayers for prosperity, health, and liberation.
• Conduct rituals, yajnas, and samskaras of Hindu religion and culture.
• Recite the Vedas and Puranas on the Mandap, preserving oral traditions and scriptural wisdom.
Alongside these scholars, the Shankaracharya of Govardhan Matha and the principal priests of the Jagannath Temple are authorized to sit on the Mukti Mandap. Other dignitaries—sanyasis, matha mahantas, the Gajapati Maharaja (King of Puri), sevayats, and devotees—express their reverence by bowing their heads before the Mandap. After having darshan of Lord Jagannath, it is considered mandatory to bow before the Mukti Mandap, symbolizing submission to both the Lord and the Dharma upheld by His council of scholars.
Organizational Structure of the Sabha
The Mukti Mandap Sabha functions as a registered body with a structured democratic system.
• The Shankaracharya is the permanent president, providing supreme spiritual leadership.
• Each five houses from the 24 Shasanas elect one representative to the executive committee.
• This executive body forms the highest decision-making authority within the Sabha.
• From among these executive members, office-bearers such as Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and other officials are elected.
This structure ensures both inclusivity and continuity in the functioning of the Sabha.
Functions of the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha
As the apex religious council within the Jagannath Temple, the Sabha carries out diverse responsibilities of spiritual, social, and administrative importance:
- Dispute Resolution
The Sabha acts as the supreme court of Dharma within the temple. Disputes among priests, sevayats, or devotees related to rituals, duties, or religious conduct are resolved here, and its verdict is final.
- Religious Advisory
The Mukti Mandap Pandits serve as advisors not only to the Jagannath Temple but also to other shrines across Odisha, guiding them in ritual practices, festivals, and observance of traditions.
- Calendar Approval
Every year, the Odia Panji (religious calendar), which determines the dates of festivals, vratas, and sacred observances, is submitted to the Mukti Mandap for authentication. Without its approval, the calendar has no sanctity.
- Nava Kalevara Management
During the rare and highly sacred Nava Kalevara festival, when the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshana are renewed, the Mukti Mandap scholars play a central role in managing and performing the elaborate rituals.
- Spiritual Guidance
As a gathering of profound scholars, the Mukti Mandap offers seekers guidance on the path to moksha—liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Temple Administration
A core committee of nine members from the Mukti Mandap handles urgent and immediate issues of religious disputes and administrative concerns of the temple.
Service to Devotees: Fixed Deposits and Brahmin Bhojan
The Mukti Mandap Sabha also facilitates a unique system of fixed deposits made by devotees. The interest from these deposits is used to organize Brahmin bhojan (feast for Brahmins) on the annual shraddha day of the donors’ ancestors. This ensures that ancestral rites are performed with sanctity within the temple premises, blessing both the departed souls and the living descendants.
A New Body within the Mandap
In recent times, the Brahmins who regularly sit in the Mukti Mandap have also constituted another body with their own set of regulations. This parallel organization is designed to streamline responsibilities, enhance coordination, and manage the collective services of the scholars, while still working within the overarching framework of the Mukti Mandap Sabha.
Conclusion
The Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha is not merely a council of priests; it is the living embodiment of Dharma, knowledge, and spiritual authority within the sacred walls of Jagannath Temple. By resolving disputes, guiding rituals, preserving scriptural wisdom, and ensuring the sanctity of temple practices, the Sabha safeguards the eternal traditions of Sanatana Dharma.
Every devotee, after bowing before Lord Jagannath, bows before the Mukti Mandap—acknowledging that while the Lord represents divine authority, the Mukti Mandap symbolizes the eternal wisdom of Dharma that upholds His temple and His people.
( end)
Shri Jagannath Temple and the evolution of religious traditions in Odisha : ( part-3)
Shri Jagannath Temple and the Evolution of Religious Traditions in Odisha( part-2)
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