Religious Journey

There is a temple of Lord Jagannath with a verandah. The three deities Jagannath, Balabhadhra, and Subhadra are enthroned in the temple. In Orissa Lord Jagannath is known as the king, ruler, Gajapati of Orissa. He rules the hearts of all the members here in Utkal Samaj of Visakhapatnam. With his open round eyes he is seeing the blue sky, the dazzling stars and the vast ocean. The members of the Samaj are doing Sankeertan of Lord in the verandah. There is a priest performing Puja. The narrator enters the stage and speaks.

FIRST NARRATOR:

Before we start the play of religious journey, I want to give a small speech or narration about Lord Jagannath. The advent of three lords is the story all Odiyas know, Lord Jagannath’s previous incarnation is Lord Krishna, after the death of Lord Krishna his body was cremated burnt by Pandavas, but the blue lotus of his naval part was not burnt washed in ocean water turned into an idol called as ‘Nilla Madhava’ was worshipped by hunter king ‘Biswabasu’ in the next generation, the beginning of Kaliyug but the image of ‘Nillamadava’ was stolen by Bidyapati with a conspiracy with king Indradyumna, that is also a thousand years of past Odiyas story during the dynasty or empire of king Indradyumna, but what about the two hundred years back story,

Lord Jagannath and his temple was attacked several times by the Muslim ruler Aurangzeb, the devotees suffered a tremendous mental torture, lived the life of hell for hundred years under a continuous fear, threat, that Mughal emperor, dynasty will destroy the temple and will steal the beloved, desired lords of Odisha, yes the devotees suffered a lot. They hid the original idols for hundred years secretly in ‘Khurda’ royal house; lord’s great devotee ‘Jagannath Harichandan’ was successful in hiding the deities of lords. The royal dynasty of Khurda deserves gratitude for such an adventurous work, any time their lives were at risk in the service of dear lords. The great emperor ‘Aurangzeb’ attacked Lord Jagannath temple which, he considered the greatest glory, highest faith, dignity of Hindu lord, the greatest desired Dham, Jagannath Dham among four Dhams of lord ‘Vishnu’ where he stays with full spiritual sanctity, holiest place of Hinduism, yes Yakub Khan destroyed raiding the temple with his military force three times but was not successful to carry the deities of lords to Agra and Delhi his capital place at that time.

Lords play miracles with his devotees, it is his wish when, where he goes with the passage of time, we are the instruments in his hands, how he feels, moulds, guides , direct our lives, the vital energy, the existing supreme soul either in the form of sun, moon or Lord Jagannath with his blue lotus in his naval,’ Param Brahmam’ attracting like a magnetic force to all his devotees living all over the world giving the urge to love him, is a complete surrender to the highest energy, supreme power dominates over all hearts and minds, pervading over the universe his spiritualism, beyond our imagination but within our feel, sensation, spiritual consciousness.

He never discriminates among his devotees, is never attached with any one’s desires, or actions good or bad, he is not bound by earthly passion only he gives hungry urge for a spiritual passion in devotees hearts and minds to feel him. In the revival of history, we can believe such facts the cruel reality we know, he loves all Muslims, his great Muslim devotee is Salbegh, to show dignity to his devotee, every year during car festival his chariots stays near Salbegh house to get his offerings, thousands of Muslims carry his sacred rope of ‘Nandighosa Chariot, Taladwaja and Debadalana’………..

Lords want his devotees to be bound with his love, a spiritual love an ocean of love never dries or ends. He himself becomes the devotee of his beloved, serves him, caring his emotions and thoughts as a mother, guide and philosopher. He fulfills the desires, ambitions of his devotees accepting his earthly passions and deepest love, the tribute, the devotees offer him, in whatever form a flower, water, food or his feelings, emotion, love, he accepts it. He fills the minds of his devotees with pure spiritual love beyond all earthly passions though, he accepts the love in a humanly way. It is said, Lord Jagannath is just thirsty for his devotees love as Lord Krishna loved all Gopas and Gopies, examining, observing the intensity of his devotee’s patience, consistency in love and ultimate devotion as, he likes to see the ecstasy of his beloved love, the intensity of urge to have his blessings with utmost sincerity.

He makes his beloved crazy, who forgets everything abandoning all earthly desire. Lords love those devotees who, work for him in a service motive like service to man is service to god, the person who serves the society thinks for the development, upholds all social values, principles, moral values of the society doing it in various ways.

The devotees can preach all religious idealisms, ethics, which go in favor of society and the changing society relating to various aspects not only is constricted to religious ground, other fields like, education, politics, women right and dignity too. As Lord Krishna saved the dignity of ‘Draupadi’ when Kauravas humiliated her in ‘kuru sabha’ but, the Lord has always excused ‘Duryodhana’ extending friendly hands, sending invitations of negotiation with Pandavas for hundred times, at last, he fought ‘Mahabharata’ battle to protect religion.

