Tag: Lord Jagannath

Dear Lord Jagannath, please bind my heart to your lotus feet

Dear Lord Jagannath, on this auspicious day of Rath Yatra festival, please inundate the world by your mercy. O Lord of the Universe, please come and see how we are suffering here without you.

Our heart which is now flooded with nasty desires weeps again and again. Lust, anger and greed has captured my heart, and I feel incapable of freeing myself from its captivity. So, please come and free my heart of these impurities and permanently reside here.

Never leave me, never allow me to leave you.

Today to show unlimited mercy you will be riding on a mammoth chariot along with your elder brother Lord Baladeva and younger sister Subhadra to see the condition of your eternal part and parcel who left you. We thought that without you, we will be happy. But now we know that life without you is like body without a soul.

But in spite of our obstinance to not be with you, you never leave us. You are always there for us in the temple as a deity. And once in every year you come out of your sanctum sanctorum to sanctify the world and purify the heart of the impure. Your Rath Yatra festival is a great gift to the world.

Scriptures say that just by seeing you on the chariot and welcoming you with joy makes us qualified to attain your spiritual abode.

You always reside in Jagannath Puri Dham, and the residents of Puri Dham are fortunate because they always have the opportunity to see you.

54^th Kolkata Rath Yatra festival by Iskcon

But by the grace of your great devotee, Srila Prabhupada, today people all over the world are able to take your darshan and are also able to celebrate Rath Yatra festival. As a child living in Kolkata, Prabhupada would always be eager to go to Puri to seek your blessings.

He was so fond of you that as a child he would celebrate Rath Yatra at his home. And when he established Iskcon, he installed your deity and started Rath Yatra festival in Kolkata. Today in Kolkata, Iskcon is celebrating 54^th Rath Yatra festival.  And devotees not only from Kolkata but from many parts of India are here to participate in this great festival of chariot.

Flood my heart with the desire to always serve you

Unfortunate souls like me will also try to be part of this great festival. My dear Lord Jagannath, today give me an opportunity to see your wonderful face and take your darshan to my hearts content.

Give me an opportunity to pull the transcendental ropes which is fortunate than me because it is always tied to the chariot on which you sit like an emperor of the entire universe.

Dear Lord Jagannath, please bind my heart to your lotus feet with the ropes so hard that I never leave you even when I try to leave you.

You are the Lord of the Universe, there are millions of devotees not only on earth but in the entire universe including great demigods like Shiva, Brahma, Indra, Chandra who worship you. In front of them I am insignificant both materially and spiritually.  

But I know you are a gracious Lord, you are a merciful God, so you won’t deny your mercy to me. My only prayer at your lotus feet is to purify my heart of all material desires and flood my heart with only one desire – the desire to always see you, serve you, worship you, glorify you and always participate in your Rath Yatra festival life after life.

Three Reflections

• Once in every year Lord Jagannath along with his elder brother Lord Baladeva and younger sister Subhadra Devi come out of their sanctum sanctorum during the Rath Yatra festival.
• If we welcome Lord Jagannath riding on the chariot during the Rath Yatra festival, then next life we will go back to the spiritual world.
• Let us pray to our very Dear Lord Jagannath to free our heart of all material desires and bind our heart to his lotus feet.

Ask Yourself

• Today did I pray to Lord Jagannath to fill my heart with spiritual desires so that I always serve him?

Action Item

• Pray to Lord Jagannath and participate in Rath Yatra festival. If not possible to participate then celebrate the festival at home.

Sri Jagannath Puri Dham Kartik Yatra 2023 Day 3: HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj explains how Krishna took the form of Lord Jagannath

HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj explained in detail how Lord Krishna took the form of Lord Jagannath on the third day of Kartik Yatra at Sri Jagannath Puri Dham

In the class Maharaj was giving a message that to enter into the spiritual world we should be free from envy because envy has no place in spiritual world.

Below is what HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj said how Krishna took the form of Lord Jagannath.

Queens of Dwarka are confused

Once the queens of Dwarka were discussing amongst themselves that we are doing everything to make Krishna happy. And in fact, Krishna is also doing everything to make us happy. He has expanded into 16,108 forms for us.

But still Krishna cries and calls the names of gopis and Radha in the middle of the night. One of the queens said, “Not just night but even during the daytime Krishna goes in trance and calls the names of gopis and Radha.”

Who are these gopis? Who is Radha? And what was the pastime in Vrindavan? The queens wanted to know. So, they approached Rohini.

How Rohini is special to Krishna?

Rohini has a special place in Krishna’s pastimes. When Rohini was pregnant, Vasudeva sent her to the house of Nanda and Yashoda. When Rohini met Yashoda, it was like meeting of Yamuna and Ganga at Prayag. Rohini and Yashoda were always together.

Rohini was there when Krishna and Balarama were performing their childhood pastimes in Vrindavan.

After Akrura came to take Krishna to Mathura, Nanda and some of the cowherd men and cowherd boys came with Krishna to Mathura. But Krishna sent them back to Vrindavan. Only Rohini remained.

So, only Rohini was living with Krishna and Balaram in Dwarka. And she had personally seen all the wonderful pastimes of Krishna with the gopis, gopas, with mother Yashoda and with Radharani.

Rohini says to the queens that they will not understand Vrindavan pastime

So, the queens approached Rohini to find out about the loving pastimes of Vrindavan. But Rohini said to the queens that you all will not be able to understand that pastime.

It is because your nature is aishwarya bhav.  You all love Krishna with awe and reverence. You love Krishna’s majesty, his opulence.

But the residents of Vrindavan exclusively possess madhurya bhav. They do not have any concept about Krishna’s majesty. Krishna openly confesses that he is bound by the love of vrajvasis.

We do not see any other incarnation of the Supreme Lord like Lord Rama, Lord Varaha, Lord Kurma dancing. But Krishna dances with the gopis. Krishna’s pastimes in Vrindavan are very intimate. And those are very dear to Krishna and also to Balaram.

Rohini’s begins narrating Krishna’s Vrindavan pastime

Rohini said that if I share those pastimes then both the brothers will come here immediately, and I won’t be able to handle their emotions. It can also happen that Krishna will become desperate to go to Vrindavan.

But the queens were eager to hear the pastime. So, the arrangement was made that when Rohini will be narrating the pastime then someone will guard the door.

And the person will immediately inform Rohini as soon as Krishna and Balarama come and Rohini will stop immediately. Subhadra volunteered to guard the door.

Rohini began to describe the pastimes of Vrindavan. The queens of Dwarka were struck with wonder.

Envy: Foundation of material existence

A simple quality which defines a devotee is that a devotee has no envy.

Srila Prabhupada explains foundation of material existence is envy. When one tries to be proprietor, controller and enjoyer then that is an expression of envy towards God. God is the actual proprietor, controller and enjoyer.

bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ

sarva-loka-maheśvaram

suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ

jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati

“A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries.” Bhagavad Gita 5.29

When one recognizes this and lives in this spirit then one never suffers. Ahankara is the basis of material suffering.

Devotee always wants to see Krishna happy

But a viasnava recognizes Krishna’s greatness and wants to be an eternal servant of Krishna. When we find joy in Krishna’s greatness, his love, his knowledge, his glories then we become happy and satisfied.

In Brihad-bhagavatamrita, we see that each devotee is glorifying other devotees thinking that the other devotee is giving greatest joy to Krishna.

In Vrindavan too the mood is to give greatest joy to Krishna. In Vrindavan even the dust is conscious. And the dust too tries to serve Krishna and the devotees. We see gopis left everything to give pleasure to Krishna.

In fact, to cure Krishna’s headache gopis were willing to give dust of their feet and were willing to suffer in hell forever just to give a moment of joy to Krishna.

Similarly, when mother Rohini was narrating the pastimes of Krishna then the queens were feeling happy that gopis were giving so much happiness to Krishna and Krishna was also giving happiness to the gopis. The queens were not envious of the gopis.

Krishna says that wherever devotees are chanting my names and glories I am present there. 

Krishna develops mahabhav and takes the form of Jagannath

So, Krishna came to know that his pastimes are being discussed in Dwarka. So, he immediately rushed to the place along with Balaram. Subhadra was so absorbed in hearing the pastime that she did not see Krishna and Balarama.

Krishna stood towards the left of Subhadra and Balarama towards her right. But the pastimes were so wonderful that Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra went in great ecstasy. They developed mahabhav. Their eyes dilated, hands and legs entered into their bodies.

Krishna’s body is not like ours. His body is purely spiritual. So, what is inside came out.

Krishna’s feeling of separation from Radharani was expressed on his body and that is Jagannath.

At that time Narada Muni arrived and he saw that wonderful and unique form of the Lord. He requested Krishna to show this wonderful form to all his devotees.

And Lord Krishna agreed and said that I will be present in this form in Jagannath Puri as Jagannath along with my brother Balaram and sister Subhadra.

Conclusion – Try to be seen by Krishna

Through this beautiful pastime of how Krishna took the form of Lord Jagannath, Maharaj also taught us many important lessons. One of the take home point is that we should be free from envy, if we want to particiapte in the pastime of Krishna in the spiritual world.

Maharaj said that we should serve Lord Jagannath so nicely that he should be pleased to see us. He is the seer and we are the seen. Life’s purpose is to serve Krishna, please Krishna so that Krishna is pleased to see us.

