Maha Vishnu

Jagannatha Das (1491-1540) was an Odia poet and a disciple of the Vaishnava saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He is considered one of the greatest poets of Orissa, and his works have had a profound influence on Oriya literature and culture.

Jagannatha Das was born in 1491 in the village of Kapileswarpur in the Puri district of Odisha. He was a Brahmin by birth, and he received a traditional education in Sanskrit and the Vedas. In his early twenties, he met Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and he was immediately drawn to his teachings of love and devotion to Krishna. Jagannatha Das became one of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s most devoted disciples, and he spent the rest of his life spreading the message of Vaishnavism in Odisha.

Jagannatha Das was a prolific writer, and he composed a number of poems, hymns, and dramas. His most famous work is the Dasavatara, which is an epic poem that tells the story of the ten incarnations of Vishnu. The Dasavatara is considered to be one of the finest examples of Oriya literature, and it has been translated into many languages.

Jagannatha Das died in 1540 at the age of 49. He is considered one of the greatest poets of Orissa, and his works have had a profound influence on Oriya literature and culture.

Here are some of Jagannatha Das’s most famous works:

• Dasavatara
• Krishna Karnamrta
• Hari Bol
• Subhadra Charita
• Narasimha Purana
• Govinda Lilamrita

Jagannatha Das’s work is characterized by its simple language, its deep devotion to Krishna, and its emphasis on the importance of love and compassion. He is a true master of the Oriya language, and his work is a treasure for all Oriyas.

When was he born?

The birth year of Jagannatha Das is still a matter of debate among scholars. Some sources say that he was born in 1490, while others say that he was born in 1491. The most likely date is 1490, but there is not enough evidence to be certain.

The 19th century Odia scholar, Fakir Mohan Senapati, wrote that Jagannatha Das was born in 1490. This date is also given in the Odia encyclopedia, “Odia Sahitya Darpan”. However, some other scholars have argued that Jagannatha Das was born in 1491. They base their argument on the fact that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu died in 1533, and Jagannatha Das is said to have lived for 49 years after Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s death. This would mean that Jagannatha Das was born in 1491.

Ultimately, the exact birth date of Jagannatha Das is unknown. However, the most likely date is 1490.