Puri, Odisha
Jagannath (Krishanji), Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra
By Bhavjot Bhasin
According to ancient legends, after Bhagwan Krishan’s death, his heart didn’t burn during his cremation and was later found by the sea in Puri. The heart was enshrined in a wooden idol, and thus the Jagannath Temple was born.
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In Jagannath Temple, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Jagannath, alongside his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The wooden idols of these deities are enshrined with Krishan’s heart.
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Every 12 years, during the sacred "Navakalevara" ritual, the heart of Bhagwan Krishan is transferred from the old idol to a new one. This heart is believed to emit energy, and the process is done in complete darkness to protect everyone.
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During Navakalevara, the entire city of Puri is plunged into darkness. Locals believe that Krishan’s heart has the ability to generate energy, and it starts vibrating if exposed to any light.
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Special priests, wearing thick gloves and blindfolds, handle the transfer of Krishan's heart. It’s then placed in a chamber within the new idol, where it stays until the next Navakalevara.
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The temple is filled with numerous mysteries, such as its flag always flying against the direction of the wind and the absence of the temple’s shadow at any time of day.
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Jagannath Temple’s prasad, called Mahaprasad, is prepared in layers of earthen pots, with the food in the top pot cooking first, despite being farthest from the fire.
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The temple hosts the famous Rath Yatra every year, where the deities are placed in massive wooden chariots and pulled by devotees through the streets of Puri. It is one of the largest religious processions in the world.
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Jagannath Temple is a place where spirituality, mythology, and science intertwine, offering a blend of divine energy and architectural wonders. A visit to this temple is a journey into the mystical heart of India.
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