79. IV. NORTHERN GATE/ELEPHANT GATE (Hasti Dwar)

IV. NORTHERN GATE/ELEPHANT GATE (Hasti Dwar):

It is also known as Hastidwar (elephant gate) as small figures of two elephants made of stone are seen standing at both sides of the gate. It is also called Chemeni-dwar, because of the large number of house-bats staying on it. The upper door-frame depicts the 9 planets in usual Orissan style.

A roof of Sikhar type (pyramid shape) has been constructed on each gate. The structural frame of the gate with the roof is known as "Gumut".

NORTH AREA:

16. Koila Baikuntha:

It is near the north elephant gate (Hati-Dvara). Another name of Koili Vaikunth is the land of Kaivalya or Nirvan. It is said that in the Dwapar age, the Pandavas had burried the dead body of Krishna at this site.

Therefore during each Navakalevar, Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra are carved anew and the old murtis are buried here in a 9 feet deep hole. From very old days, a Siali creeper is said to be covering this site. This very ancient garden is said to be the place where the Sabara King Visvavasu worshiped the original deity of Nila Madhava.

Vaikuntheswar Shiva is present here as the protector of this area. The Daru procured during Nava-kalevar is preserved here secretly.

The temples of goddess Uttarayani, Sitala, Jhade-swari, Trisakti and Isaneswar Mahadev are situated nearby.

17. Sona Kua (golden well):

It is situated near the elephant north gate in front of Sitala temple. During Snana- yatra on Snan Purnima day, Jagannatha Swami is bathed with this well water.

NORTHEAST AREA:

18. Ananda Bazaar:

It is near the northeast corner, on the right side after you climb the 22 stairs from the Lion Gate. Here you can purchase Jagannath maha-prasadam and experience the bliss (ananda) of tasting the Lord's unprecedented mercy remnants.

All types of Bhog Mahaprasad, i,e., Abhada (cooked rice), Dali, Dalma, Mahur, Besar, Khata, different kinds of cakes like, Ladu, Khaja etc. are sold here. Facilities are available to eat Mahaprasad in this place. Besides there are a few shops in the Ananda Bajar premises, where different books on Jagannath cult, magazines, images, photographs, lockets, stickers etc, are sold.

19. Snana Vedi:

It is situated in the far northeast corner. This raised, 75 feet square platform atop the boundary wall is the site of Jagannatha Swami's outdoor bathing ceremony (Snana-Yatra) preceding His annual Ratha-yatra festival. Every year, thousands of enthusiastic devotees gather on Grand Road to watch the beautiful bathing ceremony of the Lord of the universe.

20) Information Centre of the Temple:

There is an Information Centre belonging to the temple administration near the Lions Gate. The pilgrims and visitors get all information about the rituals, the festivals, rules for visiting the temple and the deities etc. from this centre. A little away from it, there is another information centre belonging to the Public Relation Department of Govt. of Orissa. A Police out- post has also been established nearby.