Laxmi Puran

Balaram Das, a major poet of Oriya literature, and considered as the senior most poet in the Age of Panchasakha wrote the Laxmi Purana in 15th century .^[1]

Synopsis of Laksmi Purana

In this Purana, once the goddess Laxmi had visited Shriya, a scavenger low caste woman , for which Balaram, the elder brother of God Jagannath (Lord Vishnu) got angry with Laxmi and she was turned out from Jagannath Temple of Srikhetra or Puri , the most sacred place and one of four places of pilgrimage (Dham) in Hindu religion. Laxmi leaves the temple and avenges the insult by cursing her husband and elder brother-in-law to go through a prolonged ordeal without food, water or shelter. The Puran raises voice against the evil practices of Untouchability in society. It also stresses importance on feminism and empowers the female power to resist male hegemony.

Premier of Feminist Movement

It is perhaps the first attempt in India towards feminism. The Purana describes the social structures and gender inequality persisting in the society. It is also a protest against male hegemony. Laxmi was thrown out of her home by her husband. But it also gives a guideline for the women to perform their duties and responsibilities honestly. This Purana starts a feministic movement in Orissa India as a ritual form of Laxmi Puja or worship of the goddess Laxmi.

Popularity of Laxmi Purana

In Orissa , Laxmi Purana is considered as a sacred book in every household. In every corner of Orissa and the neighboring regions in Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and the srikakulam area of Andhra Pradesh, the ladies perform a special one month long Laxmi Puja in the Hindu month of Margashirsha or Agrahayana. The Laxmi Puja (Mana osha) is celebrated weekly on every Thursday of that month and mostly the females worship the Goddess Laxmi with all rituals. jay jagannath jay maa laxmi.

See also

Oriya Literature

Oriya language

Orissa

References

1. ^ Mansingha,Mayadhar (1962) History of Oriya literature Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi,