Bhagavan Jagannath Story : The Hidden Story Behind Lord Jagannath and the Final Journey of Lord Krishna
Bhagavan Jagannath Story: Have you ever wondered what truly happened after Lord Krishna left his human form? What became of his body, who performed his last rites, and how does all of this connect to the mysterious form of Lord Jagannath worshipped in Puri today? This story is not just mythology; it is a deeply rooted spiritual narrative that connects devotion, destiny, and divine continuity. The tale of Lord Jagannath cannot be understood without first understanding the final moments of Lord Krishna’s earthly life.
The Completion of Lord Krishna’s Earthly Mission
Lord Krishna’s life was filled with divine purpose. From defeating Kansa and guiding the Pandavas during the Mahabharata war to teaching the eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, his role on earth was transformational. Once his divine duties were complete, the time came for him to leave his mortal body and return to Vaikuntha.
In his final days, Krishna resided in Dwarka. By then, a devastating internal conflict had already wiped out the Yadava clan due to a curse and inevitable fate. Krishna, fully aware of what was to come, accepted it calmly, just as he had accepted every role in the cosmic play.
The Moment Lord Krishna Left His Mortal Body
One day, Krishna went into a forest near Dwarka and sat beneath a tree in deep meditation. At that moment, a hunter named Jara entered the forest. From a distance, he mistook the mark on Krishna’s foot for the eye of a deer and released an arrow. The arrow struck Krishna’s foot.
This was not an accident but destiny unfolding. With this event, Lord Krishna left his physical body and returned to his divine abode. News of his departure spread rapidly across Dwarka and the rest of Bharat, leaving devotees in deep sorrow.
The Last Rites and the Mystery of the Divine Heart
When the news reached Hastinapur, Arjuna and the Pandavas rushed to Dwarka. Since the Yadava clan had already perished, Arjuna performed Krishna’s last rites on the seashore of Dwarka with full respect and devotion.
As the funeral pyre burned, something extraordinary happened. While the entire body turned to ashes, Krishna’s heart remained untouched by fire. Days passed, yet it showed no sign of decay. This was no ordinary occurrence.
Krishna then appeared before Arjuna and instructed him to place the divine heart inside a piece of sacred wood and immerse it into the sea. With a heavy heart but complete faith, Arjuna followed his beloved friend’s final command.
The Journey of the Divine Relic to Puri
The sacred relic floated through the ocean for many years, traveling from the western shores of Dwarka to the eastern coast of Bharat. Eventually, it reached the shores of Puri. At that time, Puri was ruled by King Indradyumna, a righteous ruler and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna.
Krishna appeared in the king’s dream and instructed him to build a grand temple in Puri. He also revealed that a sacred log of wood containing his divine essence would be found near the seashore and that idols should be carved from it.
Creation of Lord Jagannath’s Form
Following the divine instructions, King Indradyumna sent his men to retrieve the sacred log and invited Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, to carve the idols. From that holy wood, four forms were created: Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, his sister Subhadra, and the Sudarshan Chakra.
These forms were unique, unfinished in appearance, symbolizing the formless nature of the divine. Thus, Lord Krishna came to be worshipped as Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe.
The Sacred Ritual of Renewal Every Twelve Years
One of the most mysterious and sacred rituals of the Jagannath Temple is the renewal of the wooden covering of the idols, performed approximately every twelve years. This ritual, known for its secrecy, is believed to represent the eternal soul changing bodies, just as described in spiritual philosophy.
During this process, no one is allowed to see the inner relic. Even priests cover their eyes and hands. It is believed that witnessing the divine core directly could be fatal. This belief underscores the immense spiritual power associated with the relic, believed to be connected to Krishna’s divine heart.
The Eternal Presence of Lord Krishna as Jagannath
To this day, Lord Jagannath is worshipped alongside Balabhadra and Subhadra in Puri. The tradition, rituals, and legends surrounding the temple reflect the belief that Krishna never truly left the world. Instead, he transformed, continuing to guide devotees through faith and devotion.
The story of Lord Jagannath is not just about idols or rituals; it is about continuity, surrender, and the eternal nature of the divine. It reminds us that while physical forms may change, divine presence remains forever.
Conclusion
The journey from Lord Krishna’s final moments to the emergence of Lord Jagannath is a powerful narrative of faith, destiny, and divine mystery. It bridges the end of Dwapara Yuga and the beginning of Kali Yuga, carrying forward spiritual wisdom in a form accessible to all. Lord Jagannath stands as a living symbol of Krishna’s eternal compassion and universal presence, reminding humanity that the divine never truly departs—it simply transforms.