Blue Hill: Hymns To Lord Jagannatha

The Temple town of Puri in Orissa one of the four most sacred sites of Hindus has been a major centre of Vaishnavism for almost a millennium. A deity of great antiquity earlier known as Purushottama and Nilamadhava Sri Jagannatha the presiding deity of its main temple considered as the creator of incarnations and a manifestation of the supreme divinity is identified with Krishna and Vishnu. His palatial temple Srimandira was built in the twelfth century and is one of the finest specimens of the Kalinga style of architecture. The elevated grounds on which the temple stands is known as Blue Hill, Blue Region and Blue Mountain also used as popular appellations of Jaggannatha. He represents a new consciousness the essence of which is simple surrender and the triumph of intimate devotion.

Numerous saint poets have poured out their most intimate personal communication to their Dark Darling of the blue Hill in enchanting lyrical compositions. These songs hymns to Jagannatha have been sung by devotees for ages and are part of a living tradition even today. Blue Hill, Hymns to Lord Jagannatha includes several of the most popular songs composed over twelve centuries. Subas Pani who has specialized in translating lyrical compositions in Sanskrit and Oriya, Captures the flavor of the original musical compositions in a simple lyrical style in English verse besides providing a deep insight into the cutlrual content with a rich tradition of myths legends, history, rites, rituals and colorful festivals. A comprehensive introduction and detailed notes are included with the translations.

Subas Pani Studied English Literature and after teaching in the Post Graduate Department of Utkal University Joined the National civil service of India. He ahs recently completed his Ph.D. on rediscovering Jayadeva’s Sri Geetagovinda in the context of the historical and cultural Heritage of Orissa and a new verse translation in English. His publications include Orissa Her monuments and their tales, Palm Leaf paintings of Orissa. A Selection from the Orissa state museum Jagannatha consciousness Balasore, its historical & cultural Heritage. His travel articles have been published in Swagat and namaskar. Several of his translations of devotional songs in Sanskrit and Oriya into English verse have been published in Orissa review and Srimandira. His research interests include Jagannatha consciousness and Jayadeva. He is a regular television commentator on the national and international channels of Doordarshan for the live telecast of Rath Yatra the annual chariot festival at Puri in Orissa.

He is also well known as an expert in the field of information technology and elections. He has recently chaired the expert group for the national Portal of India. He lives in New Delhi.