Smt. Babita Satapathi
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Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, who is widely known as “Jagatara Natha” or “Lord of the Universe”, is worshipped as a form of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. In the temple of Puri, Lord Jagannath is worshipped in a specific, symbolic form with large, bulging eyes, a nose and a flawless body along with his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra. This amazing and mysterious form of Lord Jagannath has been a subject of curiosity for devotees and researchers for centuries. There are many religious, mythological and spiritual reasons behind this unique form of Lord Jagannatha. Let us know the mystery behind it.
Imperfect but divine form – The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra have no hands and feet and their form seems imperfect, but this imperfection reflects the perfection of the Lord. It is believed that this form is superior to all forms of the Lord, He is worshipped not by the body but by the soul. Lord Jagannatha’s large round eyes are always open. This shows that the Lord never sleeps, He protects His devotees at every moment. This is a symbol of the omniscient form, He is everywhere, always watching.
Stories associated with this form
According to a story, when Lord Krishna started staying at Dwaraka, Nanda Baba, Yashoda Mata and Rohini Maa came to meet Him from Vrindavan. One day in Dwaraka, Rohini Mata was entertaining the people of Dwaraka with the Rasa Lila of Lord Krishna at Vrindavan. While the people of the gate were engrossed in the story of Lord Krishna’s pastimes, Subhadra and her brothers Balabhadra and Krishna were also standing near them at the gate and secretly listening to the story. After hearing the unique story of Lord Krishna, the eyes of the three were amazed in amazement. At that time, Narada Muni also came to earth and was overwhelmed by the sight of the three siblings in this form. He prayed to Lord Krishna that all the devotees could always see this unique form of Lord Krishna and his brother and sister and his prayer was accepted by the Lord.
Such an idol was made for the devotees
It is also believed that the famous sculptors and craftsmen of the Jagannatha Temple in Puri have made their eyes in this way to create a sense of wonder and devotion among the devotees. Devotees believe that the large eyes of Lord Jagannatha are a symbol of blessings for people suffering from eye diseases. The idol of Lord Jagannatha is made from a special neem tree (wood), in which the Lord Himself resides. The idol made from this wood is considered a living idol, so it is changed frequently. This process is called “Nabakalebar”.
BbBeyond the concept of form
The form of Lord Jagannath teaches us that God is not experienced through form, color and body, He is experienced through faith, love and devotion. This mystical form of Lord Jagannath gives us the message that God is not limited to any body, or any language or form. His vision is a spiritual experience, which is possible only through faith.