Lord Jagannath has always tried to give dignity equal right to his devotee’s indiscriminating caste, creed, and religious grounds. He gives desires, passion, and love to his devotees and again he quenches that sensual or spiritual thirst. He is the most humanly god, is impressed, attracted by the love, the devotion of his beloved, ‘Devadasis’ used to dance in dance hall near the deities, even the same system is still followed in various temples. I extracted some stanzas depicting lord’s favorite enchanting love songs which the great poet Jaidev has written in ‘Giti Govind’ a great creation, which describes the romantic scenes, sublime beauty of ‘Radha Krishna’ romance the inner significance lies in it. He wrote how Ratha surrendered her love to Krishna, picturizing the love, romance scenes magnificently. Anuradha Pudwal sang on this ground, lords face became black with the kajal of my eyes, his lips are red with the color of my red sindoor. So I cannot look at his face with shame.

Lords have loved his devotees ‘Dasia Bauri’ accepting his offerings when orthodox brahmins rejected his offering considering him as scheduled caste, Lord Jagannath sat on ‘Balaram Das’s chariot when brahmins denied him in touching the chariot, lords were bound by his devotee’s deepest love, abundant faith. The great devotee ‘Bandhu Mohanty’ went through several examinations being arrested as a thief in royal court was imprisoned, but never gave up his faith from lord, with unfathomable faith he prayed to God, accepted whatever punishment lord gave him, at last, he got his blessings, his desire was fulfilled he was honored as the great devotee of lord, with rest of his life he stayed with lords with dignity at the service of Lord Jagannath in Puri.

Lord Jagannath was tied with the love of his devotee ‘Salbegh’, a Muslim by birth, when he said, ‘Lord do not move your chariot stay there on your chariot until I reach there’, because he was on the way on his journey, could not be able to reach there on ‘Badadanda’, grand road, Puri, to visit lords' car festival. Salbegh was coming from Delhi to Puri on walk, the chariot ‘Nandighosa’ could not move an inch from its place until his devotee reached there, the song has been written by Salbegh, ‘Mohajibajaen Thiba Nandighose Rahi, Jagabandhu he Gosain’, the great singer Bhikari Balla has also written beautiful songs on lords. Lord is known as ‘Mahabahu, Mahabhuja, Maha Brahma, Mahadaru, Sarabhai, Sanatana, Sakara, Nirakara, Brahmarupam’. .Oh lord, ‘accept my deepest devotion for you make me your dust or a flower of your garlands make no difference to me I remain as your devotee forever’. These are the stories, legends relating to the past life of Lord Jagannath which gives sufficient proofs of lord’s sincere love, devotion for his devotees the never-ending bond, attachment, spiritual or sensual between the lord and his devotees, who achieve the highest values of life, the supreme entity of lords, Lord Jagannath’s existence is pervading all over the world embracing, enthralling with the divine spirit and love for his devotees

SECOND NARRATOR

Different languages and religions mingle in one ocean, that is the ocean of divineness. The ultimate end of life is to have the supreme pleasure or spiritual bliss. Jagannath culture and religion do not have a single definition. It has been based on the feeling of generosity or broadness. The earnest desire of the Lord is to unite all the religions in one stream. The Lord himself has never discriminated among religions & languages.

Incarnation is a special manifestation of God for a specific purpose. The scriptures tell us that the incarnations are innumerable. Some of these are described in detail and the others are left to the imagination at the devotee. The general principle is that wherever something grand, beautiful, or glorious is seen, it is to be understood as embodying a part of God's glory.

Jagannath culture is called as the Oriya Culture. Lord is the symbol of universal brotherhood, unity, integrity, love, and peace. All people irrespective of castes, creeds, and religions are his devotees. All religions and languages mingle in the ocean of eternity or divineness. Lord never discriminates among religions.

The advent of Lord Jagannath to the earth is to unite all religions, languages, castes, and creeds in the ocean of Jagannath culture. The streams of various religions mingle in the ocean of Lord Jagannath religion. It is known that Lord Jagannath is the form of Lord Vishnu, lord Balabhadhra of Shiva and Subhadra of Yogamaya. God gives his devotees an opportunity to serve him. According to the good deeds of his previous birth devotee serves more and more. Now I will take you to the time where all of us will chant together the ‘Allah o Akbar, Allah Bismillah’ along with ‘Jai Jagannath.’

Now the time has revived once again. King Indradyumna built the original Jagannath temple in Puri Dham. Once again Jagannath temple was re-built by the king, Daspallah Raja ‘Purna Chandra Deo Bhanj and Rani Kamala Devi’. Once again the devotees, courageous, spiritual Pandavas are searching for their right to establish a religious world, a Jagannath society, where there prevails only peace, religious feeling, an ideal image of Jagannath culture or society. His most dear servants are Sarata ch Basanti, Biraj Das, Sarat ch, Maharana, Amulya Sahoo, Brajasundara Nanda, Girija Mohapatra, Sunil Ku Mishra, Rajendra Sahoo, Sourendra Ku Mohapatra, and Indira Mishra. Once again they are helpless searching help, aids, and fund for the establishment of the Jagannath temple and its development. They are collecting funds from door to door. Daspallah king, king Purna ch, Deobhanj donated a small land for the construction of Jagannath temple. In the subsequent period all the devotees tried their best to develop the small, beautiful Jagannath temple as the pride of Odiya spirit, all central government employees by their administrative power, tried their best to develop the outer structure of the temple along with the increase of financial ability of the temple. Members of this Utkal Samaj are waiting eagerly at the temple. What is going on now? Devotees are singing the name of God merrily. The inner spirit of the temple excels all Jagannath temples, all over the world. It is the love and attachment, regards of the members, all members were concerned for each other. They are bound in the thread of love, sacrifice, and spiritualism.

