Jagannath Mahaprabhu is called the Lord of the Universe. He is considered to be one of the most beloved and supreme beings in Hindu religion. He represents unity, love and divine power to unite all people. Although he is especially worshiped at Puri in the Indian state of Odisha, the influence of his devotion and compassionate demeanor has spread throughout the world and inspiring millions of people.
The Origins of Jagannath Mahaprabhu
The story of Jagannath Mahaprabhu is very legendary. According to the legend, King Indradyumna of Puri dreamed of the idols of Jagannath and his siblings Balaram and Subhadra. These three idols were carved out of Daru Bhrambha wood. Idols are the representive of the divine qualities of Krishna, including love, family and love
What makes Jagannath unique is his form. His large round eyes, perfectly formed arms and simple smile make him stand out from other deities. Many see it as a symbol of its universal nature. The idols are made out of a sacred wood in stages through a ceremony called Navakalebar which represents the cycle of life and the presence of divinity.
The Rath Yatra of Jagannath Puri-Universal Festival.
Rath Yatra is one of the famous events dedicated to Lord Jagannath Mahaprabhu. Every year the deities are mounted on huge colorful chariots and are paraded through the streets of puri. Although the temple is not open to people of all castes, this Rath Yatra can be visited and worshiped by people of all castes. During this Rath Yatra, Mahaprabhu broke all the barriers of society and invited all people to join him
The chariot drawn by the devotees represents the combined human and divine effort to reach a spiritual text. It is a global event celebrated in different countries of the world with music, dance, and chanting that unites people in joy and devotion.
Jagannath and the Bhakti Movement
During medieval India, Jagannath played a large role in the Bhakti movement, a spiritual movement that focused on devotion and love for God. Saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Jayadeva were greatly inspired by Jagannath. Chaitanya, in particular, helped spread the message of love and devotion to God, making the worship of Jagannath more accessible to all.
Jagannath Temple of Puri is one such place which has become a major center for spiritual seekers and pilgrims breaking the barriers of caste and social status. The story of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu participating in the Rath Yatra is celebrated even today and inspires countless devotees.
Jagannath Temple of Puri is full of many mysteries:-
Sudarshan Chakra
An eightmetal Neel Chakra is installed on the top of the temple , which is made of a special metal. The structure of the temple is such that when viewed from any corner, it looks like same from all directions.
Jagannath Flag
When the wind blows in one direction but the flag of Jagannath Temple waves in the opposite direction. Till date, no scientific explanation has been found for this strange phenomenon. Even today, every day the trained priests work to change the 20-foot-long flag on top of the temple. This tradition has been going on continuously for 1800 years – if this tradition is stopped even for a day then the temple will be closed for 18 years.
The Jagannath Temple Doesn’t Have Shadows
The architecture of Jagannath Temple is a testament to the engineering skills of our builders where no shadow of the temple is visible throughout the day.
Waves sound
It is said that when you come outside the Jagannath temple, you will hear the sound of the ocean, but now when you go to the temple, you will not hear the sound of the ocean.
Mahaprasad is never wasted in Jagannath Temple.
Jagannath Temple is very famous for its blessings and tradition.In this temple there is a world's biggest kitchen named Anada Bazar where Maha Prasadam is prepared for God - where it is said that Mata Annpurna is running the Maha Kitchen. In this kitchen Prasadam is never short or excess. Prasadam is made in earthen pots according to ancient tradition – where in this process, seven earthen pots are kept one by one and tied with a quantity of jute. And most of all it is said that the uppermost vessel of prasad is prepared first.
Athmythika, Puranika Katha, Sanskritik Samridhi-these Sangmisran are the inheritance of Jagannath Mahaprabhu. His temple in Puri is built in the form of deep rootedness and practice of devotion – which attracts the people of every region of the world. It shows the path to the people who have adopted the principles of love, compassion and unity.