And when Krishna will be pleased, he will give us realization.

Why Lord Jagannath ate the laddu which was too hard to eat?

Once a devotee offered laddu to Lord Jagannath in the bhoga which was too hard to be eaten but the Supreme Lord ate that offering. There is a beautiful story behind this wonderful pastime. This pastime shows how Lord Jagannath lovingly deals with his devotees.

Devotee decides to cook a special laddu for Jagannath

Once a devotee desired to prepare laddu for Lord Jagannath using jaggery. This was the first time he was preparing such item. He thought everyday Lord is eating the same bhoga items, so, something different should be offered to the Lord. So, he prepared the laddu. And the laddu was offered to the Supreme Lord along with other bhoga items.

On that day during offering time, the king of Jagannath Puri came to take darshan of the Lord. So, after the darshan, the pujaris wanted to offer some prasad to the king. Now the king was busy that day so he thought let me take some light item with me. He saw the laddu and decided to take it with him.

Meanwhile the devotee who had prepared the laddu was looking for it. He thought that this is the first time I have prepared it and offered to the Lord, so, I want to taste it and see how it has come out. It will help me to improve the preparation. But the king had already taken that food item with him.

After taking darshan of the Lord, the king got busy with his other engagements. After completing his work, he sat down to take his meal. While eating his food, he remembered the laddu which he had taken from the temple. So, he requested that laddu be served to him. The laddu was served to the king.

King’s tooth creaks when he tries to eat laddu

But to the surprise of the king, the laddu was extremely hard. Not just that on the same morning the king had severe pain in one of his teeth.  And the king by mistake had bitten the laddu with the same tooth. And because of it, his tooth came out. The king was in pain. He became extremely angry.

He immediately ordered that the person who has prepared this laddu should be put behind bars. King was furious because he thought that how can such a hard laddu be served to the Lord. As per the king’s order, the devotee cook who had prepared the laddu was put behind bars. The devotee was surprised that what was his crime. Later he came to know the reason behind his incarnation.

Jagannath appears in King’s dream

On the same night when the devotee cook was put behind bars the king saw a dream. In the dream, Lord Jagannath appeared, and he was chastising the king. The Lord said that how dare he put his devotee behind bars.

The Lord ordered the king to release the cook immediately. Not just that, Lord Jagannath also said that the king should seek forgiveness from the cook. The cook should be taken on a palanquin to his home and the king should sing the glories of the cook in front of others. The king did not have any problem in following the order of Lord Jagannath.

But the king had a question. He asked the lord, “My dear Lord, I tried eating the laddu but it was too hard. My tooth came out. So, how you are appreciating his offering and how you were able to eat his laddu?”

Lord Jagannath explains how he ate the laddu

The Lord smiled and said, “As soon as I saw the laddu I could understand that it is too difficult for me to eat it. So, I started thinking that which incarnation of mine can eat this laddu. Then I thought only my incarnation as Lord Narasimhadeva with his strong teeth can eat such a hard laddu. So, I ate the laddu as Lord Narasimhadeva. Since my devotee had prepared this laddu with such love, so how I could refuse it.”

The king within his heart understood that how Lord accepts the offering which is prepared with love.

But Lord Jagannath did not stop here. He further said to the king, “My desire is that from today onwards this particular laddu is prepared daily and served. And I as Narasimhadeva will eat it.”

The king happily agreed.

He came out of the dream and immediately ordered that the devotee cook be released. the king also sought forgiveness from the cook and he sent him back home on a palanquin. He glorified the cook in front of others. And also as per the order of Lord Jagannath, the king requested the devotee cook to prepare the laddu daily.

The cook was so happy to hear that in spite of the shortcomings, Lord Jagannath mercifully accepted his offering.

He agreed to prepare the laddu daily. And from that day onwards the laddu was served to the Lord daily. This special laddu came to be known as Narasimha laddu.

Lord only wants our love and nothing else

These pastimes of the Lord shows that the Lord is not hungry for the food items which we offer to him. But he actually sees with what intention we are offering things to him. How much love is there in it. Jagannath is the Lord of the universe; he does not need the food we offer to satisfy his hunger, but he needs our love. That is what he is hungry for.  

Krishna makes it very clear in Bhagavad Gita 9.26 when he says, “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.”

We are also hungry for the love of Lord but unfortunately, we do not realize this. And so, we suffer in this world. We try to satisfy ourselves through material means. But things of this world can never give us any satisfaction and any happiness.  We will become happy and satisfied only when we offer our love to the Supreme Lord Jagannath.

The devotee prepared laddu with love and Lord Jagannath ate it as Lord Narasimhadeva. Similarly, if we offer anything to Lord with love then the Lord will surely accept it.  And then our life will become perfect. We will be happy and satisfied.

Note: This pastime is based on the class given by HG Baladev Prabhu, a senior monk of Iskcon Chowpatty. He spoke this pastime during the first day of Kartik Yatra 2023 at Bhakti Vaibhav Puri Maharaj Matha at Sri Jagannath Puri Dham.

Story behind Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival

What is the story behind Jagannath Rath Yatra which draws lakhs of devotees every year to Jagannath Puri? Why once in a year Lord Jagannath with his brother Baladeva and little sister Subhadra come out of the temple and ride on the massive chariots?  

HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj has beautifully explained the story behind the world-famous Rath Yatra festival in one of his lectures. Below is what he said:

HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj tells Rath Yatra Story

For hundred years, Krishna was away from Vrindavan. Krishna gave the assurance; I will come back quickly. Don’t worry. The gopis were trying to stop him from leaving Vrindavan.

They were desperate to stop. Some gopis were holding the reins of the chariot’s horses and some gopis were pulling the chariot, “we won’t let you go.”

Some gopis laid down in front of the wheels of the chariot and some gopis were beating up Akrura, “You want to take Krishna, we will never let you do that.” So, the gopis were in desperate situation.

So, Krishna assured them, “Don’t worry., I am just going there with a mission. The king has invited me, so I have do go. So, don’t worry I will come back.”  

Krishna breaks his promise

Krishna that way has many wonderful qualities. One of his qualities is he breaks his vows. His words sometimes don’t have any values. That’s why when Krishna wants to make some promise and reassure fully, he makes the commitment through his devotees because his words may fail but his devotees’ words will never fail.

Therefore, he says, “kaunteya pratijānīhi na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati, Bhagavad Gita 9.31. Arjuna you declare, I won’t say it. If I say it, then people may think it’s just another bluff. So, you say it that my devotees will never vanquish.”  

Gopis & Krishna come to Kurukshetra

So, for hundred years Krishna didn’t go back. On the occasion of Solar eclipse, Surya Grahan, it’s a custom that seekers of piety go to Samanta panchak in Kurukshetra to take bath. So, many people went to Kurukshetra on the occasion of solar eclipse to take bath and the gopis also went.

The residents of Vrindavan also went to take bath and Krishna also went. They took bath. Next day they were about to leave and then the residents of Vrindavan got the news that Krishna and Balarama were there. They immediately ran to meet Krishna and Balarama.

Radharani is unhappy to see Krishna

By the time Krishna was already on his chariot. He was also about to leave. So, they arrived there. And everyone was naturally very excited, very happy. But Radharani was not. Radharani’s mood was, this is not Nandalala.

Nandalala, my Krishna, wears a peacock feather on his head, but this person is wearing a crown. My Krishna wears a yellow garment, and this person is wearing royal robes, royal dress.

My Krishna wears flower garland made of forest flowers. And this personality is wearing necklaces made of most precious gems and jewels. My Krishna carries a flute and this one is carrying a bow and arrow and sword.

I meet him in the solitary place on the bank of Yamuna but this place is full of so many people, so much noise, so many horses, so many elephants. The elephants are trumpeting, horses are whining, people are clamoring, so much noise.

This is not where I wanted to see him and this is not the way I wanted to see my Krishna.

Vrajbasis begin to pull Krishna’s chariot

So, residence of Vrindavan, Radharani’s devotees, could understand Radharani’s mood. So, what did they do? They caught hold of Krishna’s chariot. The horses were already harnessed, so along with the horses they started to pull Krishna’s chariot.

Balarama was also there; he was also their friend. Balarama’s chariot was also being dragged and the sister cannot be left alone, so take her also. But where? To Vrindavan. So that is the Rath Yatra festival.

From Kurukshetra, Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are being dragged towards Vrindavan where he will meet Srimati Radharani. So Gundicha temple is actually Vrindavan. So that is the Rath Yatra festival.”

HH Bhakti Charu Swamu Maharaj has very beautifully explained the story behind the Rath Yatra festival and its great significance.

Assisting Radharani in pulling the chariot of Krishna

So, during the Rath Yatra festival when we are pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath then it means that we are assisting Srimati Radharani in pulling the chariot of Krishna to Vrindavan. We are participating in the pastime of helping Radharani meet his beloved Krishna.

Lord Krishna as Lord Jagannath is very excited to go to Vrindavan and meet Radharani. Radharani is excited too. So, if we are participating in the Rath Yatra festival and pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath then we are actually assisting in uniting Krishna with his beloved Radharani.