They have promised to serve as the servants of lord till their death, they will never leave the god as long as they are alive. God also fulfilled their desires one by one his devotees constructed their own house, flats in Vijag for the attraction of their Samaj and the lords. They cannot live without Jagannath, they have tied all members of Jagannath society in their spiritual love and affection. That is the unique magnificence of Jagannath Samaj Vijag.

(Devotees are playing drums, cymbals, piano and flutes. They are swaying with devotion.) They were chanting the regular slogan which they used to sing as Samaj song. As usual, the song was accompanied by Ginni, table, drum, and piano. It was sung by the group of singers Indira, Manjulata, Rashmita, Sarat, Amulya, Bijoy and Biraj. It was their duty to chant in front of God unconditionally. All were waiting eagerly to listen to Jagannath’s holy chant, holy name feeling their hearts with spiritual pleasure.

Devotees: Jagannath Jagannath jagannath save me. Balabhadhra save me. Ma Subhadra save me. ‘’jagannath, jagannath, jagannath rakshya mam, mahabahu, mahabahu trahi mam, Basudeva, basudeva ,trahi mam, Ballabhadra, Ballabhadra rakshya mam, ma Subhadra ma Subhadra namoha namoha,, sudarsana, sudarsana rakshya mam’

SCENE 1

( All members of Utkal Samaj are gathered in the recreation hall. All executive body members are sitting on the Dias. There is a banner showing ‘General Body Meeting’.)

Narrator: --- God has captured the minds of his devotees. The members are now trying to have political power. The election of general body meeting is going on. The three Lords are playing conspiracy with the members. Lord Jagannath has illusioned the minds of the members. Lord is creating a religious war now to establish a universal religion, brotherhood among all religions which are the definition of Jagannath culture in a broad sense. Members of Utkal Samaj are weapons on his hand who will fight to unite all the religions. Among them his dearest devotee is Indira. Indira is also fighting for political power in Utkal Samaj. She is fighting for women’s right which she had been desiring for many years. But she had been rejected several times and told not to participate in general elections.

Usually, women candidates are not considered as contestants. The first time Indira raised her voice. She proposed for the reservation of women in the executive body. Indira wanted equality among all devotees irrespective of caste, creed, language, and gender. She could feel there is discrimination among all members and devotees. There was a bad urge for competition among devotes. There was a feeling of superiority or possessiveness on the temple, who had established the temple, they were the active members of the management, the trustee members. But, it is true that Vijay's Odiya Samaj is the best performers, devotees of Lord Jagannath, it has appeared as Lord Jagannath has come out from Puri Jagannath temple and decided to settle in Vijag, the same environment near the sea beach, the lord can see the blue sky, the green waves of the sea beach, the sun and moon can visit the lords lotus face every day. Everyone is allowed irrespective of any religion to worship god whatever way he or she wants. There is no prejudice, no restriction. Brahmins, non-brahmins all worship God together.

Indira (Standing in the audience in a raised voice, her face showing determination): I propose for the women’s reservation in the executive committee if women do not come forward to contest the elections. At least one-third of the seats should be reserved for the women candidates. Why do not women get importance as the female contestant in the election? Why are they rejected to contest against male candidates? Are they inferior or weaker?

Other women (Shouting): Why? Why such discrimination? There should not exist any discrimination among caste, creed, religion, language, and sex.

Indira (angry voice): Do you think that women have less talent, less potential than men? No, not at all, in every field, social, cultural and religious, women have proved equal to men. Then why does exist such discrimination?

Male member (in mocking voice): How do we maintain indiscrimination? You are saying to keep a special reservation for women. Won’t it be discrimination? How will that be justice and equality?

Indira (protesting): Yes lords have proved his indiscrimination, there are many rituals followed during car festival. (Rath Yatra) The king sweeps the chariot in front of the god with a bamboo stick to prove that, kings and sweeper are equal in the eyes of God. Lords have taken offerings from ‘Dasia Bauri, Balaram Das and the Muslim devotee Salbegh’. They pulled the sacred rope, the chariot during Rath Yatra following indiscrimination in caste, creed, and race. Every year to show love to his devotee the chariot stops near the Salbegh house and takes his offerings on the grand road of ‘Puri Dham’ during ‘Rath Yatra’. So is this proof not enough to show his indiscrimination?…..

Lord has always maintained indiscrimination in all respect. There is a noticeable but unwritten preamble of our society that is our ideology. As you know any decision is not taken by a single person. The final decision is based on the majority consent of the executive members. So why do not vote on my proposal? No one can disagree in this regard. Majority decision rules in a democracy, such as this Jagannath Samaj also believes in the universal franchise then the parliamentary election in a democratic way, which is being based on its principles and idealism. We must not violate his idealism prevailing in this Samaj, lords are a ruler who rules over us, a concept, an idealism of moral principles which we feel and perceive in our imagination, the vision of Jagannath consciousness.

Vice president Girija Mahapatra (assertively): ‘yes, I agree with her. If we want to amend the election procedure this the correct time, correct place and the right way to amend it. If the majority agree then one-third seats will be reserved for women’.

Cultural secretary Amoolya Sahu ( supporting vice president): ‘yes, women are actively participating in all cultural activities as singers, dancers, and writers’.

