Jagannatha in Historical Perspective

Through different phases of history, Jagannatha culture has attracted not only the pilgrims and the believers but also has been a focal point of research in terms of historical antecedents, processes and cultural ramifications.
Eclectic as well as syncretistic by nature, the Jagannath culture cannot be understood in terms of one single cult.
This has been emphasized in the present monograph in various papers written by scholars of history, archaeology, anthropology and Sanskrit literature etc. Critical use of different kinds of sources archaeological, epigraphic, literary and archival is an important aspect  of this volume. Emphasis has been put on the influence of Vaishnavite, Saivite, Jaina and Buddhist traditions in the making of Jagannatha culture. Besides, issues relating to other shrines in Jagannathtemple  complex, management of the temple in different periods, and various rituals followed are also discussed. An account of various Jagannatha temples in West Bengal and the importance of Jagannatha among Assamese Hindus Jagannatha culture. imply the pan-Indian network of the
Thus, this volume tries to incorporate multiple historical perspectives associated with the Jagannatha culture.