When Krishna and Radharani meets then the bliss is unlimited. Seeing the divine couple together gives great bliss to the devotees. And this is the ultimate perfection of our life.

Significance of Rath Yatra for Gaudiya Vaishnavism

For the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Rath Yatra holds a special significance. Gaudiya Vaishnavism was founded by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, so it is also called Chaitanya Vaishnavism.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu after taking sannyasa resided in Jagannath Puri and every day he visited the temple to took darshan of Lord Jagannath. Mahaprabhu would participate in Rath Yatra festival with great enthusiasm.

Hundreds of prominent followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would come to Jagannath Puri during the Rath Yatra festival. Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmṛta elaborately explains how Mahaprabhu along with several of his disciples took part in the Rath Yatra festival. 

Rath Yatra festival has spread all over the world

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is extremely merciful, he wanted everyone to get mercy of Lord Jagannath.

Srila Prabhupada, a great Vaisnava saint and scholar, knew the heart of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, so he introduced Rath Yatra festival all over the world. Srila Prabhupada also wanted that everyone should get mercy of Lord Jagannath.

So, today by the grace of Srila Prabhupada, Rath Yatra festival is not just celebrated in Jagannath Puri but also in different cities of India and of the world. Tens and thousands of people participate in Rath Yatra procession and come to pull the ropes of the chariots.  

Just by seeing Lord Jagannath on the chariot people’s life become auspicious. And if with joy they participate in the Rath Yatra procession and pull the chariots then their life become successful.  

51st Kolkata Rath Yatra by Iskcon

Iskcon celebrated 51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra on 1^st July 2022.  For last two years because of Covid, Rath Yatra was not celebrated in such a grand scale. So, this time devotees of Jagannath, were eager to participate in the Kolkata Rath Yatra festival which was started by Srila Prabhupada in 1972.  Thousands of devotees accompanied the Rath Yatra procession.

On the streets thousands of people stood to pull the chariots of the Lords. Some people especially elderly who could not come on the street watched the massive Rath Yatra procession from their house’s balconies and window.

Seeing the three massive chariots rolling through the streets of Kolkata amidst the loud chanting of Jay Jagannath and Hare Krishna Mahamantra gave great joy to everyone.

Inauguration of 51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra started from Iskcon’s Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple at 3C Albert Road, Minto Park and culminated at TAI Brigade Ground where a beautiful Gundicha temple has been built.

51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra was inaugurated by HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, His Holiness Subhag Swami Maharaj and HH Bhakti Vighna Vinasa Narasimha Swami Maharaja.

Chief Minister of West Bengal participates in Rath Yatra

Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee also participated in the 51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra. CM Mamata Banerjee along with TMC MP, Nusrat Jahan, first visited Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple and did arati of Radha Govinda. Then she also did arati of Lord Jagannath who was seated on the chariot. She also participated in pulling the Rath of Lord Jagannath.

Rath Yatra was to start at around 1 pm IST but was little delayed.  Devotees were eager to pull the chariot. They were desperately waiting for the Rath Yatra to start.  Many devotees were holding the ropes of the chariot and sitting on the street. Just like a mother holds her baby on her lap or close to her chest, devotees had put the rope on their laps, some close to their chest.

Rath Yatra management team had announced that when they will show green flag then devotees can pull the chariot and when they will show red flag then devotees should stop and not pull the chariot.

Eagerness of the devotees to pull the chariot

On few occasions, it happened that the devotees thought that the procession is about to start, so they got up holding the ropes with great enthusiasm hoping to pull the chariot of the Lord. But the rath yatra management would politely ask them to wait for some more time. 

The wait was little longer. I was also desperately waiting for the Rath Yatra to begin. One elderly devotee was sitting beside me. He spoke pure Bengali language. I am not able to understand Bengali completely, I can understand it in bits and pieces. And am not able to speak. The elderly devotee also did not speak Hindi/English. But still we conversed and tried to understand each other.

The elderly devotee was saying that he has been practicing Bhakti since last 36 years. He was around 70 years old. He said that he is a disciple of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj. From the conversation, I could sense that he had great respect for Maharaj.

For him the wait was little more difficult, especially because of his age. So, he was little upset. We had been waiting for hours. I was also losing patience thinking that why it is not starting. Some said that because the CM has not arrived, so Rath Yatra has not started. Some gave other reasons.

Lord Jagannath moves as per his own will.

All the material reasons for the delay could be true, it could be justified too. But one thought came to my mind.

In Chaitanya-Charitamrita Madhya 13.28, describing the Rath Yatra procession of Jagannath Puri, Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī writes, “Sometimes the car would stand still and not move, even though it was pulled very vigorously. The chariot therefore moved by the will of the Lord, not by the strength of any ordinary person.”

Lord Jagannath moves as per his own supreme will. He is independent Lord, whenever he decides, he moves.

So, putting aside all my logic, arguments, analysis, frustration, impatience, I prayed to Lord Jagannath to give us an opportunity to participate in the festival of pulling his chariot.

While all of us were wating for the procession to start, devotees were doing kirtan, doing arati and were offering bhoga to the Lord.

Rath Yatra procession finally begins

Finally, Lord Jagannath decided to move. Rath Yatra management devotees announced that we are now going to pull the chariot of the Lord. They showed the green flag. It was celebration time. Devotees who were holding the ropes of the chariot for hours and siting on the road, immediately got up and with the loud chant of Jay Jagannath, they pulled the ropes. Hundreds of devotees who were standing on the sides of the road joined them to pull the chariot.

Rath Yatra procession started at around 3:30 pm IST. Lord Jagannath Rath started at 3:51 pm IST. 

Once the Rath Yatra started, there was no delay. The three massive chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi rolled through the streets of Kolkata. In front of each chariot devotees were doing kirtan.

The three chariots

Lord Jagannath chariot is called Nandighosa. This chariot has 16 wheels. It’s charioteer is Daruka.

Lord Baladeva’s chariot is called Taladhwaja. It has 14 wheels and Matali is the charioteer.

Subhadra’s chariot is known as Devadalana/Darpadalana/Padmadhwaja. This chariot has 12 wheels and Arjuna is the Charioteer.

People’s eagerness to pull the chariot

At different places bhoga was offered to the Lord. At some places 108 food items were offered to the Lord, at some places 51 items. Lord Jagannath prasadam were distributed along the way. Many people were eager to serve the devotees participating in the Rath Yatra procession, So, at many places they were serving water, juices and refreshment to the devotees.

I saw few devotees carrying broom with them to sweep the street from where the Lord will pass. People were falling flat on the street to pay obeisances to the Lord.

Because of Rath Yatra procession, commuters had to wait for long time at traffic signals. But no one looked upset. They too were enjoying Rath Yatra procession. Many people got down from buses and their vehicles to pull the chariot.

Many were peeping from inside the buses and vehicles to see the Lord. They were also raising their hands to welcome the Lord and offer their respects to the Lord. 

Although we say that because of Kaliyuga people are not showing much interest bhakti but still I saw that there were thousands of people at different spots eagerly waiting to pull the chariot of the Lord. Young and old, men and women, rich and poor everyone came to pull the rath. And while pulling they all were chanting Jay Jagannath or were singing Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

It is because of Srila Prabhupada’s mercy that so many people in Kolkata are getting mercy of Lord Jagannath. If you would have looked at the face of Lord Jagannath, he looked happy.

Wonderful Rath Yatra experience  

A day before Rath Yatra I was not feeling enthusiastic to participate in Rath yatra. On the Rath Yatra day too in the morning, the feeling remained the same. But I did not want to miss Rath Yatra. I thought that I will be there for couple of hours and then return back. But after being there with the Lord and his sincere devotees, I could not think of coming after attending only for couple of hours.

I had wonderful experience.  I pulled all the three chariots – of Lord Jagannath, of Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. After pulling the three chariots, I came in front of Lord Jagannath’s chariot. I saw their one of my friends HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu who is a celibate monk in Iskcon temple and other devotees. I decided to be with them.

Devotees in front of Lord Jagannath chariot were doing kirtan and were dancing for the pleasure of the Lord. Because of their inspiration I too participated in the kirtan. It was a great experience.

Poison in beginning, nectar at end

In Bhagavad Gita 18.37, Lord Krishna says, “That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.”

I realized that because of my laziness and impurities I was not feeling motivated to participate in Rath Yatra but once I participated and took the association of the devotees, I felt really nice. One lesson I learnt is that I should not listen to my mind but should follow the guidelines of the scriptures and footsteps of sincere vaisnavas.

As many devotees were there trying to pull the chariot, it was naturally that they will step over each other. So, while pulling the chariots many devotees stamped over my feet. I have blisters on my feet. But it is ok. Its sweet pain.

Rath finally reached Gundicha temple

Rath Yatra finally reached Gundicha temple at TAI Brigade ground, at around 9 pm i.e. almost after five and half hours. Here Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi will stay in Gundicha temple for 9 days i.e. till the day of Ulta Rath Yatra which is on 9^th July.

At Gundicha temple venue, various attractive stalls have been put for people to visit and get inspired to practice Krishna Consciousness.  For kids there is special kids corner where they can come, have fun and see a glimpse of Krishna Conscious life. For nine days, various programs will be there at Gundicha temple throughout the day.