Amulya Sahoo: ‘Maybe they are not aware of their rights in this democratic Samaj. After all, India has democracy, not monarchism. The same applies to our Samaj. Women have equal rights to contest in our elections’.

Actually, all executive members along with Amulya supported Indira. Their main problem is, they never want the dominance or interference of women in temple administration. Their ego hurt them, they never want more ladies involved in the executive committee. If the ladies handle the administration then a male voice will be kept down as men feel it as their weakness or lack of ability, So, they could not support Indira openly.

Secretary Sarat Chandra Basanti :(trying to find an amicable solution): The number of women or men in the executive body doesn’t matter much because, in the end, only six members’ names are sent to the local magistrate for the continuation of the Samaj. Only those six members will remain responsible for all the activities of the Samaj. Therefore having more members or having women members would not have any impact on that perspective.

Many devotees are donating money to our Samaj for tax benefit. As our Samaj does many cultural and social activities for our state, it is registered.

Other women: yes women should be allowed to contest in the elections. Women are also members of ‘Utkal Samaj’.

President: Anyway we are giving all right or facilities to women. They organize all cultural and religious activities. What is the problem?

Indira: I want to contest for the post of cultural secretary. No, we are the members of Samaj. So, I want to get some work done by the ladies with their cooperation. Yes, all ladies never get chance to do cultural activities. The ladies get power in a different way. They have to flatter male members or the wives of the influential executive members to get the chance in influencing the public, whatever way they want to get the activities done for their selfish purpose. If they influence their husbands then, they can manipulate the activities easily. The concept of equal involvement is not carried out here.

Sarat Chandra Basantia and Girija Mohapatra argued again to convince the depth, seriousness, and reality of the Samaj strategy.

All members: ladies can influence the same way even if some ladies do not get political power in Samaj, they have influence over some active and influential members some sort of monopoly rule always rule, they used to dominate, that system you cannot change Indira madam, never, forget about changing Samaj curricular activities or the system. That is not possible.

Indira: yes, I know, if I bring change, it goes against a group of people who dominate Samaj always, but I am not against the executive body, their principles, ideologies or the activities they have been pursuing since a long time back. I never saw the transfer of power from the creator's hands who had made the Samaj, I know how they had been suffered in making this temple and it’s idealism, the Odiya cultural activities. How they have been struggling, but, a Samaj can prosper when it accepts changes not remaining in it’s orthodox, stereotyped way, if some more women enter into the political arena then some others would be encouraged to do the best, all would get an equal opportunity or right to manipulate some activities in Samaj. Why do not you perceive my views in a positive way?

Ex-president Brajasundar Nanda: "yes, yes why not? Your points are logical, it is acceptable for the formation of a strong Samaj, it’s an administrative structure or the frame must match the democratic spirit, ideology and the goal of a prosperous, developing Samaj. After all, the Samaj needs changes, it cannot be stagnant, lethargic or orthodox. It must change with the time’s requirement or demand, what time needs. Time is the most powerful weapon at the hands of Lord Jagannath, the king, the emperor of Utkal, he is the ruler, Nabakoti, Karnata Kallebargeswara, Samrat Kalinga ruler."

President Subash Chaudhury: "I don’t disagree, but remember Indira, if male administrators behave bad, image of the Samaj is not spoiled but, if the character of women administrators become bad, the image of the Samaj is spoilt, polluted, everything is spoiled, we cannot uphold our purity and dignity of the Samaj then, would you save the idealism of Samaj confidently? Can you give assurance???"

Majore Mohapatra: 'Madam! We have faith in you, yes we have confidence in you, you can handle all activities smoothly, excellently because, you are a talented woman, whatever programs you conduct, will definitely be superb but, assure us, you must collect a huge amount of money as a donation to the temple. Do you agree???,

Indira: 'No, I cannot assure of collecting funds, okay let me try if I can frame such a noble structure or idealism of the Samaj, involving more ladies in the Samaj in Samaj activities, which automatically would go for the overall development of the society, if all women get chance impartially and equally in conducting cultural activities then, we can collect more fund.,'

Pk Nayak: 'No, no, we do not expect you to collect money, you are the wife of an influential person, every businessman would like to donate money for the tax exemption why not, why not they would agree to pay. They must like to pay. They would be obliged enough, they search for such a chance.'

Narrator: For the first time Indira was elected as the cultural secretary of Utkal Samaj. Maybe God wanted her to uphold the political power to fulfill his desire of bonding the Utkal Samaj with a rope of universal brotherhood, integrity love, and magnificent divineness.

SCENE 2

Narrator: Now Indira could do social work nicely. She arranged many cultural gatherings like art and craft exhibition, cultural night for children, yoga classes and religious ceremonies. So she brought unity among all the ladies members. There was no partiality in language. Indira could influence the Kala Kendra, Chandigarh university to open an examination center in Vijag. Vijag Utkal Samaj was declared as the Kala Kendra for the first time. Many children were benefitted. They got the certificates and dignity. Indira declared Jagannath temple as a center of yoga and meditation. For the first time, yoga training was given to ladies and children. All were really happy, yoga Bharati Vishakhapatnam was affiliated to Utkal Samaj Jagannath temple premises. Indira knew that many hidden talented artists, matured professional artists along with creative talents were hiding in Samaj except very few are coming to the notice by dance and song, that is not the only media of expressing Odiya or Jagannath culture.

