Part I: The Beginning Before the Beginning
Chapter One: Introduction: Between History and Myth
Chapter Three: The Structure of the Myth, The Structure of the Temple
Part II: From Ritual to Myth
Chapter Four. Vedic Ritual and Post-Vedic Myths
Chapter Five. Non-Dual Concepts, Dualistic Interpretations
Chapter Six: The Asvamedha in The Asvamedha
Part III: Reflected Figures
Chapter Seven. The Vamana’s Three Strides and the Role of the Gravastut
Chapter Eight. The Offender Offended
Chapter Nine. The Sacrificer’s Alter Ego
Part IV: From Myth to Ritual
Chapter Ten. The Cosmic Pillar
Chapter Eleven: Sweeping the Ground, Beholding the Sky
Goda
Chapter Thirteen. Beyond the Whole: an Implicate Order

The Cult of Jagannatha: Myths and Rituals offers a new approach to Orissan ethnography. In sharp contrast with dominant explanations, centered on tribal influences and the history of aryanisation, this book provides extensive evidence on the importance of religious orthodoxy. Vedic and Hindu sacrificial symbolism is at the core of the extremely rich mythical narratives and cult practices related to Puri’s great temple.