The
term "juggernaut" entered the English language
long before Lord Jagannatha came to British shores. Describing
an "irresistible force" or procession, "juggernaut"
eventually became identified with mighty battleships - and
now means a large lorry.
But the original Lord
Jagannatha truly embodies an irresistible force, because
He is none other than Krishna: the all attractive Lord of
the Universe. And the annual procession of the Deity of
Krishna in the form of Jagannatha carried on the Ratha chariot
enacts one of the world's oldest and largest festivals.
A celebration dating back thousands of years in India. Rathayatra
has spread to cities throughout the world since the late
1960's.
The history
of Lord Jagannatha is a story of devotion, the eternal love
between man and God. It tells how the prayers of a devotee
caused the Lord to make his appearance in a wondrous way.
And it shows how Krishna came as the Deity Jagannatha, so
that He could accept loving service from all classes of
men.
The ancient
Vedic literature describes the world ruled by King Indradyumna
as a tranquil place. From his capital in Avantipura, the
emperor surveyed a land filled with peace and prosperity
unknown in modern times. Abundance was everywhere during
the enlightened age of Satya-yuga, except in the heart of
the King. Indradyumna felt all vacant in the world he ruled,
because he hankered for a pleasure beyond material bounds:
he long to see the Lord face to face.
This
is a difficult feat, even for the greatest monarch in the
world. The Gita states that such a boon is rarely achieved
by mystics who devote their entire lives to God realisation.
Usually, the more one is involved in material pursuits,
the less likely one is to make spiritual advancement. So
how is it possible for a king absorbed in worldly affairs
to obtain the Lord's special mercy ?
Krishna
is not partial to displays of material wealth or power:
they are insignificant compared to His glories. What is
significant though is the love each soul may direct to the
Lord. And sometimes Krishna can be conquered by a very pure
love.