Henceforth she conducted an art and craft exhibition in the art gallery of the Samaj with a lot of difficulties because participants were not ready to cooperate with Samaj due to previous rivalry, competition, and enmity. Indira had to handle all alone, my Lord's mercy, she got a small amount of money for the arrangement of the art gallery and prize distribution ceremony. Many talented people extended their hands, all media local television channels covered the news. The newspaper also published such an event of all hidden talent, which was really got the expression of exhibiting Jagannath Samaj in a broader sense. Many male members along with ladies members became Indira’s rival with the progression of the Samaj curricular cultural activities.

Then many talented but less influential women got chance to participate in cultural activities which created the sense of insecurity, inferiority, hostility and irritability among old established members for the access of weaker section into power now. Then the creators felt they had been struggled to restore Odiya culture and the Jagannath temple then, how could they transfer their management power, controlling authority to others. Hence they strongly started opposing to Indira, the cultural secretary of the Samaj. As a result of this, they opposed Indira’s programs strongly. The same prediction or consequence happened what Indira was expecting,

Yes, the ladies refused to sing near god in any special day or ritual or ceremony, even they had to pay as a penalty for their talent and more involvement in cultural activities. They helped Indira in creating a national song or opening song ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ for the adoration of motherland on the eve of the annual day event, they prepared Bharatnatyam classical dances for the cultural event but, all were in vain, nothing was allowed to be conducted in the stage. They were refused to perform the program as they were leading with women power, or empowerment in cooperation with Indira, the lady cultural secretary.

Even the ladies were a victim or the target of men dominated executive members. Yes, the women who were the wives of influential persons were also targeted badly, they got power by eliminating Indira but, that power was also they got by influencing or serving the influential executive male members only. Elimination of woman power did not mean the victory of another woman power rather it is the surrender or defeat of woman power. Women are the main cause of the woman’s defeat. It is the true doctrine always has been proved true.

The Description Of The Scene:

Once again Durga Puja was being celebrated in Jagannath temple. Devotees have gathered there. the statues of Devi Durga along with the idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh are being worshipped. The face of Durga is looking lively. She is wearing a red sari. The fragrance of Agarbatti, scented flowers, sandalwood pastes were spreading over the environment. The pupates Manasa and Subramaniam were distributing offerings to the devotees. In front of God, people are discussing a serious matter. A meeting is going on………

Secretary: we have taken the final decision. No Hindi songs shall be played in the cultural night. Dances must be performed on Oriya songs alone.

Vice president: Indira madam the Dandia dance on Hindi song which you have choreographed has been rejected on that basis.

Cultural secretary: I am helpless madam I must obey the president’s decision.

Ladies: No that is unfair. Our children have practiced for many days. How can you disappoint them?

Indira: Hindi is our national language.herefore Hindi songs should be allowed in the cultural night.

Seema: Many non-Oriya belong to this Samaj. This is not an Oriya Samaj. It is Jagannath Samaj. How can you take such a partial decision?

Indira (angrily): What is the objective of your Samaj then?

Secretary (immediately as if prepared beforehand): Our objective is to preach our language our culture out of Orissa.

Ex Cultural secretary ( mockingly): For that purpose only we are getting money from the state government. We must promote our culture outside our state. For that Orissa Sahitya academy also preaches our language outside the state. Odiya culture outside or beyond the territory.

Indira (shouting): Then how can you reach your goal?

All: Which goal?

Indira: The goal of bringing unity in states, caste, creed, religion, and languages. Isn’t that the goal of Jagannath culture, our culture. How can we preach our culture if we forget its goal?

All are angry and are looking at Indira scornfully as if she has committed some crime and she was looking at all faces for support

Secretary: Don’t make this an issue. Let us end this argument now. Regarding our cultural night, our Samaj cannot compromise. No other languages shall be allowed.

Indira;--- I want to say one statement. Why did you refuse to form a ladies committee, the reason we know.

Immediately Amulya Sahoo, Rajendra Sahoo, and Sarat ch Basantia and Girija Mohapatra replied at her.

All at a time: yes, yes, we know what do you mean, but there cannot be a parallel body with one Samaj. When one Samaj exists then, how can one more body be formed competing with male members? Why should it be formed separately?

President: 'yes, give your explanation with reason taking the approval of the executive committee. If the executive committee agrees then your proposal be accepted as the law. It must have proceeded as the rule, otherwise, we cannot help you'.

Indira: 'yes, the same situation of parliament, the procedure is complicated takes a long time. Because males have dominated the Samaj, the executive committee, the majority goes to men representatives, so how can exists the women decision or a body in this orthodox Samaj. Yes, women are just puppet at Samaj hands, they are supposed to do all activities, cultural and religious but cannot get administration power. They cannot rule over Samaj, really excellent thought, sentiment, and philosophy of our Samaj it is.'

All women: Anyway we do not want official power, we do not want a registered women formation, why are men so in secured and scared? Then they laughed loudly.

All (Shouting in agreement): Yes, yes, yes. This is the final decision of the executive body.

Indira keeps quiet. Although women were supporting her they were a minority. The majority was against her. She realized she couldn’t get support because female members were very few in number in the executive body. She quits the meeting and walks away accepting defeat.

