The Saga of Jagannatha and Badadeula at Puri:

by J.C. Mahanti

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."

360 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sunayana Bhatnagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by my mother who read this book. It is very well written and i learned a lot about puri and the legacy behind Jagannatha. I hope one day I can visit puri and see the places as the author has described. All those who are wondering whether or not to buy this book. I say purchase it online and get down to reading it. It will be one of the your best buys.

[Madhupriya Senapati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orissa is oftentimes identified with Puri and as the land of lord Jagannatha. This book is beautiful- profound yet lucid.

The book groups facts and narratives into the following four categories:
i. Lord Jagannatha
ii. The temple at Puri, called Badadeula
iii. The festivals of Jagannatha
iv. Mahaprasada

Personally, it was interesting to learn why does the grand deity look the way it does and many other interesting tales about this national heritage.
I am sure my now next visit to Puri will truly help me appreciate this wonder of a place even further.

A great handbook for anyone who is planning to visit Puri and is keen on understanding the stories and science behind it .

[Romina Nayak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book gives a good overview of Puri, Lord Jagannath, His fables, rituals and festivals. The author has managed to capture the essence of Lord Jagannath and the spirit of Puri. The book is structured in a way that it can serve as a guide to someone visiting Puri and an interesting read for anywho who wants to learn about Lord Jagannath. I am an Odia living out of Odisha and I learned a lot from this book and I highly recommend this book.