Bhagavan Jagannath is a deity worshipped primarily in the Indian state of Odisha, and he is a form of Bhagavan Krishna. There are a few unique aspects that distinguish Bhagavan Jagannath from other Hindu deities:
Distinct Form: Bhagavan Jagannath is often depicted as a
deity with a unique and distinctive form. He is usually portrayed with large,
round, and symmetrical eyes, without any visible pupils, and a simple, almost
abstract representation. His form is unconventional compared to the more human-like
representations of many other Hindu deities. The murti of Jagannath remains
unfinished unlike other Hindu deities.
Trinity Connection: Bhagavan Jagannath is considered part of
the Hindu Trinity, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The
Trinity, known as the "Puri Trinity" or "Bada Deula
Trinity," is unique to the Bhagavan Jagannath tradition.
Rath Yatra: The Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival of Puri is
one of the most famous festivals associated with Bhagavan Jagannath. During
this festival, the deities are placed on massive wooden chariots and pulled
through the streets by thousands of devotees. This festival attracts millions
of pilgrims and is known for its grandeur.
Non-anthropomorphic Murtis: The murtis of Bhagavan Jagannath,
Balabhadra, and Subhadra are not carved in a human-like form, unlike many other
Hindu deities. They are made from a special type of wood and are known as the
"Darubrahma" (wooden murtis).
Accessible Deity: Unlike many other deities in Hinduism, Bhagavan
Jagannath is considered to be more accessible to the common people. The Bhagavan
Jagannath cult emphasizes devotion and inclusivity, and people from all walks
of life are allowed to participate in the worship and festivals.
Unusual Legends: The legends and stories associated with Bhagavan
Jagannath are unique to his cult. The story of how the murtis are made, the
sibling relationship between Bhagavan Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, and
other narratives specific to Bhagavan Jagannath contribute to the
distinctiveness of this deity.
It's important to note that while Bhagavan Jagannath has
these distinctive characteristics, he is ultimately considered a form of Bhagavan
Krishna, who is a central and widely worshipped deity in Hinduism. The unique
features of Bhagavan Jagannath are associated with the specific traditions and
practices of the Bhagavan Jagannath cult in the state of Odisha.