The Atibadi sect is a Vaishnava religious tradition founded in the 16th century by the Odia saint Jagannatha Dasa. The name "Atibadi," which translates to "extremely great," was conferred upon Jagannatha Dasa by Shri Chaitanya, a prominent saint and proponent of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. This title reflects the high esteem in which Jagannatha Dasa was held for his spiritual contributions and teachings.
The core of the Atibadi sect revolves around the worship of Jagannatha, a form of Lord Vishnu particularly revered in the state of Odisha. Jagannatha, which means "Lord of the Universe," is famously enshrined in the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The deity is uniquely represented with large, round eyes and a distinct, wooden iconography, differing from the typical stone or metal idols of other Hindu deities.
Jagannatha Dasa is well-known for his literary works, including his translation of the Bhagavata Purana into Odia, making the sacred texts accessible to the local populace. His writings and teachings emphasized devotion (bhakti) to Lord Jagannatha and the importance of leading a pious life.
The Atibadi sect maintains its own unique customs, rituals, and theological interpretations, which are influenced by both the local culture of Odisha and the broader Vaishnavism traditions. Followers of this sect engage in various religious practices such as chanting, singing devotional songs (bhajans), and participating in festivals like the Rath Yatra, an annual chariot festival where the deities Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are paraded through the streets of Puri.
Overall, the Atibadi sect has played a significant role in the religious and cultural landscape of Odisha, promoting the worship of Jagannatha and contributing to the region's rich spiritual heritage.