One of the major pilgrimage centers of India is Puri, Jagannath Temple in Orissa, which is considered a wonderful symbol of reverence and faith. This temple is not only famous for its architecture and religious significance, but also makes it unique. This temple with wooden sculptures of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra is the only place of its kind in the world.
Lord Krishna’s heart still beats in idols
The most mysterious and famous belief about the Jagannath temple of Puri is that even today, Lord Krishna’s heart beats in the idol of Lord Jagannath. According to mythology, when Shri Krishna left his body, all the parts of his body merged into the five elements, but his heart remained safe. This heart is called ‘Brahma Tattva’ or ‘Brahma Matter’, which is still considered alive in the idol of the temple.
King Indradyumna got dreams and sculptures
According to the Matsya Purana, once King Indradyumna saw Lord Krishna in a dream and he ordered that he and his siblings be made idols with neem wood. The king, following this order, built a temple in Puri and installed idols. This tradition is still going on today.
Statues change every 12 years
A unique tradition of Jagannath Temple is also that the idols here are replaced every 12 years, which is called ‘Navkalevar’. During this process, ‘Brahm Mathas’ is removed from old idols and transferred to new sculptures. This is a very mysterious and secret process. It is said that it is forbidden to see this substance, and the eye of the viewer may go to light or he may also die. Therefore, the priests complete this ritual by blindfolding.
According to priests, this substance jumps like a rabbit when touching and a special vibration feels touching it. This experience finds them divine and mysterious.
Why are Lord Jagannath’s eyes big?
His eyes are very large in the idols of Lord Jagannath. There is a folklore behind this that when Lord Jagannath came to Puri for the first time, King Indradyumna and the subjects were amazed after seeing his beauty. His eyes spread to amazement, and God saw this devotion and made his eyes even enlarged. Since then, huge eyes are depicted in the idol of Lord Jagannath.
The secret of the sound of the temple and the voice of the sea
This temple of Puri covers another mystery within itself. When standing at the Sinhwar (main entrance) of the temple, you are clearly heard of the loud sound of the sea waves outside. But as soon as a devotee enters the temple, that voice suddenly disappears. This miracle remains a mystery for science even today.
God’s illness and unique service tradition
Every year there comes a time in the Jagannath temple when Lord Jagannath becomes ill for 15 days. This is called “Anavasar”. During this time, God is served in exactly the same way as a sick person is done. They are given decoction, basil -rich water and special offering. Then after the bath is complete, the ‘Rath Yatra’ is organized, which is a world famous religious festival.
