Lord Jagannath is a significant deity in Hinduism, particularly venerated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. The word "Jagannath" is derived from Sanskrit, where "Jagat" means world and "Nath" means lord, hence Jagannath is often interpreted as "Lord of the Universe" or "Master of the World." He is considered a form of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism responsible for the preservation of the universe. However, the worship of Lord Jagannath has its unique characteristics and historical significance.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Jagannath along with his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, resides in the famous Jagannath Temple located in Puri, Odisha. The temple is an essential pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is renowned for its Rath Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, where the deities are ceremonially transported on lavishly decorated chariots through the streets, attracting millions of devotees from all over the world.
The history of Lord Jagannath is steeped in legend and tradition. One prevalent legend revolves around King Indradyumna, a devout ruler who desired to construct a grand temple for Lord Vishnu. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu himself appeared in the king's dream and instructed him to carve out the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from a specific type of wood found on the shores. However, when the king sent his artisans to retrieve the wood, they could not find it. Eventually, a divine carpenter named Vishwakarma appeared and carved the deities from a log that floated ashore. This event is said to mark the origin of the Jagannath Temple and the worship of Lord Jagannath in Puri.
Lord Jagannath is known by various names that reflect different aspects of his divine nature and significance. Besides being called Jagannath, he is also known as Purushottama, which signifies the Supreme Being; Krishna, as he is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna; and Kalia, which refers to his dark complexion resembling that of a dark cloud. Additionally, he is referred to as Nilamadhava, a name derived from the legend of his discovery by a tribal chief named Viswavasu, who worshipped him secretly in a cave as Nilamadhava until he was found by King Indradyumna.
The worship of Lord Jagannath extends beyond Odisha and is also prevalent in neighboring regions like West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand. His divine presence and the rich traditions associated with his worship have captivated the hearts of millions of devotees for centuries, making him a revered and beloved figure in Hinduism.
In essence, Lord Jagannath embodies the timeless principles of devotion, inclusivity, and the omnipresence of the divine, making his worship a source of spiritual inspiration and cultural pride for millions of people across the world.
Jagannath" is a compound word, consisting of "Jagan” and "Nath”. The word nath means "Master, Lord” (nātha) while jagan or "jagat means the "universe”. Thus, Jagannath means "lord of the universe”.
In the Odia language, "Jagannath’s variation names are "Jagā” (ଜଗା) or "Jagabandhu” (ଜଗବନ୍ଧୁ) ("Friend of the Universe”). Both names derive from "Jagannath”. Further, on the basis of the physical appearance of the deity, names like "Kālya” (କାଳିଆ) ("The Black-coloured Lord”, but which can also mean "the Timely One”), "Darubrahman” (ଦାରୁବ୍ରହ୍ମ) ("The Sacred Wood-Riddle”), "Dāruēdabatā” (ଦାରୁ ଦେବତା "The wooden god”), Chakāākhi (ଚକା ଆଖି) or "Chakānayan” (ଚକା ନୟନ "With round eyes”), "Cakāḍōḷā” (ଚକା ଡୋଳା "with round pupils”) are also in vogue.
According to the Official page of Shree Jagannath Swain Mohapatra (Jaguni Dada) Lord Jagannatha has 16 popular names as follows:
• Chakaakhi: Chakaakhi means round eyes
• Chakadola: The round lid-less eyes (It symbolize the Lord in overactive and vigilant)
• Chakanayana Chakanayana means round eyes
• Darubrahma Darubrahma means the wooden (Daru) image containing the supreme soul (the Brahma).
• Devadhideva: The Lord of Lords
• Jagadish: The king of universe
• Jagatadhisha: The king of universe
• Jagannath: The God of the Universe
• Kala Thakura: The black coloured God
• Mahaabaahu: Big handed (It symbolize the Lord is actively helps to all)
• Neeladrivihari Neelamadhab (Jagannath was worshipped as ‘Neelamadhab’ by an aboriginal tribe chief)
• Nilachalia: Live in Nilachala
• Padmalochana: ‘Padma’ means Lotus and ‘Lochana’ means Eye
• Patitapabana: Who bless the Universe
• Purusottama: The Supreme Man
• Rajadhiraj: The king of kings