JAMESWAR TEMPLE / YAMESVARA TEMPLE / JAMESVARA TEMPLE

To the south-western direction of the Jagannath temple , about half a mile away, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is known as Jameswara Temple. Local people also called this temple as Yamesvara Temple, Jamesvara Temple and Jamesvara Mahadeva Temple. The temple is located towards the end of the street in Gaudabada Sahi. From the architectural point of view, this temple has no such importance but from the cultural point of view, it is one of the important Shiva temple of Puri. Devotees who come to visit Lord Jagannatha temple, also visit the Yamesvara temple.

Jameswara Temple is known as 'Yamanaka Tirtha'. The presiding Deity of the temple Lord Shiva (in the form of Shiva Linga) is considered as an incarnation of Yudhisthira, the eldest among Pandavas. The Shiva Linga of the temple is considered as 'Hiranyagarbh'. The images of Maharishi Dattatreya, Garuda and Brushava are worshiped in the temple.

Information board at Jameswara Temple

Structure and Architecture

The Temple is situated below the present ground level. The level is approximately around 20 feet from the ground level. The Temple faces to south towards the Sea (Bay of Bengal). It is a Kalingan order of temple consists of four structures such as the Vimana, Jagamohana, Natamandapa and Bhogamandapa. The Vimana and Jagamohana are square on plan and the Natamandapa and Bhogamandapa are rectangular. The Vimana or the main Deula of Yamesvara temple is of Pancaratha Rekha order and its height is about 30 feet from the ground level. Besides these structures, another additional Mandapa is also constructed in a much later period. The temple is built in both sand stones and laterite stones. The temple is a Pancharatha on plan and Panchangabada in elevation. The Temple courtyard can be reached by descending the steps.

The Jagamohana of the Yamesvara temple is a Pidha Deula and its height is about 22 feet from the ground level of the temple complex. There is an ante chamber or hall before Jagamohana. It is about 2 feet below the courtyard level. This Hall is of later addition than the original temple structure. Jagamohana can be accessed from the ante chamber by descending few steps. Sanctum can be accessed by descending few steps down again.

The Sanctum preserves the Shaktipitha at its centre and the Shiva Linga is not visible as it is installed 3 feet below the Shaktipitha. The inner back wall of the Sanctum is fixed with a beautiful three-headed image of a deity, believed to be the image of Tryambaka representing the three aspects of Shiva - Creation, Preservation and Destruction. The sanctum has one doorway towards the Jagamohana. The facades of the doorjambs are decorated with scroll works, naaga-bandhas, creepers containing frolicking dwarfs and floral devices. The centre of the door lintel is carved with an image of Gajalakshmi seated in Lalita pose displaying lotus and Varada Mudra in hands. Figures of Ganga and Yamuna are carved along with dwarapalas at the base of the doorjambs. Images of Shiva and Parvati have been installed on both side walls of the Sanctum.

The Natamandapa and Bhogamandapa of the Yamesvara temple are pidha Deulas and their height is about 20 feet from the ground level of the temple complex.

Legends

Yama (God of Death):

As mentioned in the Skanda purana, Yamaraja, the God of Death, being instructed by Mahalaksmi prayed Lord Jagannatha to stay at Shreekhetra to worship him. Being satisfied with his prayer Lord Jagannath allowed him to stay and from that day, he remained at Shreekhetra in the name of Yamesvara at a place close to the sea.

It is believed that once Yama (the God of death) tried to foil the meditation of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva became angry upon such activity by Yama and defeated him in a war. In local language 'Yama' is known as 'Jama'. After his victory over Jama (Yama), Lord Shiva is known as Jamewswar (Yamesvara). It is Lord Jamesvara who is protecting the holy city of Puri from the influence of Yama.

Pancha Pandava:

Jameswara Temple is one of the Pancha Pandava temple of Puri. As per the legend, Pancha Pandavas (Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva) at the period of exile in disguise for one year, visited this holy place and stayed one night in Puri. Here they worshipped Lord Vishnu for the safety of their journey. As a symbol of their visit, five Shiva temples were built at Puri to memorise their stay at this holy place. These famous five Shiva temples are Lokanatha, Jameswara, Kapalamochana, Markandeswara and Nilakantheswara together they are known as Pancha Pandavas or the five brothers. Jameswara Temple is associated with Yudhistira, the eldest brother among the Pancha Pandavas.

Asta 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. It is surrounded and protected by eight guardian Sambhus called 'Asta Shambhus'. Jameswara is one among them. The others are Markandeswara, Nilakantheswara, Vilveswara, Kapalamochana, Bateswara, Ishaneswara and Pataleswara.

Festivals and Rituals

Jameswar Temple is associated with several festival of Jagannatha temple. Jamesvara Mahadeva participates in the Chandana yatra festival of Lord Jagannath. This temple is also connected with Sagar Bije, Ashram Bije, Sital Sasthi, Champak Dwadasi, Sravana Purnima and Aswina Purnima of Lord Jagannath Temple.

Lord Jameswara Mahadev is the comptroller of accounts of Lord Jagannath. On the day of Radhastami every year, Lord Sudarshana (representative of Lord Jagannath) from the Jagannatha temple visits Lord Yamesvara temple to collect the statement of accounts.

According to Hindu scriptures, Yama (the God of death) used to worship Janeswara and to mark this occasion, annually the festival of Yama Dwitiya is celebrated in this temple with great devotion on the 2nd day bright fortnight of the month of Kartika.

During the annual Sahi Yatra festival at Puri, the Ravana used to organize a Yajna (fire sacrifice) in this temple before going to war.

Photo Gallary

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