After we reached Gundicha temple we had delicious khichdi and halwa prasadam.  It was a wonderful and memorable Rath Yatra experience.

The happiness which Lord Jagannath bestows upon all who participate in his Rath Yatra celebration cannot be described in words.

ISKCON & A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s contribution in spreading Jagannath worship & Rath Yatra all over the world

Srila Prabhupada, the founder acharya of Iskcon, has played a significant role in spreading Jagannath Rath Yatra and Jagannath worship all over the world. Let us explore some interesting facts about the Rath Yatra festival and how Prabhupada helped to spread it across the globe.

Friar Odoric was a Franciscan missionary. In early 14th century he visited India. In India, he saw a huge deity of Lord Jagannath on an enormous chariot in the streets of Puri. Thousands of people were pulling the chariot with a rope. He carried the story of Jagannath deity riding on a huge chariot to Europe. The story spread throughout Europe. By 19th century Europeans started using the word juggernaut, although they meant Jagannath.  Any enormous object which had crushing capability was called juggernaut.

Little did the Europeans knew that the same massive chariots whose story had fascinated them would one day ride through the streets of Europe. Name any major cities of the world and you will see it celebrating Rath Yatra festival. The festival is celebrated in the same way as it is traditionally celebrated in Puri, India.  The massive chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi travels majestically and is pulled by hundreds of people.

Hundreds of men and women watch in amazement and even participate in pulling the ropes. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor, Hindus and non-Hindus, black and white all participate. Caste, colour, race, gender discrimination ceases to exist when everyone come together to pull the chariot of Jagannath.

Srila Prabhupada’s love for Jagannath

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder acharya of Iskcon, established the worship of Jagannath outside India in a prominent way and made Rath Yatra global. He was fondly called “Srila Prabhupada.” He would say that Jagannath is Lord (nath) of the Universe (jagat), so why not give everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and nationality, the opportunity to worship Jagannath.  Srila Prabhupada was one of the most influential spiritual leaders of India post- independence. He played a crucial role in spreading Vaisnavism throughout the world. And he has made Jagannath Rath Yatra hugely popular.  

Prabhupada was attracted to Jagannath since his childhood days. He was born in Kolkata in 1896. His parents, Gour Mohan De and Rajani De, gave him the name Abhay.  Abhay means one who is fearless having taken shelter of the Lord.   As a child he was fascinated by Rath Yatra festival. He always wanted to visit Puri to take darshan of Jagannath and participate in Rath Yatra.  He would constantly look the train timetable to find out the trains for Puri. Especially he wanted to go during the Rath Yatra period and wanted to pull Jagannath’s chariot. But for little Abhay, it was not possible to go to Puri alone.

So, once he thought why not have my own Rath Yatra at home. His father bought him a small cart. He beautifully decorated it and invited his sisters and neighbourhood kids to join him in the Rath Yatra procession.  Small deities of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra was placed on the chariot. Seeing the enthusiasm of Abhay, his parents and neighbourhood elders too decided to participate. His mother cooked nice food items to offer to Lord. And on the Rath Yatra day little Abhay with his little friends organized a successful Rath Yatra. Everyone enjoyed the festival.

Prabhupada meets his spiritual master

When Abhay was a young man. He met Srila Bhaktisidhanta Saraswati Thakura, a renowned Vaisnav saint, scholar and founder of Gaudiya Math. The first meeting itself transformed Abhya’s life.   

“You are an English educated young man. Why don’t you use your intellect and talent in enlightening the western world with the teachings of Krishna and Chaitanya? Indians are blindly imitating the west. They are forgetting their culture. So, if people in the west starts appreciating Indian wisdom and culture then the Indians will start valuing them too.”

These words of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura deeply touched Abhay.  He decided to follow the sagely advice and requested Srila Bhaktisidhanta Saraswati Thakura to accept him his disciple. Srila Bhaktisidhanta Saraswati Thakura accepted him and initiated him in 1932 in Gaudiya-Vaishnava tradition.

Preaching in the western world

Prabhupada was working hard to fulfil the order of his guru. He took sannyasa, renounced order of life, in 1959 to dedicate his life completely in preaching Krishna Consciousness. Prabhupada wrote several books and tried his best to preach. He was also looking for an opportunity to go to west.   Finally, he got the chance in 1965 to go to USA. Although he was 69 years old by that time but still he had burning desire to carry the message of Lord Krishna and Lord Chaitanya to the western world.

During his initial months in USA, he struggled hard to preach. But he did not give up. Slowly young American boys and girls started getting influenced by his preaching. His sincerity, simplicity and deep devotion to Krishna started attracting people. And slowly many started taking up devotion to Krishna. They became disciples of Prabhupada. Prabhupada engaged them in chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra and also taught them how to worship the deity of Radha and Krishna.

In 1967 in San Francisco, Jagannath deity miraculously came to Prabhupada. And Prabhupada decided to establish the worship of Jagannath in Iskcon and planned to celebrate Rath yatra festival in different countries of the world.

Lord Jagannath appears in San Francisco

One day Malati, a female disciple of Srila Prabhupada, brought a unique looking wooden doll. She placed it in front of Srila Prabhupada. As soon as Prabhupada saw the wooden doll, he immediately folded his hands in reverence and paid obeisances. All the assembled students were amazed. What is so special about this doll? They wanted to know. They looked at Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada had a big smile on his face. He looked so happy. It seemed that he was meeting his age-old friend after a long time. Prabhupada looked towards his young curious American disciples and said, “This is Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. He looks different but he is Krishna.”  

His American students had just begun learning about the Indian Vedic culture. They had started chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra on beads. They had begun donning Indian dress. Men would wear dhoti and kurta and women saris. Just like the devotees of Krishna in India, they would apply sandalwood tilak on their body. On the forehead they would put tilak in the shape of Krishna’s lotus feet and make a Tulasi leaf from the paste on the upper part of their nose touching Krishna’s feet. They looked perfect Vaishnavs. But still they had to know a lot about Indian culture, Indian tradition and the way the Indians worshipped the deities.

Devotees excited to know about Jagannath

Srila Prabhupada was their friend, philosopher, and guide. He would always encourage his disciples to go deep in spiritual life.  He thanked Malati for bringing Jagannath. She had never thought that this wooden doll would please her spiritual master to such an extent.  Everyone except Srila Prabhupada had heard the name “Jagannath” for the first time. In fact, majority of the Americans would not have known about Jagannath.  Srila Prabhupada explained them in detail about the worship of Jagannath in India especially in Puri. He spoke about the grand rath yatra festival at Puri. When he said that thousands of people irrespective of caste, creed and gender come to pull the ropes of the chariot, everyone was mesmerised.  

Srila Prabhupada explained them that Jagannath is none other than Krishna. He is worshipped along with his brother, Balarama, and little sister, Subhadra. Malati excitedly said that two similar looking dolls were also there in the shop.

“From where did you get this?” Prabhupada asked.

“From an import store at Cost Plus,” Malati said.

“Why don’t you get the other two dolls as well – of Balarama and Subhadra.” Prabhupada asked.  

Installing the deity of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra in San Francisco

She hurried back to the store with her husband, Syamasundara, and brought Balarama and Subhadra.  Prabhupada was eagerly waiting for them. As soon as Balarama and Subhadra arrived, Prabhupada properly placed them – Jagannath to the right, little Subhadra in the centre and Balarama to the left. Srila Prabhupada loved Jagannath.  Seeing him, he got a desire to start the worship of Jagannath in the western country in a grand way.   

He wanted to spread the worship of Jagannath all over the world.  Lord Jagannath had appeared in San Francisco by his own will.  He wanted to establish the worship of Jagannath in San Francisco. For this to happen, a big wooden deity of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra had to be built.  He expressed his desire. His disciples were always eager to fulfil their guru’s wish. Syamasundara knew carpentry. He took the responsibility of carving the deities from the wood.

Srila Prabhupada explained him the shape, size, width and height of the deities. He took a pen and paper and wrote down all the details. He further said, “Jagannath should be painted black, Baladeva should be white, and Subhadra should be yellow.” Syamasundara began his work.

Jagannath deity was installed on Gaura Purnima

March 26 was Gaura Purnima, the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya. Prabhupada decided to install the deity of Lord Jagannath on that auspicious day. Lord Chaitanya had played a crucial role in spreading sankirtana – devotion to Krishna by congregational chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra – in India in 15^th century.  

After taking sannyasa, renounced order of life, Lord Chaitanya lived in Puri near the famous Jagannath temple. He visited the temple daily for darshan and stood for hours in front of Jagannath.  Srila Prabhupada had gone to west to spread the teachings of Lord Chaitanya. So, the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya was the perfect day to install the deity of Lord Jagannath.   A beautiful wooden altar from the redwood tree was built for the deities.

The deity installation day

On the installation day, which was also the Gaur Purnima day, Prabhupada said that entire day they all will read about Lord Chaitanya and his teachings, chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and sing kirtana.  Everybody will fast the entire day. The much-awaited installation ceremony will be in the evening followed by big feast.  Throughout the day devotees absorbed themselves in chanting the names of Krishna and hearing the pastimes of Chaitanya. Some of the devotees were also busy making arrangements for the evening.  In the evening the temple room was full. Many people from the neighbourhood also came to see the installation ceremony.

