The Divine Trio in Ecstasy

There is an esoteric narrative that more thoroughly explains Jagannātha’s unique form. It tells us that Jagannātha is Sri Krishna in the mood of acute separation from Radha, His female counterpart. Jagannātha is Krishna transformed by intense emotion. Here's a little excerpt from the story:

"As Rohini rapturously communicated the childhood pastimes of Krishna, the queens listened with full attention, never once becoming distracted from the nectar that filled their ears. Even Subhadra, stationed at the door, became absorbed in hearing the narration, and though she tried to be conscientious about the task given to her, she failed: Krishna and Balarāma suddenly appeared and stood on either side of her. No matter. The three of them found themselves ecstatically engrossed in Rohini’s words, and mystical transformations turned them into unrecognizable beings. Their eyes became oversized and dilated; their hands and legs withdrew into their bodies. They became Jagannātha, Baldēv, and Subhadra as they now appear in Puri (Holy place in Odisha, India)."

The word Jagannātha literally means “Lord of the universe.” The most famous Jagannātha is the wooden deity of Krishna who for centuries has been worshiped and adored in the main temple at Jagannāth Puri, in the state of Odisha, on the eastern coast of India. The name itself gives us the English word juggernaut, “a massive and unstoppable force.” But the Jagannātha story harkens to a more thoroughly transcendental phenomenon, wherein God Himself experiences transformative joy by the simple act of hearing His own pastimes.

#juggernaut #jagannathpuri #jagannath #krishna #harekrishna #radheradhe #india #odisha #divinepastime #god