Jagannath

Jagannath is a Hindu deity primarily worshipped in the state of Odisha, India, as a manifestation of Vishnu or Krishna. The term "Jagannath" means "Lord of the Universe," and he is most closely associated with the famous Puri temple, where the Rath Yatra festival is held in his honor.

Jagannath, whose name means "Lord of the Universe," is a significant Hindu deity primarily worshipped in Puri, Odisha, where his grand temple is located. He is regarded as a form of Vishnu, specifically identified with Krishna. According to legend, Jagannath took this particular form to unite his devotees, transcending social and religious distinctions. His unique appearance, often represented as a wooden statue with large eyes and no legs, symbolizes his universality and accessibility to all devotees. Jagannath is worshipped alongside his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, who accompany him in many depictions. The Rath Yatra festival is a key event in the worship of Jagannath, during which the statues of the three deities are pulled on large chariots through the city, attracting thousands of devotees.