My fascination with Madala Panji -the traditional chronicle of the Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha.......by K.J.S.Chatrath

I was in Odisha from 1968 to 2003, excepting the years that I was posted in Delhi/Shimla etc. Right from day one I had been fascinated by the existence of detailed record of Jagannath Puri temple and the Kings.  Unfortunately I could not get to visit the chambers in Puri where it is kept, much less to read it. What was also a major handicap was that my proficiency of reading hand written Odia script was very poor. And the years passed by.

There came a spark in between which could have rekindled my interest in Madala Panji. One of my senior colleagues told me that his daughter was applying for a scholarship/fellowship to a German University to do research on Madala Panji. But I was so tied up in my own personal and official matters that I soon forgot about it.  I retired in 2003 and left Odisha for Panchkula, of course I leaving a part of my heart in Odisha.

And now comes the trigger for the present write up. While going through internet I few days back I discovered that an English translation of Madala Panji was now available. I promptly ordered a copy and it reached my table a few minutes back.  The credit for bringing out this volume goes to two Odia Professors of History- late Prof K.S.Behera and Prof. A.N Parida.

Let me briefly mention here that Madala Panji is the traditional chronicle of the Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha. It is one of the oldest forms of historical record-keeping in India, combining legend, history, and temple affairs. Tradition has it that it was started in 12th century CE, during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the builder of the present Jagannath Temple. Some scholars believe that its systematic compilation began later, around the 16th century.

Having become the proud owner of a copy of the Madala Panji, I plan to go through it page by page and then….. Wait, wait please, let me go through it first.