Newly carved wooden deities of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra were placed on the beautifully decorated wooden altar. A yellow canopy gave the altar a majestic look.  Prabhupada led the kirtan and the disciples and assembled guests began offering lamp to the three deities. Blue, red and yellow lights on the altar glittered when devotees were offering the lamp. The deities looked beautiful and colourful. It was a festive atmosphere. Lamp offering was followed by big feast. 

The installation ceremony was simple but devotional. Everyone present felt attracted to Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra.  Prabhupada taught them the prayer which they should chant for Jagannath – jagannathaḥ svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me, O Lord of the Universe, please be visible to me. Prabhupada said that Jagannath has chosen to appear in San Francisco, so, let us call San Francisco as “New Jagannath Puri.”

Jagannath goes to Golden Gate Park

Devotees were happy. Next day some of the devotees took the deity of Jagannath from the altar to the nearby Golden Gate Park. They would often go out to do kirtan. So, they decided to even take Jagannath with them.  Hundreds of Americans were excited to see Jagannath in the park. Devotees chanted the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and danced around Jagannath for several hours.

Meanwhile when Prabhupada saw the deity missing from the altar he was upset. Jagannath deity does not leave the altar except on one especially day. And that is called Rath Yatra.  He said, “If you all really want to take the deities outside then organize a Rath Yatra festival.” His young American disciples got excited to hear this. Prabhupada said, “Let us have Rath Yatra in San Francisco.” Everyone agreed.

First Rath Yatra celebration in San Francisco on 9^th July 1967

Prabhupada wanted to celebrate Rath Yatra festival the way it is celebrated in Jagannath Puri. Three different chariots for the three deities and devotees pulling the chariots with ropes. But he knew that it was not possible to arrange such big chariots in America. His disciples were not trained to build chariots. And to get it in a foreign land where Rath Yatra would be celebrated for the first time was not possible.  

So, it was decided that a flatbed truck would be converted into a chariot. And in future devotees can plan for big chariots. They choose a yellow flatbed truck and decorated it in a way so that it looks like a chariot. Devotees made five-foot columns on the truck and a colourful cloth canopy. On the day of Rath Yatra they took the deities from the altar and placed it on the chariot under the canopy. Jagannath faced towards the right side of the truck, Baladeva towards the left and Subhadra towards the rear.

First Jagannath Rath year begins

The three deities rode on the streets of San Francisco on the yellow chariot. People on the road were amazed and excited to see this. The chariot moved slowly. Devotees sang the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and danced in front of Lord Jagannath. Hundreds of people participated in the procession.  Police tried to finish the procession quickly. But so many people were in front of the chariot that they could not do anything. In fact, they too liked the devotional spirit.

Meanwhile devotees were distributing prasadam – oranges, apples and bananas were being given. From the chariot they were throwing flowers on the crowds, and people loved it. They were also releasing dozens of Rath Yatra ballons. It was a festive atmosphere. Devotees enjoyed their first Rath Yatra festival. Those who participated in the procession too loved it. Prabhupada was immensely pleased and satisfied. He had taken an arduous journey in his old age to the west to spread Krishna Consciousness. And it seemed he was succeeding.

Jagannath worship and Rath Yatra festival has spread all over the world

Today Jagannath worship and Rath Yatra celebration takes place in almost all the major countries of the world like USA, UK, Canada, Russia, Germany South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and even in Islamic countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.  One can see massive Rath Yatra chariots rolling through the streets of San Francisco, New York, Washington, London, Berlin, Moscow, Johannesburg, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka.  In India Iskcon organizes Rath Yatra in all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Guwahati, Mayapur, Vrindavan and many more.

Iskcon organizes world’s first virtual Rath Yatra during Covid

During Covid Pandemic it was not possible to celebrate Rath Yatra on streets. So, Iskcon organized world’s first digital Rath Yatra which covered six continents. The festival was named as “Mercy on Wheels.” There were 108 rathas (chariots) and thousands of people from all over the world participated virtually.

References:

• Srīla Prabhupada-lilamrta Volume 1, Chapter TWENTY-FOUR, New Jagannātha Purī

Link: https://vedabase.io/en/library/spl/1/24/

• Srīla Prabhupada-lilamrta Volume 1, CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX, Swamiji’s Departure

Link: https://vedabase.io/en/library/spl/1/26/

• Definition of juggernaut: Merriam Webster

Link: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juggernaut

• ISKCON plans world’s first virtual Rath Yatra across 6 continents amid Covid-19 pandemic: Hindustan Times

Link: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iskcon-plans-world-s-first-virtual-rath-yatra-across-six-continents-during-covid-19-pandemic/story-FC3iY13U9xUpgxsdbOUEfO.html

How we celebrated Jagannath Rath Yatra during COVID -19 pandemic?

Like last year, this year too devotees in Puri and other parts of India celebrated Jagannath Rath Yatra during COVID – 19 pandemic.

COVID – 19 has indeed affected the celebration of world famous Jagannath Rath Yatra. In Jagannath Rath Yatra at Puri and in other cities thousands of people would participate to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath every year.  But COVID – 19 pandemic has shutdown the entire world –offices are closed, schools & colleges are closed and temples are also closed.

The killer Covid -19 Pandemic which started last year, 2020, is still killing people across the world. Few months back the 2^nd wave of Covid created mayhem in India killing thousands of people. The country was almost shutdown.

Rath Yatra celebrated in Puri during COVID without huge procession

Last year during the Rath Yatra time there was lockdown in India. Everything was closed including the temples. This year too the temples were closed. In 2020, the Supreme Court of India allowed Rath Yatra procession only in Jagannath Puri and this year too Rath Yatra procession was allowed only in Puri. In Puri also only the priests and devotees traditionally associated with Rath Yatra festival were allowed. Common people did not participate in the procession.

This year too like previous year Rath Yatra procession was not allowed in Kolkata. Kolkata Rath Yatra is organized by Iskcon and is famous in the city of joy. Thousands of people from Kolkata participate in it. Devotees from other parts of India and even from outside India come to participate in the Kolkata Rath Yatra festival.

Iskcon Kolkata too celebrated Rath Yatra during COVID but without procession

Although Rath Yatra procession was not there but still Iskcon Kolkata tried its best to celebrate the festival with whatever means available. All the rituals which are part of Rath Yatra was carried out by the resident devotees of the temple. At Iskcon House, Gurusaday Road a makeshift temple has been built which will be the Gundicha temple for the Lord.  Iskcon House is around 1.5 km from the main temple.

Lord Jagannath did not ride the chariots and was not pulled by thousands of enthusiastic devotees of Lord Jagannath. Instead the Lord directly went from Minto Park temple to Iskcon House on a vehicle.  There the Lord will reside till Ulta Rath Yatra. On the day of Ulta Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath will come back to his Minto Park temple.

Before this Covid Pandemic struck the world, devotees would eagerly wait for Rath Yatra. In spite of busy schedule and other pressing commitments everyone would make sure that they participate in the festival.

Before marriage I always participated in Rath Yatra festival and procession. After marriage, me and my wife have been participating for last few years together. My parents would not be able to participate in the procession because of age but they always joined us when the chariots reached the Gundicha temple. For last few years, a beautiful Gundicha temple was mostly built at TAI Brigade Ground in Kolkata.  After Lord Jagannath would reach the Gundicha temple everyone would enjoy delicious khichadi prasadam. The taste would be out of this world.  Ask anyone in Kolkata who have tasted the khichdi prasadam at Rath Yatra and they will say you that it was the best khichadi they ever ate in their life.

Celebrating Rath Yatra at our home i.e. at Lord Jagannath’s home

But this year as there was no Rath Yatra procession, so, we were thinking how to celebrate Rath Yatra. We wanted to celebrate it.  This material world is a place where one or the other problems will keep on coming. Now its Covid pandemic, next year there may be some other crisis. Nothing should stop our devotion to Lord. 

One way to participate in the festival was to watch Rath Yatra live on YouTube channel. But it does not give the same feeling which we experience when we physically participate and pull the chariot.

So, after contemplation, we thought let us celebrate it at our home. Although I am saying, ‘our home’ but ‘our home’ is not ‘our home’, but it is ‘Lord Jagannath’s home.’ Lord Jagannath is Lord of the Universe, and he is kindly allowing me and my wife to stay in the house. Everything belongs to the Lord; nothing belongs to us.

So, we made plans to celebrate Jagannath Rath Yatra at Lord Jagannath’s home.

Srila Prabhupada celebrated Rath Yatra when he was just a small child. Although we cannot imitate him but still we can try to follow his footsteps. We knew that we may not be able to do it in a grand way as it happens in the temple. But whatever best we could do, we decided to do it.

Making the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhdra Devi and the chariot at home

My wife is good in making crafts. She takes Krishna Conscious classes for children and teaches the kids to prepare beautiful crafts based on various pastimes of Krishna.  This helps children to learn new things and use their talents in serving the Lord.

She took the responsibility of preparing small deity of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi at home. She also took the onus of making chariot for the Lord.

Since everything was closed and plans were made just few days before the festival, so she made the deities and the cart with whatever materials available at home. Cardboard, boxes, coloured paper, paints etc were used.  

Lord Jagannath in black, Lord Baladeva in white and Subhadra Devi in yellow looked colourful. Only one chariot for the three deities were made and that to not too big. But it looked elegant.

We celebrated Rath Yatra at home during COVID lockdown

On the day of Rath Yatra, we decided to prepare varieties of delicious food items for the Lord. Lord Jagannath loves to eat nice food when offered with love.

I took the responsibility of cleaning the hall, decorating the altar. We also planned for a small Gundicha temple where Lord will reside till Ulta Rath Yatra.

My wife began cooking different food items for the Lord since early morning.

I brought lots of flowers from the market and decorated the main altar, Gundicha temple altar and the Lord with colourful flowers.

We decided that we will start our Rath Yatra festival and procession after the festival starts at Puri.

Although I am calling it procession but only me and my wife was there. We did not invite others because of pandemic. My parents are also stuck at their native place because of Covid, so they were also not present.

Once Rath Yatra started in Puri. We performed an elaborate arati of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. And then we began pulling the small cart of the Lord. A small blue colour ribbon was attached to the cart. It was the rope of the chariot. We pulled the Lord using that rope. 

With chanting of the mantras and singing of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra we began pulling the cart.  We also sang “jaya jaya jagannātha sacīra Nandan/ tribhūvana kore jār caraṇa vandan.” This is a very nice devotional song in Bengali composed by Vasudeva Ghosa, a great devotee of Lord Chaitanya.

We were enjoying the journey of the Lord. By the time the cart travelled from the main altar to the makeshift altar we both were feeling so happy, so enthusiastic. Our Rath Yatra lasted for around 30 minutes.

Offering arati and delicious food to Lord Jagananth, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi

We placed the Lord on the Gundicha temple altar and did the arati. After the arati varieties of delicious food items were offered to the Lord.

We could have prepared more food and in large quantities and would have distributed it to our neighbours. But due to covid people avoid physical contact, so we did not prepare more. We did not invite our neighbours for the festival because of the same reason. Jagannath will stay at the makeshift Gundicha temple for nine days till the Ulta Rath Yatra.

Although we celebrated the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival in a small way but still we experienced lots of joy.

Rath Yatra gives us an experience of the joy of the spiritual world

One of the great things in Iskcon is that we are trained to practice and celebrate different festivals of the Lord at our home.  In fact, we are told that we should make our home like a temple of the Lord. Whatever we do, we should keep Lord in the centre.

The beauty of devotional life is that when we try to do something for the Lord then the Supreme Lord reciprocates, and we can experience the reciprocation in our hearts.  

We feel sad or frustrated or empty in our life because we try to seek happiness in the outside world. But if we absorb ourselves in the devotional service of the Lord, we will just experience bliss.

Rath Yatra is one such festival in which we can completely absorb ourselves and feel the presence of the Lord in our hearts.  Lord Jagannath has appeared for us – for you and for me.  

And when we whole heartedly participate in Rath Yatra festival, we experience joy of the spiritual world.

How to worship Lord Jagannath at home and be blessed?

If you worship Lord Jagannath at home with love and devotion, then Lord Jagannath will shower his blessings upon you.  

In Jagannath Puri temple and in Iskcon temples, Lord Jagannath along with his brother Lord Baladeva and little sister Subhadra Devi is worshipped reverentially. Thanks to Iskcon, today Lord Jagannath is worshipped all over the world. Many non-Indians have got attracted to Lord Jagannath and come to the temple to worship him.

But it is not that to worship Lord Jagannath, you always have to go to temple. Its great if you can regularly visit Lord Jagannath temples. But Lord Jagannath can be worshipped at home also along with his brother and sister.  Even if you love to go to temple still you should worship Lord Jagannath at home.  

But can everyone worship Lord Jagannath at home? Or only some are eligible to worship the Lord. Let us see.

Who can worship Lord Jagannath at home?

Anyone who has a desire to worship Lord Jagannath can worship him at home.  One does not need to be a brahmana to worship the Lord. One does not need to be a male to worship the Lord. And one does not need to be a Hindu to worship the Lord. 

Men and women, young and old, Hindus and non-Hindus all are qualified to worship Lord Jagannath.  You and me and everyone in this entire universe are children of Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. So, each one of us are qualified to worship him.

The only qualification required to worship the Lord is love and intense longing to serve him.

So, if you are a lover of Lord Jagannath and have a burning desire to worship him then read further to know how you can worship him at home.

To worship Lord Jagannath at home, get a beautiful deity or picture of Jagannath  

This is the first requirement. You should get a beautiful deity of Lord Jagannath. You can buy wooden deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi.  If you visit Jagannath Puri then you can get one such deity. In many Iskcon temples wooden deity of Lord Jagannath with his brother and sister is also available.  

If not wooden deity, then you can have picture of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi and get it nicely framed. Best is to use that picture of Lord Jagannath which is being worshipped in the temple as per the guidelines of the scriptures. 

We can have picture of Lord Jagannath of Jagannath Puri temple. Or else we can have pictures of Lord Jagannath from Iskcon temples. At many Iskcon temples Lord Jagannath is wonderfully worshiped. You just see the deity of Lord Jagannath worshipped in Iskcon temples and you can see how Lord Jagannath has a big smile on his face. 

Wooden deities or picture of Lord Jagannath can also be bought online.

Please note that Lord Jagannath is mostly worshipped along with brother Baladeva, sister Subhadra and Sudharshan Chakra. Whenever you will see a picture or deity of Jagannath, you will always see him along with his brother, sister and Sudharshan Chakra.

Make a beautiful and big altar for Lord Jagannath

Get a beautiful altar for Jagannath. The altar should not be just beautiful, but it should be big too.

Why we need a big altar? Because the Lord should be easily visible to our eyes.

Sometimes people have small picture of Jagannath, and they keep it in a cupboard or locker in their house. Once in the morning they open the cupboard or locker, offer some puja items to the Lord and then close the cupboard.  This is not the right attitude.

Do not confine Lord to some corner of the house. In fact, in your house, Lord Jagannath should occupy a prominent place.

In some house there is special puja room where deities or picture of the Lord is kept.  That is also good.

But I feel it is better to have a large altar for the Lord in our living room.

What is the benefit of having the altar in the living room?

One does not have to go to any corner of the house to see the Lord.  All the family members daily come to the living room so everyone will see the Lord daily. Not just daily but many times in the day people in the house can have darshan (divine vision) of the Lord.

While leaving the house for work, you will see the Lord.  As soon as you will enter the house, you will see the Lord.  You will always feel the presence of the Lord in your house. The Lord will become the centre of your life.

Not just that when guests visit your house, they can also have darshan of the Lord and will feel blessed.

Having Lord in the living room in a big altar will keep on reminding you that your house belongs to Lord Jagannath. He is the owner of the house. And he has given you an opportunity to stay in the house. For this you should always be grateful to Jagannath.

Our house should become a temple of Lord Jagannath

It does not matter whether our house is big or small, in our house Lord Jagannath should be the centre and should occupy a prominent place.

What if you are a student staying in hostel?

If you are a student staying in a hostel, then you can still have framed picture of Lord Jagannath on your study table.  When I was in hostel, I had made a small altar on my study table and would worship the Lord.   Now with the blessing of Lord Jagannath, I have big altar in the living room for Lord Jagannath who fulfils everyone’s desire.

Follow below steps to worship Lord Jagannath at home

Worshipping Lord Jagannath is simple. It can be easily learned. Lord Jagannath is worshipped along with Lord Baladeva, Subhadra Devi and Sudharshan Chakra.

Following sacred items are required for worship.

1. Achamanam cup having water. Put some Ganges water into the cup.
2. Incense sticks
3. Ghee lamp (Diya)
4. Conch filled with water. Use non blowing conch. Put some Ganges water and if possible rose water in the conch.
5. Cloth of the size of handkerchief
6. Flowers. Do no use hibiscus flower. Better to use flowers having fragrance.  
7. Chamara (Yak tail fan)
8. Peacock fan
9. Bell
10. Small pot to collect water after bathing the Lord.

Before starting the worship of the Lord purify your hand with water from the achamanam cup.

Note: When you are worshipping the Lord, hold the bell in your left hand and keep it ringing while you are worshipping.

Let us see how to worship Lord Jagannath with the sacred items.

1) Worshipping the Lord with incense

Light the incense sticks and move it around the entire body of Lord Jagannath for 7 times in clockwise direction. After that show the incense to Lord Baladeva by moving the incense 7 times around the body of Lord Baladeva in clockwise direction. Follow the same approach to worship Subhadra Devi and then Sudharshan Chakra.  

It is good to have 3 incense sticks at least. If we can have more like 5 or 7 then great.

2) Worshipping the Lord with ghee lamp (Diya)

First show the lamp to the lotus feet of Lord Jagannath by moving it around the feet of the Lord for four times in clockwise direction.  We then show the lamp to the belly of Jagannath. For that move the lamp in clockwise direction two times around the belly of the Lord. We then move the lamp in clockwise direction three times around the head of Jagannath. At the end, we move the lamp in clockwise direction seven times around the entire body of Jagannath.

After worshipping Jagananth with ghee lamp as explained above, worship Lord Baladeva using the same ghee lamp.  The approach will be exactly similar. First worship the feet of Baladeva by moving the lamp four times in clockwise direction, then worship belly by moving the lamp around the belly  two times, then move the lamp around the head for three times and then around the entire body for seven times.  

