Jagannath, an interpretation of Lord Krishna (8th Avatar of Lord Vishnu), is widely worshipped by millions of devotees all over the world, but the primary temple is located in the Indian state of Odisha (Puri), where devotees travel every day to catch a glimpse of the preserver of the universe. The word Jagannath itself means the lord of the universe, where the word “Jagan” stands for World or the Universe and “Nath” means lord or the master. In the story of Jagannath, he is revered as the supreme god, Purushottama, and the Para Brahman in Odia Hinduism. For most Vaishnava Hindus, especially followers of Krishna, Jagannath symbolizes an abstract form of Krishna, often seen as an avatar of Vishnu. For some Shaiva and Shakta Hindus, he is considered a tantric form of Bhairava, a fierce aspect of Shiva associated with destruction. This unique representation makes Jagannath a unifying figure across different Hindu traditions.
According to the story of Lord Jgannath, the worship of the god is deeply rooted in the ancient history of India and Indian mythology, post-Mahabharata era. According to the legend, the Jagannath temple of Puri was first established by King Indradyumna, a Malava king of the post-Mahabharata era. One night, King Indradyumna had a divine dream where Lord Vishnu instructed him to build the marvellous structure as a resting place where the lord could meet all his devotees. The king also added up Balabhadra and Subhadra (Krishna’s brother and sister) as companions so that the lord wouldn’t stay alone. Some legends also suggest that the first Jagannath temple was created with the help of Lord Vishwakarma, the great architect. However, historians believe that King Anantavarman Deva II of the Eastern Ganga dynasty built the temple in the tenth century CE. While the temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times owing to foreign invasions and natural disasters, it retains the contributions of several monarchs who governed the area at the time.
Though the iconography of the wooden idol of Jagannath is pretty minimalistic, with rounded big eyes and blocked-based anatomy, there is a deep mystery inside the idol structure. According to story of Jagannath, it is said that after the demise of Lord Krishna, his entire body merged into the Panchatatva (atmosphere), but somehow his heart remained intact. It is said his heart, also known as Brahma Padartha, is kept inside the idol of Jagannath. Due to the immense capabilities of this substance, the idol needs to be replaced every 8, 12, or 19 years since it weakens the structure from the inside out. The temple and the local government had to conduct an unusual ritual that year, which involved completely shutting down the electrical supply while the Brahma Padartha was transferred to its new body. Although the appearance of this fabled entity is unknown, the priests who do the operation while covering their eyes claim that it is something that is constantly beating and producing a significant quantity of radiation and energy.
The temple also has some magical elements and architectural advancement to appreciate. The flag on top of the temple is placed in such a strategic way that it defies logic and blows against the direction of the wind. The 20 ft chakra is fitted on top of the temple in such a way that it can be seen from any corner of the city, keeping its circular geometry intact. Even the birds don’t fly over that area. It is clear that the temple of Jagannath is an amalgamation of architectural marvel and divine intervention.
The daily ceremonies at the Jagannath Temple are extensive and traditional. The god receives a variety of food, known as Mahaprasad, which is subsequently delivered to followers. The temple’s kitchen is one of the world’s largest, with the capacity to feed thousands of people each day.
The most prominent and important festival related to Jagannath is the Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival. Puri has an annual procession of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra in massive chariots pushed by devotees through the streets. This celebration represents the goddesses’ trip from the temple to their garden abode.
Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe, represents a unique combination of mythology, tradition, and cultural importance. From his unique iconography to the grandeur of the Rath Yatra, story of Jagannath continues to inspire and unite believers all over the world. The deity’s worldwide appeal and rich history make him a major figure in Hindu worship and a timeless emblem of spiritual devotion.