Goddess Vimala Devi ( Bimala Devi)

Objectives

Objective 1. To know the location and architectural setting of the Vimaladevi Temple within the Sri Jagannatha Temple complex in Puri.

Objective 2. To learn about the form and appearance of Sri Vimaladevi, the presiding deity of the temple.

Objective 3. To understand the important role of Goddess Vimaladevi in the Mahaprasada tradition of Sri Jagannatha Temple.

Objective 4. To understand the significance of Durga Puja in the worship of Goddess Vimaladevi.

Objective 5. To learn about the visiting hours,and the traditional restrictions associated with Goddess Vimaladevi .

Objective 1. To know the location and architectural setting of the Vimaladevi Temple within the Sri Jagannatha Temple complex in Puri.

Vimaladevi Temple is one of the most important and well-known temples situated within the premises of the main Sri Jagannatha Temple in Puri. The temple faces east and is located near the Kurma Pracira.

Vimala Temple is considered as one of the four Shakti Pithas of Odisha. It is located inside the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. The presiding deity of the shrine is Goddess Vimala, who is also worshiped in the form Goddess Parvati or Goddess Durga. This temple is also known by other names such as Puri Shakti Pitha, Sri Vimala Shakti Pitha and Sri Bimala Temple.

The present Vimaladevi Temple was built by a king of Ganjam Tarala during the reign of King Divyasingh (1693–1720).

Objective 2. To learn about the form and appearance of Sri Vimaladevi, the presiding deity of the temple.

Sri Vimaladevi

The presiding deity is Sri Vimaladevi (Parvati), who faces east. The deity is made of chlorite stone and is seated upon a fully blossomed lotus. She has four hands. She holds a bead-garland (Aksamala), Amrta Kalasa (nectar pot) and Nagapasa (serpent), while Her fourth hand is shown in a blessing posture, described in the source as the Purusottama Mudra.

Similar to the main Jagannatha Temple, Vimaladevi Temple consists of the Vimana, Jagamohana, Natya Mandira and Bhoga Mandapa.

Objective 3. To understand the important role of Goddess Vimaladevi in the Mahaprasada tradition of Sri Jagannatha Temple.

Vimaladevi and Mahaprasada

The Matsya Purana mentions Purusottama Ksetra with Goddess Vimala as a Sakta Pitha. According to the tradition, Vimaladevi came to this sacred place to receive the remnants of the food offered to Lord Jagannatha.

Generally, no separate food is cooked for Goddess Vimala. The vegetarian bhoga is first offered to Lord Jagannatha and is then offered to Goddess Vimala. Only after this offering does Jagannatha’s prasada attain the special status of Mahaprasada. Thus, Goddess Vimala occupies a unique and essential position in the sacred Mahaprasada tradition of Sri Jagannatha Temple.

Lord Jagganath’s Mahaprasadh

A traditional legend explains that Parvati desired to receive Lord Visnu’s prasada. Lord Visnu blessed Her that in Kali-yuga She would reside in Puri as Goddess Vimala and would receive His food remnants every day. The Sankaracarya of Govardhana Matha also traditionally receives Mahaprasada and khichdi offered to the Goddess.

Objective 4. To understand the significance of Durga Puja in the worship of Goddess Vimaladevi.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is an important festival associated with Goddess Vimala. During this period, according to the tradition recorded in the source, certain Tantric rituals and non-vegetarian offerings are performed privately before dawn.As the goddess is believed to assume a destructive aspect during the Durga Puja, women are debarred in the temple .The festival is celebrated for sixteen days during the Hindu month of Asvina, culminating on Vijayadasami.

Goddess Vimala Devi temple

Objective 5. To learn about the visiting hours, and the traditional restrictions associated with Goddess Vimaladevi .

Vimala Temple Puri Timings and Entry fee

There is no entry fee to visit the temple. It remains open on all days from 5 am to 10 pm.

As the goddess is believed to assume a destructive aspect during the Durga Puja, women are not allowed during that time ( Navarathiri/ Daserah).

The Vimala Devi temple is located inside the famous Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri.