1. The Jagannatha Cult and its Development
The main task in this realm mainly undertaken by G.C. Tripathi, is to classify the masses of tests relation to that topic, in order to get a relative chronology immanent to the texts. By comparing the chronology of the texts with the chronology taken from the architectonic evidence of the temple survey (see below) it is hoped to get an absolute chronology of Orissan History of Religions and its different stages, which may allow at least an exact analysis and historical classification of the formation of the Jagannatha tradition.
It should be mentioned in this connection that it has already been possible to compile an extraordinary collection of so far unpublished or even unknown texts.

Besides the following individual studies have been started or planned in this realm : the most comprehensive is undoubtedly that of G.C. Tripathi. It is supported by several analysis of certain special stages in the development of the Jagannatha Cult.
      1.1. A detailed study of the gradual development of the jagannatha cult (G.C.Tripathi)
This study will give a history of the development of the Jagannatha worship, with special consideration of the mantra literature. It will particularly point out the tantristic, saktistic and tribal influences on the formation of the Jagannatha theology. The author has therefore started by giving a comprehensive presentation of "The mode of daily worship in the Jagannatha Temple of Puri" and its different elements.
      1.2. A study of the indrayumna legend (R. Geib)
This legend narrates the introduction of the Jagannatha cult and the foundation of the Puri temple by the legendary king Indradyumna. The analysis of its development through the different textual stages showed two main features :

      a. From the very beginning the "high hinduistic" brahmanical tradition was combined with tribal elements in different ways.
      b. The legend was taken up by the royal dynasties and partly transformed to support their claim for legitimation. The study us relevant for the investigation of the relations between the Jagannatha cult and political power as well as Jagannatha Cult and tribal religions.

      1.3. A study of the origin and development of the Jagannatha iconography. (A. Eschmann- H. Kulke)
The Jagannatha trinity with its three wooden posts is clearly of tribal origin. The worship of wooden posts is still current in the popular religion of Orissa, and partly shows striking affinities to certain aspects of the Jaganntha ritual, so that it is possible to trace the iconographic evolution. A first paper on this topic was presented by H. Kulke on the International Congress for Indology in Septmber 1971 at Berlin.
      1.4. A textoritical analysis of the Purusottama - Mahatmya. (U. Schneider).
This text has been identified as a product of the Puri Brahmans. Its analysis will throw light on their position and self-estimation, their attempts to incorporate the theology of Jagannatha and its heterodox elements into the Northindian sanscritic tradition, as well as on he general role of Vaisnavism in the Orissan history of religions. Beyond its relevance for sthe History of Religion this study is therefore also related to the investigation of the Puri Brahmans (see below 4.1. and 5.1.).
      1.5. The impact of Chaitanya on the formation of the Jagannatha tradition (P. Kwella).
With the advent of the Bengal reformer in Puri in the 16th century the Jagannatha Cult underwent a considerable change. Sthe deity Jagannatha was identified with Krsna and the practice of pilgrimage began to be framed in the present shape. Theresfore this study is also linked to the investigation of the contemporary system of pilgrimage (see below 4.2.).