SCENE 3:

Narrator: Indira set out her train journey from Vizag to Orissa. Indira met her Guruma. Guruma was extremely happy. Guruma, Indira and Indira’s mother are sitting in front of god.

Guruma: See Indira. I and Lord Krishna were waiting for you. See, Gopal is so happy meeting you!

Indira: (with little surprise) Guruma you can perceive lord Krishna everywhere. God is your adopted son. You look after him as your own child. What can I say about his spiritual power and divine glory?

Indira’s mother: Human beings cannot understand his divine or religious purpose. Lilly, my daughter Indira is angry with her Oriya members of the Oriya Samaj.

Guruma: Why?

Indira’s mother: Because she couldn’t get a chance to organize Dandia dance in Hindi song as the Samaj people are very particular about their own language.

Guruma: Oh! She is sad because of that. But she need not worry. she has a lot of religious work to do wherever she goes. Indira, give us a tune for this song Krishna Krishna Govind Krishna Gopal Bal Krishna

Indira (singing in tune) :Krishna Krishna Govind Krishna Gopal Bal Krishna

Guruma (with excitement): see Krishna is dancing to your song. He is overwhelmed with happiness.

Indira, little puzzled, tried to touch the feet of Lord Krishna.

Guruma (denying): No! You cannot touch him. You cannot tolerate his power now. When the time will come I’ll tell you.

Indira’s mother: Don’t worry! I will give you the statue of Lord Jagannath when you will be returning to Vizag. You can worship them.

Guruma: Gopal is always with you in the form of Lord Jagannath. He will be with you. He will guide you in all your activities. He will give you power and inspiration to spread his glory. So be bold and strong. He is always with you.

Indira’s mother: Whenever you feel disappoint or anxious, just worship him.

SCENE 4

Indira installed the idols in the brass throne, she had made previously for the lords. Indira touched the idols being excited or overwhelmed with excitement. She looked at the eyes of the gods so deeply, a deep meditation, suddenly she kissed the god’s eyes, lips and then embraced the gods so tightly. She was puzzled what is she doing!!!

She said, ‘a conversation with god’ ‘‘ oh god what am I doing!!! Excuse me for my fault of loving you this way, but, you are my lover, I love you as a lover. You know Guruma knows, you are my lover. I am crazy about you. I cannot stop myself from kissing and loving you the way, I have been desiring you, you have been desiring me. You must have inspired me in this way of loving you. I cannot resist me. Have you restraint my restless mind and peace searching soul ever??? I got the way. You inspired me to kiss you again and again. You showed me the unique way of loving you, it is the most spiritual way of your love, yes the fire of love burns, an earthly passion to kiss you touch you, but neither the soul is pacified nor the restless mind,. How can I get solace, spiritual peace and divine pleasure??? It is a journey a religious journey, a spiritual journey. When will it end??? I want liberation, worldly detachment from family life. How can I get???’’

Then she reminded her Guruma’s spoken words, as if Jagannath is whispering in her ears, the echo of her Guruma’s voice speaks’ ‘‘see, you are his lover, tomorrow you must preach his name, you must spread his religion, wait time will come, you will abandon all earthly desires, earthly life, you will go for a difficult penance, a difficult religious, pious life with Jagannath, with his image all over the world, you will be roaming with his image ,do not worry that time will come soon. Woman! you are his inner feelings, inner energy, vibration, the awakening of spiritual feelings and knowledge both, Indira the lover of Lord Jagannath, woman is his inner power, a vibration, which transmits through you, a subtle thought, one occult, complicated inner psychology of human being with spiritual divine love ,a tranquility, a faith, a deep meditation, intense spiritual feeling, a symbol of purity, a voice of justice and equality exists in between you and the Jagannath’.

SCENE 5

There is a meeting going on in Utkal Samaj. All members have gathered.

President Mr. B.S.Nanda: I propose to publish the Oriya annual souvenir ‘Arunima’ in which articles relating to Lord Jagannath will only be included.

Indira (surprised, denying): Why can't we take articles from other religious books like the Bible and Quran? In this Samaj, members belong to various communities and religion. How can we be restricted to only Jagannath culture?

Secretary Basantia: Unless we write about Jagannath culture, we cannot preach our Oriya culture.

Vice President G.P.Mahapatra: Oriya culture is a manifestation of Jagannath culture. We must preach our Odiya culture through Jagannath culture.

Indira: Then what about the ceremonies and principles of our temple? When a Muslim girl marries a Hindu boy or a Christian boy marries a Hindu girl? There is no disparity in the rituals performed. They are performed as usual. Why? Because at that time you need money.

Cultural Secretary Rajendra Sahoo: yes Madam we need money. Without money how can we run our Samaj? Any trust religious, cultural or social needs money. How can we conduct ceremonies, cultural activities, and rituals?

Indira (in loud voice): Rituals? Ceremonies? Activities? What are you trying to say?

Secretary: I’m being very straight and clear. Maintenance of God, temples, maintenance of the Samaj, all these need money. We have not made any project yet for the creation of the fund. We are not self-reliant.

Indira: 'Yes. Maintenance of the Samaj, not God you can say. We only give a handful of fruits to god. Lords never get fifty-six pots of food twice in a day like the rituals are followed in main Jagannath temple ‘Puri Dham’, there is earth and heaven difference between two temples. Is that called maintenance?'