After worshipping Baladeva with ghee lamp, worship Subhadra Devi followed by Sudarshan Chakra.

The lamp should be offered slowly and with love.  

After worshipping with ghee lamp is completed, the family members can purify themselves by accepting the offered lamp. They can put both the palms above the flame of the sacred lamp and touch their forehead and eyes. 

3) Bathing Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, Subhadra Devi and Sudarshan Chakra

Take the conch filled with water and move it three times on top of Lord Jagannath’s head in clockwise direction and then move the conch seven times around the body of the Lord in clockwise direction.

After that pour small quantity of water from the conch into the small pot.

After that bathe Lord Baladeva using the same conch with remaining water. Move the conch around Baladeva’s head three times in clockwise direction and then seven times around his body in clockwise direction. Again, remove little water from the conch by pouring it into the same pot in which you had poured after bathing Jagannath.

Follow same approach to bathe Subhadra Devi and Sudharshan Chakra.

Use non blowing conch to bathe the Lord. 

Sprinkle the sacred water collected in small pot after bathing the Lords on your family members body and on yourself.

4) Drying the Lord with the cloth

After the 3 deities and Sudharshan Chakra have taken bath, they also have to be dried. Take a small cloth of the size of a handkerchief and move it around the entire body of Jagannath for seven times.  Use the same cloth and move it around the body of Baladeva seven times. Do it in similar way for Subhadra Devi and Sudharshan Chakra.

5) Offering flowers to Lord Jagannath

Move the flower plate seven times around the body of Jagannath in clockwise direction. Similarly move the flower plate around the body of Baladeva seven times in clockwise direction followed by Subhadra Devi and Sudharshan Chakra.

After this take few flowers from the plate and put it on the lotus feet of Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra Devi and also Sudharshan Chakra.

6) Fanning the Lord using chamara (yak tail fan)

Fan the Lord using chamara (yak tail fan) by moving it up and down so that the entire body of Jagannath is fanned. Do it for seven times. After that fan Baladeva for seven times followed by Subhadra Devi and Sudharshan Chakra.  If time permits you can fan the Lords for more number of times and not just seven times.

7) Fanning the Lord using peacock fan

Just like you fanned the Lord using chamara, similarly fan the Lord using peacock fan. Fan the entire body of Lord Jagannath for seven times followed by Lord Baladeva, Subhadra Devi and Sudharshan Chakra. As mentioned above if you have time then fan the Lord for more number of times.

While worshiping sing kirtan  

While you are worshipping the Lord you can sing Hare Krishna kirtan. If your family members are also participating they can also sing along with you. They can play cymbals and mridangam. To play mridangam one needs some practice.  But generally, everyone can play cymbals.

Since Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna is same, so you can sing Hare Krishna kirtan.

Along with that you can chant prayers specifically for Lord Jagannath –

jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me

If you know Jagannathastakam prayer of Sankaracarya then you can sing that too. Its lyrics and tunes are little difficult but with practice you can get used to it.

What should be the mood while worshipping Lord Jagannath at home?

Our mood should be to offer our love to Lord Jagannath. We should offer each item to the Lord with utmost care and with devotion while worshipping. Worship is not just a ritual; it is a means by which we connect to the Lord and invite him to reside in our house and in our hearts.

We should not try to complete the worship in a hurry.  Those who are participating in the worship of Lord Jagannath at home should also be attentive and sincere. It should not happen that they are busy with their mobiles or are looking here and there. The person who is worshipping Lord Jagannath and those who are participating get equal benefit.

If you worship Lord Jagannath at home with love, care and attention daily, your house will become a sacred house. And in that sacred home, you and your family members will always live happily.

Why Chandan Yatra is celebrated?

Chandan Yatra starts from the day of Akshaya Tritiya. During Chandan Yatra, Chandan(sandalwood) paste is applied to the deity of Lord Krishna and Lord Jagannath. In Vrindavan, Jagannath Puri and Mayapur, this festival is celebrated in a grand way

Chandan Yatra Duration

Chandan Yatra is celebrated for 21 days in Vrindavan and Mayapur. But in Jagannath Puri, it is celebrated for 42 days.  For 21 days as Bahara(ouster) Chandan Yatra. And for another 21 days as Bhitara (inner) Chandan Yatra.

Chandan provides comfort to Krishna in hot summer

Month of May/June (Vaisakha/Jyestha) is very hot in India.  In this month temperature reaches its peak and the heat becomes unbearable. Devotees become very concerned about the Lord’s comfort. So, they decide to apply chandan (sandalwood paste) to Lord. Sandalwood paste has a cooling effect, and it also smells nice.

Chandan is applied artistically and not clumsily. It enhances the beauty of the beautiful Lord. Chandan is applied on the entire body including face, hands, legs and torso of Lord Krishna, Lord Jagannath and Lord Baladeva. The creamy paste is also put on Srimati RadhaRani and Subhdra Devi’s face especially on forehead.

Chandan Yatra history

Purushottama Kshetra Mahatmya tells that Lord Jagannath personally told king Indradumnya to celebrate the Chandan Yatra festival.

For the followers of Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya (Brahmā-Madhva-Gauḍīya-sampradāya) there is a beautiful story associated with Chandan Yatra festival. Chaitanya Charitamrita (Madhya Lila Chapter 4) describes it in detail.

Gopala(Krishna) comes in Madhavendra Puri’s dream

Madhavendra Puri. was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. He was residing in Vrindavan near Govardhan Hill. He would do Govardhan parikrama and spend his day and night chanting the names of Krishna and meditating on beautiful pastimes of Krishna.

Once he was absorbed in his bhajan (devotion) near Govind kunda. A cowherd boy came to him with a pot of milk. The boy said, “In Vrindavan no one goes hungry. Some ladies who had come here to fetch water saw that you only do bhajan and do not eat anything. They asked me to give you this pot of milk. So, please take it.”

The boy’s sweet words gave joy to Madhvendra Puri. He looked so beautiful. Madhavendra Puri felt deep attraction for him. He drank the milk and experienced great satisfaction.

In the same night he saw a dream. In the dream the same boy appeared. Holding Madhavendra Puri’s hands, the boy took him to nearby bush in the forest. He said, “I reside here and because of this I suffer from severe cold, rain, hot weather and storms. My name is Gopala, and I am the lifter of Goverdhan hill. Take me out from here and place me nicely on top of the hill. After this wash me with huge quantities of cold water.”

Madhavendra Puri builds a temple of Gopala(Krishna) on top of Govardhan hill

Madhavendra Puri got up. He felt great pleasure. But he also lamented that he was not able to recognize Krishna when he came with a pot of milk. In the morning Madhavendra Puri gathered the villagers and went inside the forest to search the deity. They found the deity of Gopal covered with dust. The deity was heavy.

All the villagers carried the deity and nicely placed him on top of the hill. The deity was then bathed with huge quantity of water as per the desire of Gopala. Water was brought from Govinda Kunda. There was a big celebration. Everyone in the village participated in the festival. Even devotees from nearby villages came for the celebration.

Huge quantities of prasadam were prepared and offered to the Gopala deity. After that everyone took prasad. Madhevendra Puri felt great joy. Now daily the deity of Gopala was worshipped gorgeously under the direction of Madhevendra Puri.

Krishna asks Madhavendra Puri to go to Jagannath Puri to bring sandalwood

After two years Gopal again appeared in Madhevendra Puri’s dream and said, “My bodily temperature still has not decreased. Please bring sandalwood from the Malaya province and smear the pulp over My body to cool Me. Bring sandalwood pulp from Jagannātha Purī. Kindly go quickly. Since no one else can do it, you must.” Chaitanya Charitamrita (Text 106 – 107).

Madhavendra Puri immediately decided to go to Jagannath Puri to bring sandalwood for Gopal. Before leaving he made all arrangements so that service to Gopal continues nicely even in his absence.

Madhavendra Puri comes to Remuna where Gopinath steals ksira(sweet rice) for him

On the way to Jagannath Puri, Madhavendra Puri came to Remuna. There he took darshan of Gopinath. In Remuna a beautiful pastime of Lord Gopinath took place. The Supreme Lord showed his mercy upon Madhavendra Puri by stealing ksira (sweet rice) for him.  Because of this the deity is now called Kṣīra-corā (the thief who stole the sweet rice) Gopinath.

Madhavendra Puri collects sandalwood & camphor from Jagannath Puri

From Remuna Madhavendra Puri went to Jagannath Puri. He took darshan (divine vision) of Lord Jagannath and felt great joy. The story that Gopinath had stolen ksira(sweet rice) for Madhavendra Puri in Remuna had also reached Jagannath Puri. Devotees of the temple town felt blessed to see Madhavendra Puri. Scores of people would come to see him and to offer respects to him. Madhavendra Puri thought that this would hinder his devotional service.

He told the devotees of Puri the purpose for which he was there. Everyone was eager and happy to help him. They arranged sandalwood and camphor for him. Two devotees also accompanied him to help him carry sandalwood and camphor.

