JAGANNATHA Jagannatha (The Lord of the •world), Madhva, who is the life of the world, the Remover of Fear, remember Him in the heart. (Ramkali M. 5, p. 897) Jagannatha (The Lord of the world has created all beings; He hath Perforated the noses of all and hath stitched the nose-string. (Nat M. 4, p. 981) What is the use ofbathing (in the Jagannatha temple) in Orissa… (Bibhas Prabhati Kabir, p. 1349) Ordinarily, the word Jagannatha means the Lord of the world.
The first two references above pertain to this. The third reference is about the temple of Jagannatha at Puri in Orissa. When Jara, the hunter accidently killed Krishna (see the entry \’Krishna\’), his body remained under a tree. Some pious persons collected the bones of Krishna and put them in a box. There they remained till the king Indradyumna was directed by Vishnu to prepare the image of Jagannatha, with the bones of Krishna within it.
Vishwakarma began the preparation on the condition that he would not be disturbed till the completion of the work.The king being impatient went to see the image after a fortnight. Vishwakarma, who was still busy in his work, got angry and left the work unflnished. This is the reason why the image has no hands and feet. The king was highly disappointed but on praying, Brahma promised to make the image famous.
Then the gods were invited at the setting up ceremony of the image. It is said that Brahma himself acted as high-priest, who gave eyes and a soul to the god, which completely established the fåme of Jagannatha. Two great annual festivals are held in the honour of the god in the months ofJaistha and Asarha.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Jagannatha, meaning “Lord of the Universe,” is a revered deity in Hindu mythology, particularly in the Vaishnavite tradition. He is considered a form of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, and is worshipped alongside his siblings, Balabhadra (an incarnation of Balarama) and Subhadra (Krishna’s sister). Jagannatha’s unique representation and rituals make him a symbol of inclusivity and universal love.
Key Aspects of Jagannatha:
Iconography:
- Jagannatha is depicted as a wooden idol with large, round eyes and a symmetric face. His form lacks arms and legs, emphasizing his transcendental and formless nature.
- The idols of Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are replaced periodically in a ritual called Navakalevara, symbolizing the cycle of creation and renewal.
Jagannatha Temple:
- The famous Jagannatha Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. It is a center of spiritual activity and attracts millions of devotees annually.
- The temple’s architecture is a masterpiece of Kalinga style, and its rituals are deeply rooted in Odia culture.
Ratha Yatra:
- The annual Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) is a grand celebration where the deities are placed on massive chariots and paraded through the streets. This event symbolizes the accessibility of divinity to all, transcending caste and creed.
Symbolism:
- Jagannatha represents the universal and all-encompassing nature of divinity. His worship dissolves distinctions between caste, creed, and religion, embodying the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
- Jagannatha’s worship has tribal roots and is believed to have evolved into its current form over centuries. His rituals include elements uncommon in mainstream Hinduism, reflecting a syncretic tradition.
Jagannatha’s mythology and worship highlight themes of unity, renewal, and divine compassion.
