Neela Madhava form of Jagannath

Neela Madhava is a term used to refer to Lord Jagannath worshipped at the famous Puri Jagannath Temple. It is believed that an aboriginal tribe of the region worshipped Jagannath in this form. This form is also known as Madala – which means a torso without hand or leg. This is how the murti of Jagannath is still seen.

The cave in which the Neela Madhava was worshipped was located in one of the remote caves of the Neelagiri mountains.

It is believed that King Indradyummna and his minister Vidyapati discovered it. But image disappeared on spotting it by outsiders. The King is then believed to have recreated it at Puri.