But here is a temple, which in true sense has managed to stay above religion and permits entry to people irrespective of their religion, caste and creed. This distinct feature of the Jagannath Temple at Koraput has kept the temple apart from all other temples across the globe.

The devotees coming to this three-decade old temple belong to all religions including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. The nomenclature is because of the reason that Lord Jagannath was discovered and worshipped here by the members of the primitive tribe called the `Sabaras' (hunters).

"To set a symbolic example for others, it was unanimously agreed by the people selected for the temple management during the time of construction of the temple to allow entry to people of all religions into it and since then the practice continues," said K C Panigrahi, secretary, Sabara Srikhetra.

"When we speak of national integration, it's not fair to debar a person to a temple based on his caste and religion," he added.

Lord Jagannath is also known as a tribal deity and tribal-dominated Koraput is popularly the Sabar Srikhetra, the tribal abode of the deity.

The Rath Yatra here is unique for the overwhelming participation of the local tribes. Various tribes like the Bonda, Koya, Lanjia Saura and Paraja also worship Lord Jagannath in the temple and actively take part in the Rath Yatra every year.

Non-Hindus in large number also participate during the annual sojourn of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. They pull the chariots along with the Hindus and celebrate the festival with much gaiety.

Since the Lord was discovered by the primitive 'Sabaras', tribal women make sweets to offer the deities as Bhog every day. During the car festival, the tribals serve jackfruits and pineapple as Bhog.

While the Maharaja of Puri performs the `Chhera Pahanra' (sweeping the deck of the chariots) ritual during car festival at Puri; here, Dasi Nayak, a tribal leader of the Paraja community performs the task.

"As Lord Jagannath belongs to tribals, during the celebration of the first car festival at Sabara Srikhetra in 1972, a tribal leader was offered to perform the 'Chhera Panhara' ritual and the practice has been continued till date," said Panigrahi.

Lord Jagannath's tribal connection is evident from the fact that during his 15-day Anasara (confinement) before the car festival when he suffers from a bout of fever and evades devotees, the only people allowed to worship him are the Dalitas, the decedents of the tribal king Biswabasu. Since only the closest family members are allowed to attend on an ailing person, it is more than clear that the Lord has a strong tribal link.

Management committee of Sabara Srikhetra sends special invitations to the tribal leaders of various villages before the Rath Yatra begins. The system of invitation is done by sending Supari (guaa). The tribals reach the temple in advance and take up their responsibility.

From supplying water at the kitchen to preparation of the Bhog the tribals are seen engaged. On behalf of the temple managing body tribal chiefs of different villages are felicitated on the car festival day by presentations of a Sirpa (headgear).

Situated at a height of 940 mts above the sea level and about 500 km away from Bhubaneswar, Sabara Srikhetra is a major tourist attraction. It is surrounded by greenery and has a scenic beauty.

The stage is now for the car festival of July 16. All preparations have been put in place to make the festival smooth.