Jagannath definitions
| Word backwards | htannagaJ |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Proper noun |
| Syllabic division | Ja-gan-nath |
| Plural | The plural of the word "Jagannath" is "Jagannaths." |
| Total letters | 9 |
| Vogais (1) | a |
| Consonants (5) | j,g,n,t,h |
Introduction to Jagannath
Jagannath, also known as Lord Jagannath, is a deity worshipped in Hinduism. He is a form of Lord Vishnu and is considered the presiding deity of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India. The word "Jagannath" is a combination of two words, "Jagat" meaning universe and "Nath" meaning lord, signifying him as the lord of the universe.
Origins and Legends
According to Hindu mythology, Jagannath is believed to have manifested himself in the form of an iconic wooden deity along with his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. There are various legends associated with the origins of Jagannath, one of the most popular ones being the story of how Lord Krishna, along with his brother Balarama and sister Subhadra, were worshipped in these forms.
Significance and Worship
Jagannath holds immense significance in Hindu culture and is worshipped not only in the Jagannath Temple in Puri but also in other parts of India and around the world. The annual Rath Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, is one of the most famous festivals associated with Jagannath, where the deities are taken out in a chariot procession.
Symbolism and Representation
Jagannath is depicted as a deity with a round face and large eyes, without any hands. The absence of hands is believed to symbolize his all-encompassing nature, signifying that he is always present to lend a helping hand to his devotees. The iconic image of Jagannath, with his siblings, represents the unity of the three essential aspects of existence - creation, preservation, and destruction.
Jagannath Examples
- The Jagannath Temple in Puri, India is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
- During the annual Rath Yatra festival, thousands of devotees pull the chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
- Many pilgrims visit the Jagannath Temple to seek blessings from the deity.
- The Jagannath cult is an important aspect of Odia culture and tradition.
- Jagannath is often depicted as a form of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology.
- Devotees offer food items known as bhog to Jagannath as part of their worship.
- The Jagannath Temple in Puri is known for its annual Snana Yatra ritual where the deities are bathed in public view.
- The word Jagannath is derived from the Sanskrit words "Jagat" meaning world and "Nath" meaning lord.
- The Rath Yatra of Jagannath is one of the oldest and largest chariot festivals in the world.
- The Jagannath Temple in Puri is also famous for its intricate stone carvings and architecture.