In Hindu religion, Lord Shri Krishna is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Many stories and beliefs related to the life of Shri Krishna are still the center of people’s faith. One of these beliefs is related to the last rites of Lord Krishna and his divine heart. According to religious legends, when Lord Krishna ended his life on earth, during his funeral his heart did not burn in the fire and was thrown into the sea.
It is believed that the same divine heart of Lord Krishna exists even today in a special form and the tradition related to it is believed to be related to the Jagannath Temple of Odisha.
Story of Shri Krishna’s last moments
According to mythological beliefs, after the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna started living in Dwarka. One day while resting in the forest, the hunter Jara mistook them for a deer and shot him an arrow. When the hunter came to know of his mistake he apologized to Lord Krishna. Shri Krishna forgave him and ended his leela.
After this, the last rites of Lord Krishna were performed in Dwarka. According to religious stories, all the parts of his body got destroyed in the fire, but his heart did not burn. It is believed that this divine heart was thrown into the sea.
Belief related to Jagannath tradition
According to religious belief, the same divine element of Lord Shri Krishna was later found in the sea in the form of a wooden log. King Indradyumna got the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra made from that divine wood.
It is a popular belief in the traditions of Jagannath temple that there is a divine substance present inside the idol of Lord Jagannath, which is called ‘Brahma substance’. Devotees believe that it is a symbol of the divine heart of Lord Krishna.
Where is the divine heart of Lord Krishna?
According to beliefs, the divine heart of Lord Shri Krishna is preserved inside the idol of Lord Jagannath in the Jagannath Temple located in Puri, Odisha. Although it is a matter of religious belief and tradition, there is no historical or scientific evidence available for it.
There are many mysteries and beliefs associated with this divine element in the Jagannath temple. According to temple traditions, whenever a new idol of Lord Jagannath is made, the Brahma substance is removed from the old idol and installed in the new idol.
Why is this belief special for devotees?
This story related to the divine heart of Lord Shri Krishna is a symbol of the deep faith of the devotees. This belief reflects the immortal nature of God and His divine presence. Devotees believe that even though God’s body has departed from the earth, his divine essence is still present in the world.
This tradition associated with Shri Krishna is considered an important part of Indian religious culture, faith and spiritual mysteries.