In Remuna Gopala Deity asks him to apply Sandalwood paste to Gopinath Deity

While on his way to Vrindavan from Jagannath Puri, Madhavendra Puri again came to Remuna. The priest of Gopinath was so happy to receive him. He welcomed him and offered the ksira(sweet rice) which was offered to Gopinath.  Madhavendra Puri was happy to honour the prasad of Gopinath.

He decided to take rest that night in the temple only. He again saw a dream. In the dream Gopala came. Gopala said to Madhavendra Puri that he has already got the sandalwood and camphor. Now grind all the sandalwood and camphor and apply the pulp to Gopinath deity because he and Gopinath are same.

“There is no difference between My body and Gopīnātha’s body. They are one and the same. Therefore if you smear the sandalwood pulp on the body of Gopīnātha, you will naturally also smear it on My body. Thus the temperature of My body will be reduced.” Chaitanya Charitamrita (Madhya Lila, Chapter 4, Text 160)

Madahavedra Puri woke up. He narrated the dream to the servants of Gopinath. The servants were so happy to hear the instructions of Gopala. They grinded sandalwood and camphor and applied the pulp to the deity of Gopinath. 

Devotees throughout the world following the footsteps of Madhavendra Puri apply sandalwood paste to the deity of Krishna and Jagannath and celebrate it as Chandan Yatra.

To serve Krishna devotees do not care for their comfort

When we like and love a person then we are ready to do anything to please him/her. No difficulties ever deter us or decrease our desire to serve him. For e.g. a mother is ready to do everything to please her child. She tirelessly takes care of her baby without any complaint. She enjoys every moment she spends with her child and shudder at the thought of separation.

A devotee is similarly eager to serve God. A devotee is a mortal being who gives his life and heart completely to God. He thinks nothing but only about Lord, he does nothing which does not please Lord and he does everything to make sure that God is always happy, has all the comforts. Great devotees of Krishna like Madhavendra Puri teaches us by his personal example that how we should be eager to serve the Lord without caring for our personal comforts.

Iskcon devotees all over the world celebrate Chandan Yatra

Devotees of Krishna all over the world celebrate this festival. Iskcon devotees too celebrate Chandan Yatra. Everyone participates.  Monks (resident brahmacharis) and congregation devotees come together to celebrate the festival.  

Batan (Sil – Batta) is used to prepare sandalwood paste. The sandalwood is rubbed against the batan with some water.  The batan is kept in the temple hall and anyone irrespective of caste, creed, race, sex, colour, nationality can participate in this service of preparing sandalwood paste.

The beauty of devotional life is that every individual tries to serve the Lord and simultaneously also want to engage others in serving the Lord. The only requirement is that one should have love for Krishna.

With Chandan on his face, Lord Krishna & Lord Jagannath looks stunning. During Chandan Yatra every lover of Krishna compulsorily comes to see the Lord. They also enthusiastically participate in preparing sandalwood paste with their own hands; the paste is later applied to the Lord.  

Why Lord Krishna is called Lord Jagannath?

Lord Krishna is also called Lord Jagannath. They both are non-different.   When Krishna developed mahabhava i.e transcendental emotions, he took the form of Lord Jagannath. So, Krishna and Lord Jagannath are same.

Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Baladeva and sister Subhadra Devi look so different. Lord Jagannath has big eyes, large lips and a smiling face.  His hands are extended as if he is about to embrace someone and has no visible legs. In fact, no other deity has such a unique form.  Even Baladeva’s and Subhadra’s forms are similar to that of Jagannath.

But why Lord Jagannath’s form is so different? And why Krishna came to be known as Lord Jagannath.   There is a beautiful story behind Lord Jagannath’s unique form. The story goes back to the time when Lord Krishna was residing in Dwarka.

Krishna lived in Dwarka with 16,108 wives

Lord Krishna had left Vrindavan long back with a promise to the brajvasis, the residents of Vrindavan, that he will return soon. But several years had passed to that promise and he did not return to Vrindavan. 

In Dwarka he lived in a royal palace. He was the de facto king of Dwarka.  

He had married 16,108 beautiful women.  For all his 16,108 wives there were separate palaces. And Krishna had expanded himself into 16,108 forms and used to be simultaneously present with all his wives.

This can be possible only with Krishna and not with lesser mortals like us. You and I cannot expand into multiple forms and be simultaneously present with different people at the same time. No one has ever succeeded in doing so.

So, we should never try to imitate the pastimes of Krishna. Krishna took great care of all the queens. Each queen had their own palace. They had beautiful dress to wear, there were attendants to take care of them. And Krishna was always there for them. The queens of Dwarka were extremely happy at their great fortune. They also did their best to please Krishna.

Dwarka queens were eager to hear Krishna’s Vrindavan lilas(pastimes)

The queens were completely satisfied but still one thought would always puzzle them. They would often see that Krishna was always absorbed in the pastimes of Vrindavan. He would always remember mother Yashoda, father Nanda, gopas (coweherd boys), gopis (cowherd girls) and the cows. Most importantly Krishna would again and again take the name of Radha even in sleep.

“What so special happened in Vrindavan that Krishna remains completed immersed in his childhood pastimes?” the queens would often wonder.

They were eager to know Krishna’s Vrindavan pastimes. The queens wanted to know the truth. In Dwarka Rohini, Baladeva’s mother, was the only one who had the privilege to witness Krishna’s Vrindavan lilas(pastimes).

So, one day the queens approached mother Rohini. They requested Rohini to tell them about Krishna’s pastimes in Vrindavan.  But Rohini was hesitant. “I can tell you everything in detail. I can tell you about Yashoda, Nanda, gopas, gopis and about Radha. But if Krishna hears this and Balaram hears this, they will leave Dwarka and immediately go to Vrindavan.” 

No one wanted Krishna to leave Vrindavan. But still everyone wanted to know what so special happened in Vrindavan.

Rohini narrates Krishna’s Vrindava lila to Dwarka Queens

Rohini finally agreed to tell the Vrindavan story. It was decided that Subhadra, Krishna’s younger sister, would stand at the door of the hall when Rohini will be narrating the story. Subhadra will immediately inform Rohini and the queens if Krishna and Balaram comes there. Rohini will immediately stop.

Rohini started narrating the Vrindavan pastimes while Subhadra guarded the door.

The pastimes were so wonderful that all the queens and Subhadra, the doorkeeper, got completely absorbed.

Rohini spoke about Krishna’s pastimes with mother Yashoda and Nanda Maharaj, with cowherd boys and most importantly with Srimati Radharani and the gopis.

Krishna suddenly appears to hear his Vrindavan lila in Dwarka

Meanwhile Krishna and Balarama understood that there is something special going on in the palace. So, they immediately rushed towards that place.

Subhadra who was completely engrossed in hearing the pastimes did not notice the presence of Krishna and Balaram.

Both the brothers silently stood beside her – Krishna to her left & Baladeva to her right – and began listening.

The pastimes were so sweet and nectarean that Krishna, Balarama and  Subhadra started developing transcendental emotions.  Their eyes dilated, legs and hand shrunk in their bodies.  

Why Krishna is called Lord Jagannath?

There is no difference between Krishna and Krishna’s body. So, when Krishna experienced deep emotions hearing his Vrindavan pastimes then those emotions were even exhibited externally i.e. in his transcendental body. This divine emotion is called mahabhava-prakasha. 

Mahabhava means the “highest form of emotions” and prakash means “manifestation.” 

Because of the spiritual ecstasy Krishna’s eyes became too big and hands and legs got absorbed in his body.  This form of Krishna is called Jagannath.

So, Lord Krishna is called Lord Jagannath when Krishna manifests highest form of transcendental emotions.

Lord Jagannath’s unique form

When Krishna was exhibiting these emotions, Narada Muni arrived. He saw that unique form which was never seen before.

Upon seeing Narada Muni, all the three came to their normal form. But Narada Muni pleaded Lord Krishna that he should let others also see these extremely unique and rare forms.

Lord Krishna agreed and said that he along with brother and sister will appear as Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi in Jagannath Puri.

Lord Jagannath has big eyes, no apparent hands and legs

We see Lord Jagannath’s eyes are big and round. He has no visible legs. Also, Jagannath has no apparent hands, his hands have no fingers.  All this happened because Lord Jagannath developed deep spiritual emotions.

To many this form of the Lord may appear incomplete, but this is not so. Lord Jagannath is complete. All the limbs of the Lord are perfect and complete and can perform any function.

Śrī Īśopaniṣad describes “the Personality of Godhead as perfect and complete, oṁ pūrṇam.”

For example, the Supreme Lord not just sees with his eyes, but he can also eat, speak and hear with his eyes. Similarly, the Lord can see, hear and speak with his hands or torso. Our limbs are limited. It can perform only that function for which it is designed. The eyes can only see, ear can only hear, nose can only smell and so on. This is why the Supreme Lord is called perfect and complete. 

So, when we see the deity of Lord Jagannath then we should not think that he is incomplete. When King Indradyumna first saw the deity of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi, after being carved, he thought the deities are incomplete.  He started lamenting. Then a celestial voice assured him that the deities are complete. The voice further said that Lord Krishna has decided to appear in this form as Lord Jagannath in Puri. King became happy upon hearing this.

So, the deity of Lord Jagannath we see is Lord Krishna exhibiting his supreme spiritual emotions.

Hathi Vesa of Lord Jagannath