The Glorious Purusottama Kshetra : Rishi Markandeya’s discovery of Purusottama Kshetra

The Glorious Purusottama Kshetra

Introduction

The ancient Purusottama Kshetra, known today as Jagannath Dham or Puri Dham, is a place of immense spiritual significance. Its glory is vividly described in the Utkal Khanda of the Skanda Purana. This sacred site has been revered since time immemorial, and one of its most fascinating tales is the story of Rishi Markandeya discovering the Kshetra during the time of Pralaya (Dissolution of the Universe).

Rishi Markandeya’s Discovery

At the time of Pralaya, when the universe was submerged in water, Rishi Markandeya, who had retained his physical body for seven kalpas, found himself adrift without any land to rest upon. As he floated aimlessly, he grew increasingly worried and restless. Finally, his wandering brought him to Purusottama Kshetra, where he saw the great Akshay Vata (eternal Banyan tree).

The Divine Encounter

Amidst the engulfing waters, the Rishi heard a child’s voice calling him with love and compassion: “Markandeya! Do not worry; come to me and leave aside all your worries.” Astonished by this voice, the Rishi observed that this place remained unaffected by the Pralaya, standing firm like a boat in the floodwaters. Approaching the source of the voice, he saw Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Overjoyed, he paid his respects and recited hymns in praise of the Lord.

Lord Vishnu’s Revelation

Lord Vishnu, pleased with the Rishi’s devotion, revealed, “O Sage! You are in distress because you are ignorant of my true form. You have performed great penance and been rewarded with a long life. Behold the child lying on the leaf of this Kalpa Vata. He is the ‘Kala Rupa’ of everyone. Enter His mouth and find comfort within.”

The Rishi, amazed by these words, climbed the Banyan tree and saw the child form of Lord Vishnu. Entering through the child’s mouth, he witnessed the fourteen cosmic worlds (Chaturdasa Bhuvana), gods, demi-gods, rishis, gandharvas, demons, seas, tirthas, rivers, mountains, cities, seven nether worlds (Patalas), thousands of snake-women, and Sheshnag carrying the world on its head. Unable to find the end of the child’s stomach, he eventually emerged to see Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi again.

The Eternal Abode

Lord Vishnu explained, “This strange place is my eternal abode, unaffected by creation or dissolution of the universe. It is not bound by the laws of the universe. Those who enter here, knowing my eternal nature, never take birth again.” Rishi Markandeya prayed to remain in this sacred place, and the Lord granted his wish, promising to create a “Sanatana Tirtha” (eternal holy place) for him after the Pralaya.

The Rishi then dug a tank with the help of Lord Vishnu’s Chakra in the Vayu (North-West) direction of the Banyan tree. He resided in this holy tank, worshipped Lord Shiva, and conquered death. This tank became known as the “Markandeyeswar Tank”. Bathing in this tank and having a glimpse of the Shiva deity called “Markandeyeswar” grants the benefits of conducting an “Ashwamedha Yagna”.

Purusottama Kshetra

Purusottama Kshetra spans five kroshas into the great sea and two kroshas into the coastline. It is surrounded by clear golden sands and a blue mountain. Lord Shiva resides here as Yameshwar, worshipping Lord Jagannath. Worshipping Yameshwar is said to provide the benefits of worshipping and seeing one crore Shiva Lingas.

Lessons to Be Learned

1. Divine Protection: The story of Rishi Markandeya highlights the protective and compassionate nature of the divine, offering solace even during cosmic dissolution.
2. Eternal Abode: The revelation of Purusottama Kshetra as an eternal abode underscores the concept of sanctified places that transcend the cycles of creation and destruction.
3. Power of Devotion: Rishi Markandeya’s unwavering devotion and his prayers to Lord Vishnu illustrate the importance of steadfast faith and the power of divine grace.
4. Sanctity of Puri Dham: The glory of Puri Dham, as described in the Skanda Purana, emphasizes the sacredness of this holy site and its significance in the spiritual landscape of India.

Teaching from Srimad Bhagavatam

Srimad Bhagavatam 11.12.7:

mat-kathā-śravaṇe śraddhā
mat-kathā-śravaṇe śraddhā
janeṣu sakta-manasā
mat-kathā-śravaṇe śraddhā

“Having faith in the narrations of My glories and being attracted to those who are My devotees, one should engage in My worship. By constantly hearing and chanting about Me, such a devotee develops an affinity for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

This verse highlights the transformative power of hearing and chanting the glories of the Lord, which leads to a deep connection with the divine.

Teaching from Caitanya Caritamrita

Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya-lila 22.62:

sadhu-sanga, nama-kirtana, bhagavat-sravana,
mathura-vasa, sri-murtira sraddhaya sevana

“One should associate with devotees, chant the holy name of the Lord, hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, reside at Mathurā, and worship the Deity with faith and veneration.”

This verse underscores the importance of associating with devotees, chanting the holy name, and engaging in devotional practices to cultivate spiritual growth.

Teaching of Srila Prabhupada

Srila Prabhupada said: “The places where Krishna performed His pastimes are as powerful as Krishna. If one gets the opportunity to visit such places, one should not miss it.” (Lecture on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.13.10, Geneva, June 3, 1974)

This teaching emphasizes the spiritual potency of visiting holy places associated with the pastimes of the Lord.

Prayer

O Lord Jagannath,
Please grant us the privilege of visiting Your sacred abode, Purusottama Kshetra.
Help us to chant Your holy names with unwavering faith and devotion,
So that we may overcome the cycles of birth and death and attain Your eternal shelter.
May our hearts be filled with love and reverence for You,
And may we always strive to serve You with pure devotion.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

May Your divine grace and blessings be upon us always,
Guiding us towards spiritual enlightenment and eternal bliss in Your presence.

I humbly request all the devotees to please forward and share these moral and instructive stories so that everyone can benefit by hearing about Krishna and His dear devotees.