All the members look angrily at her. The meeting was over.

SCENE 6:

Description of the scene

The Muslim devotee Alida is praying to god with her son Rahman. She is Muslim by birth but she married a Hindu. Her son was cured by the blessings of Lord Jagannath. From that day she has been a great devotee of Lord Jagannath.

Priest Manasa: Madam Alida, you have been a great devotee of Lord Jagannath. Lord has proved you immense faith in him.

Alida: Yes priest Manasa. I have on my lord. As you know my son had Leukemia. His red blood cells were very less. He had to take blood every day. He had to fight with his life. Lord has saved his life. He has recovered tremendously. She offered her offerings, jasmine flowers, Tulasi leaves, lotus flowers and she lighted lamps with ghee. She expressed her devotions. She kneeled down, bowed her head before God and prayed her prayer Namaz.

Priest Manasa: Tomorrow is Rath Yatra. You must come and attend the ceremony in the morning at 9:30.

SCENE 7:

Narrator: All the devotees have gathered near the temple. Today is the car festival. All over India curfew has been declared. As people are fighting in the name of God so, in Ayodhya the chariot will move around the city taking the idols of Lord Rama. Recently there was an explosion of a bomb in the main temples of Ayodhya and different Masjid and Gurudwara of main capital Delhi city. All are scared to participate in the car ceremony of Lord Jagannath. Ministers from the center have ordered not to celebrate car festival in the in different parts of India. Jagannath temples have been constructed not only in India but also all over the world. Wherever the celebration of car festival is seen, there the strict police force is deployed. So that police can control the riot or violence. Where ever they suspect any sign of violence where they will stop the car festival. The chariots cannot be carried into the Gundicha house; which is known as lords Aunt’s house. There three lords will remain for nine days. On a ninth day, the lords will come back to the original Jagannath temple. During this period anyone can touch them. They can pull the chariots and have their visit and blessings. There will be no discrimination among caste, creeds, race, and religions.

Description of scene

People are beating the drums, cymbals, and flute. All the singers are singing songs of Lord Jagannath with Hari Bol Sankeertan: “Jai Jagannath, Jai Jagannath, Jai Jagannath Swami ki Jai. Hari Bol Hari Bol Hari ki.”

An atmosphere of spirituality pervades over there. The songs, the mantras they chant vibrate the air. Devotees of different religious groups have gathered to pull the rope of the chariot. Now there is no discrimination in all castes, creeds, and religions. People are waiting to pull the chariot. Three gods are one by one ascending to their chariots. the three chariots [Talla Dhwaja, Deva Dalana, and Nandi Ghosha] are all but one chariot in which is Lord Jagannath, lord Ballabhadra and Devi Subhadra along with Sudarshan Chakra enthrone. Ladies are standing in one row. Gents are standing in another row. They are ready to pull the chariot now. Suddenly some people of Muslim community made a big war. They pulled Alida from ladies

Row.

Muslim people (shouted at her rebuking): How dare you chant the name of Jagannath instead of calling the name of Allah?

As you are a Muslim in birth you can not take part in this Hindu ceremony. This is our command for you. You must obey.

Alida refused to obey their command. As a result of this, her Muslim brothers dragged her from the row. Alida fell down. She got hurt. She got wounded on her head. It is bleeding badly.

The other ladies are scared of those people. They could not know how to save Alida from her Muslim community people. Unless Alida chanted the name of Allah they will not leave her. Now all the Hindu ladies of Alida’s friends chanted loudly the name of Allah

Alida’s friends : Allah o Akbar Allah , Bismillah illaha illaha, subanallaha, insallaha !

With a beautiful tune and in a chorus they sang the holy names of Allah. It is not a riot nor a melancholic song of the despair or destruction of the time. As if in the big void one mantra was heard to all “Dharmam Shantih papa Shantih Om Shantih Shantih”. Ladies are chanting not out of fear or sorrows. They are chanting by the inspiration of one unknown power. The supreme power supreme desire of the Lord’s or the god. God Allah’s desire or is the desire of Lord Jagannath; they sang the beautiful song of god Allah. As to Allah’s wish devotees chanted his holy names to bring unity, brotherhood among various religions, culture, and races. Both Hindu and Muslim community stayed dumbfounded listening such a marvelous chanting of Allah’s name along with the name of Lord Jagannath. Now Alida’s Hindu husband and his friends took her in the vehicle to go to the hospital. Police have reached on the scene having the message of the riot there. No one is allowed to carry the chariot or the lords. The curfew is declared. All have to leave the place immediately. Police are firing to the air. All left except the devotees of Lord Jagannath. Members of Utkal Samaj are not leaving the place. There sitting in front of three gods with the chariot. They stayed there for two nights. Now they are discussing over a serious matter.

Cultural secretary Indira: We must worship other religious books or epics during these nine days of our car festival in the Gundicha house.

President: We must celebrate car festival in a unique way to fulfill the desire of the lord by worshipping and uniting all religious epics and books near the lords. Yes, yes not only we will worship the books but also we will chant the holy names of the gods.

Secretary Basantia said: We can call various gurus or learned persons for divine discourses. Hence we can have knowledge about different religions and can be able to bring integrity unity among religions which is the main work of Lord Jagannath and the main work of our Samaj. God has bestowed such responsibility on us. We will have to fulfill it.

