Srimad Bhagavatam is a well known sacred pauranik book found in Odia households. The stories & tales of the book narrate the teachings of Shri Krishna & His family. The Mahapurana integrates themes from the Adwaita (monism) philosophy of Adi Shankara, the Vishishtadwaita (qualified monism) of Ramanujacharya and the Dwaita (dualism) of Madhvacharya. During the end of Dwapara Yuga, Rishi Sukadev recited the story of Lord Krishna to his interlocutor King Parikshit that later came to be known as the Srimad Bhagavatam. But what does Ekamra Kshetra has to do with it? Let’s find out.
Suka was the personal parrot of Srimati Radharani, chief consort of god Krishna. He used to take messages from Her to Krishna. When Srimati Radharani was about to leave for the spiritual world, Suka wanted to accompany her, which was not possible. She assured that wherever the transcendental pastimes of the Supreme Lord would be narrated, he would not feel the pang of separation there.
After wandering to places, Suka finally reached Kailash where Lord Shiva was reciting Srimad Bhagavatam to Devi Parvati. Suka hid and started listening to the nectarean pastimes of his beloved Lord. After knowing about the secret presence of the parrot, Lord Shiva started chasing him as he was not qualified to hear Srimad Bhagavatam.
Meanwhile, Vyasadev was narrating Srimad Bhagavatam to his wife, Bitika. She somehow yawned in between and at that very point the parrot entered her mouth. Shiva finally gave up the chase and the parrot took the form of a baby within her womb. Instead of nine months, he stayed in her womb for 16 years.
He later came to be known as Sukadev Goswami who narrated Srimad Bhagavatam to Maharaj Parikshit.
The temple that stands near the Lingaraj precinct is said to be dedicated to Rishi Sukadev. However, there are no present deities in the temple.
The recent excavations near the temple by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have resulted in some interesting finds. An idol of God Vishnu was found in another ancient temple buried on the premises of Suka Sari temple which is said to be the oldest in Odisha. The recently unearthed temple is believed to be constructed in the style of the Parshurameshwar temple. However, the excavation is still going on & everyone is wishing for more such ancient structures.
Do you know any other story behind it? Let us know in the comment section below.
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