5. Ancient worship of Lord Jagannath by Lord Ramachandra

Ancient worship of Lord Jagannath by Lord Ramachandra:

The worship of Lord Jagannatha is very ancient. 

According to the Skanda Purana, the first temple of Jagannatha at Puri was constructed millions of years ago in Satya-yuga. 

Lord Jagannatha is also mentioned by Valmiki Muni in the ancient Rāmāyaṇa. It is recounted there that shortly before winding up His pastimes in this world, Lord Rama called for Vibhiṣaṇa, the younger brother of Ravana and gave him instructions on how he should carry on in His absence. 

Lord Rama concluded by telling him:

kim canyad vaktum icchāmi 

rakṣasendra mahabala 

ärädhaya jagannatham 

ikṣvāku kula daivatam

O, mighty ruler of the Rakṣasas, there is one more thing I wish to say to you, worship Lord Jagannatha the Lord of the Ikṣvāku dynasty.




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