Now the members of Utkal Samaj got permission to carry the chariot of lords to the Gundicha house. The curfew was relaxed. Devotees are shouting with joy. They are not feeling tired. They got more energy and power to carry the chariot of three lords. They started their religious journey to Gundicha house. They exclaimed with joy chanting “Joy Jagannath Swami ki joy Jagannath Swami ki joy”.

LAST SCENE:

All devotees are sitting in front of god. The holy books of Gita, Bible, and Quran are kept in front of god. Some spiritual leaders are giving discourses.

Guru 1: All religions are the same.

Guru 2: The nature of God is the same. They are described as truth, soul, and eternal. He is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. He is the creator of the whole universe, heaven, and earth.

The Muslim religious guru: Islam religion depicts the same ideology as the other religion say. God or Allah is the most beautiful and powerful.

The most famous, all-comprehensive divine names are:

The merciful- Al-rah man

The compassionate- Al-Rahim

God willing- In shah - Allah

In the name of god- Bismillah

Holiness to god- Sub Han- Allah

Praise be to god- Allamdo- Lila

There is no deity but god- La- ill- la- ha- ill- Allah

And God is great- Allah- o- Akbar

God is great. Prophet Mohammed, his followers worshipped the same God as Jews worshipped.God loves those who do well, says the Quran.

Surrender to Allah or God is the religion itself. God is more loving and kinder than a mother to her child says the Quran. God is most merciful. He forgives the sins of the sinner. He also punishes the sinner but when the sinner realizes his sin, he forgives him. In Christianity, Jesus says hate the sin but not the sinner. Love your enemy. If you love your friend, what great thing did you do? When Jesus was crucified he said ‘God forgive them. They do not know what they are doing’. Allah said call me I will answer you. It is said that hell is nothing but a nursing home where sins are cleansed. the creator eternal and everlasting, he is the first and the last. The creator must be of a different nature from the things created because if he is of the same nature as they are, he will be temporal and therefore will need a maker. And if he does not depend on anything for the continuance of his own existence, in this existence can have no end.

God sees, judges all activities of the human beings good or bad. Human being suffers for his own nature. He is rewarded for his good and punished for his bad. But all religions believe that when devotee realizes his fault he surrenders himself to god, then he is freed from all vices. God is beyond all compassion. Earth, heaven, sun, and moon have originated from his being. He gives life and causes death. He is incomprehensible. Physical vision does not show him. He is the preserver of power. He is the beginner and the end. He creates everything and destroys everything in his wish. All religions believe in this philosophy of God. God has paved the way of unity among nations. Hence the source of all divine scriptures bible, Vedas and Quran speak of one god only. The revelation of one god in different ways. He has sent his prophets or divine messengers into different nations. God reveals himself through his prophet. His prophets are blessed with divine attributes. They establish and spread religions in various nations. They are also prayed as Gods in the form of human beings. Human beings can pursue one god in different forms and one religion in various religions. The souls or life energy have emerged from his being. He embodies all heavenly and earthly life and the whole universe in him. God’s existence and non-existence both lie in different forms. But it is in the minds of human beings that how they perceive God as human beings or non-human beings. God has neither a beginning nor an end. He is all-seeing, all-hearing. Incarnations are not God but the manifestations of him. This is the basic philosophy or concept of God of various religions. All religions believe in one and the same philosophy.

Let us together chant the different names of God. Jai Jagannath

Round eyes of lords

Jagannath, Jai Jagannath, see his round eyes rotate,

Rotate like the planets, moon rotate around their axis completing a circle, the time rotates with the rotation of his eyes,

He can see each corner of the universe carrying all planets,

Sun and moon in his eyes, living in the earth,

Where life takes birth, life lives with living beings,

Human beings the superior creation of all animals, can realize, feel the existence of lord,

Yes, he is the creator of all living non-living beings,

But his dazzling brightest face attracts all human beings to have his visit, his round eyes,

If you concentrate deeply, take you inside, deep inside his mind, the spiritual insight,

You enter inside, the eternity, your soul,

He is a superior entity existing holds you within for a time being,

That is called as Jagannath love in complete form,

His eyes rotate, observe all eyes and minds,

Look at your eyes,

The divine light inserts within your body,

Through the windows of your heart your eyes,

Killing all evil thoughts, vices of your minds,

That is the magnanimity of lords round circle eyes,

That all human beings realize

Who had his beautiful Darsan or visit?

Three lords along with dice , form and formless,

The fusion of both, the supreme souls form and formless, pervading all over the universe, the images of gods, leave the impact of truth,

Spreading over the temple, go beyond the nilla chakra, slowly, slowly

Spreads over Nilla Sailla, the blue sky, blue mountain, and the green pacific ocean, reflecting the eternal image of lords all over the world, truth, beauty, love, and peace,

He remains there forever, in puri Dham, Baikuntha Dham,

The greatest of all, pervading all over the universe, form and formless,

With a deep emotion, solemn love I stay, keeping me quiet, silence speaks, sending vibration of our spiritual feel and reciprocates without the words between you and me,,,,,,,,,

All (singing with devotion): Jai Ja)gannath Allah-o-Akbar

(Curtain falls