Jagannath Puri Temple in Odisha: Mysteries and Miracles that Defy Scientific Logic | UPSC

Summary

This video explores the mysteries and traditions of Lord Jagannath, a Hindu deity worshipped worldwide. It delves into the deity's various forms, the unique wooden idols, and the temple's intriguing practices like the changing of the deities every 12 years and the mysterious disappearance of birds and airplanes above the temple. The video also discusses the temple's kitchen, which feeds thousands daily without any waste, and the unexplained phenomena of the temple's flags and the heart of Lord Krishna.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lord Jagannath is a Hindu deity worshipped worldwide, considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• 🙏 The worship of Lord Jagannath varies across different locations, reflecting different forms of Lord Vishnu.
• 🌐 Lord Jagannath is often identified with Lord Vishnu's eighth avatar, Lord Krishna.
• 🏛 The Jagannath Temple in Puri was built by Ananta Varman Chodaganga of the Ganga dynasty.
• 🏔 Jagannath Temple is one of the four sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, along with Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameswaram.
• 🌳 The temple is located in Puri, which was historically known as Udayagiri and is significant for its business and strategic location.
• 🌳 The deities in the Jagannath Temple are made of wood, unlike the stone or metal idols in other temples.
• 🔄 The wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are replaced every 12 years in a secretive ritual.
• 💡 During the idol replacement, a mysterious substance called 'Brahm' is transferred from the old idol to the new one, believed to be a living relic of Lord Krishna.
• 🌊 The temple is situated by the sea, and it is said that the sound of the waves ceases when one enters through the 'Simhadwar' (Lion Gate).
• 🚫 Birds and aircraft are not allowed above the Jagannath Temple, adding to its mysterious aura.
• 🌀 The temple's flag poles defy the wind, growing in the opposite direction, and the temple's main flag always appears to face the same direction from any viewpoint.
• 🍲 The Jagannath Temple has a grand kitchen that feeds thousands daily, with a tradition of never having excess or shortage of food.
• 🔥 The temple's prasad (offering) is cooked in a unique way, with the topmost pot in a stack of seven pots being the first to cook the food.

Q & A

Who is Lord Jagannath and how is he worshipped worldwide?

Lord Jagannath is a Hindu deity, worshipped not only in India but also across the world. He is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is often identified with different forms of Lord Vishnu, such as the eighth avatar, Lord Krishna.

What is the significance of the term 'Lord Jagannath'?

The term 'Lord Jagannath' is derived from 'Jagannatha', which means 'Lord of the Universe'. It signifies the deity's omnipresence and his role as a protector and provider.

How is Lord Jagannath associated with Lord Vishnu's avatars?

Lord Jagannath is believed to embody all the avatars of Lord Vishnu. His worship in different forms at various locations is a reflection of this association.

What is the historical significance of the Jagannath Temple?

The Jagannath Temple is one of the four sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites known as Char Dham. It was built by Anantavarman Chodaganga in the 12th century and is located in Puri, Odisha.

Why are the deities in the Jagannath Temple made of wood?

The deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are made of wood, which is a unique feature of this temple. This is believed to symbolize the divine presence in a tangible form.

What is the significance of the 'Great Change' ritual in the Jagannath Temple?

The 'Great Change' ritual, known as 'Naba Kalebara', is performed every 12 years when the wooden deities are replaced with new ones. This event is considered highly sacred and involves a complex process of deconstructing and reconstructing the deities.

Why is the power supply cut off during the 'Great Change' ritual in the Jagannath Temple?

The power supply is cut off to ensure the safety of the ritual and to maintain the sanctity of the temple during the replacement of the deities. It is a part of the tradition and is believed to protect the temple from any disturbances.

What is the mystery behind the 'Brahm Paddhati' in the Jagannath Temple?

The 'Brahm Paddhati' is a mysterious substance removed from the old deities and placed in the new ones during the 'Great Change'. Its exact nature is kept secret, and even the priests handling it wear blindfolds to maintain its sanctity.

Why do birds and airplanes not fly over the Jagannath Temple?

It is a mystery why birds and airplanes do not fly over the Jagannath Temple. This phenomenon is considered a divine intervention and adds to the mystical aura of the temple.

What is the significance of the daily ritual of changing the flag on the Jagannath Temple?

The daily changing of the flag on the temple's spire is a tradition that symbolizes the continuous presence and vigilance of Lord Jagannath. It is believed that if the flag is not changed, the temple would remain closed for 18 years.

How is the prasad (offering) in the Jagannath Temple managed to be neither wasted nor insufficient?

The prasad in the Jagannath Temple is prepared in such a way that it is neither wasted nor insufficient. It is considered a divine mystery how the prasad is perfectly managed to meet the needs of the thousands of devotees daily.

What is the mystery behind the cooking pots in the Jagannath Temple kitchen?

The cooking pots in the Jagannath Temple kitchen are arranged in a way that the prasad is cooked from the bottom pot to the top pot. This arrangement ensures that the prasad is cooked perfectly and is ready in time for distribution.

Why do the flags on the Jagannath Temple move in the opposite direction of the wind?

The flags on the Jagannath Temple are said to move in the opposite direction of the wind, which is considered a divine phenomenon. The exact reason for this behavior remains a mystery.