INTRODUCTION
      Mahima Dharma is an autochthonous Hindu reform movement that turned against the Jagannath worship in particular. Unlike the so-called neo-Hindu reform movement, as for instance the Brahma Samaj which came into being as a sequel to the encounter with Christianity and the philosophies of the west and obtained from there, i.e. from outside, the criteria of their criticism of its own tradition, no intrinsic, direct western influence in the emergence of Mahima Dharma can be traced. On the contrary, this movement derives its criticism of the Hindu tradition directly from the tradition itself, thus standing in an almost paradoxical twofold relation to the tradition which it accepts on the one hand and rejects on the other.
      This two fold relation to the tradition is made possible by its distinctive diversity and traces back especially to two characteristic features:

     » The constant dialogue of the so-called "great tradition" - the religion of Brahmins as portrayed in Sanskrit tests - with the tribal religions which, in a constantly changing process, are often Hinduized and partly rejected again.
     » The fact that in the course of its history, Hinduism has often brought forth heterodox movement of the most divergent nature, rejected them in the first place, but in most cases advanced their teachings later and integrated them in the mainstream of tradition.

      » As complement to the study of Jagannatha-worship-the Mahima Dharma regards itself as its counter as well as succession movement.
      » As a model for the formulation of questions about the present position of the Hindu tradition and the possibility of change and reform within the tradition itself.