Influence of Kashmir on the Ritual Literature of Orissa
Summary
Influence of Kashmir on the Ritual Literature of Orissa explores the long-standing connection between Kashmir and the ritual texts used in the Jagannatha temple at Puri. Drawing on seventeenth‑century upanayana paddhati manuscripts, the author notes that Brahmacarins were instructed to travel to Kashi or Kashmir after their thread ceremony, reflecting the region’s esteem as a centre of learning. The study explains that Kashmir produced early Pāñcarātra Saṃhitās and other Vaisnava works which, although less celebrated than its Śaiva and Śākta texts, profoundly influenced ritual manuals far beyond the valley. Works like Hayasiṛṣa‑Pañcarātra and Śāradatilaka are shown to underlie the consecration rites and daily rituals for Jagannātha. Evidence for their Kashmiri origin includes references to writing with Śāradā script and instructions to study in Kashmir. By tracing how these texts were adopted and adapted in Orissa, the author demonstrates that the temple liturgy evolved through a dynamic exchange of ideas among distant regions. This cross‑regional transmission illustrates the syncretic nature of Indian intellectual culture and encourages further exploration of lesser‑known Kashmirian ritual literature.
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Conclusion
The article concludes that Kashmirian ritual literature played a decisive role in shaping the rites of the Jagannatha temple. Instructions in seventeenth‑century manuals to study in Kashmir and the emphasis on Śāradā script underscore the region’s academic prestige. By highlighting how texts like Hayasiṛṣa‑Pañcarātra and Śāradatilaka were incorporated into Orissan ritual manuals, the study shows that the Puri tradition is the product of vibrant exchanges rather than isolated development. Recognising these connections enriches our understanding of Indian ritual traditions and underscores the value of comparative textual research.