An unusual syncretic Indian deity that combines aspects of different major faiths, the dark-coloured Lord Jagannath is still periodically and ceremoniously renewed as a sacred, simple wooden carving, brilliantly painted with a round face and huge symmetrical eyes. The circular form symbolises the divine concept of the Sanskrit terms “anadi,”without beginning, and “ananta,” without end.
Enshrined at the rebuilt 12th century temple in Puri, Odisha on the country’s eastern coast, the mask icon is considered an abstract cosmic representation of the popular God Krishna, regarded as an incarnation of the Hindu Preserver and Protector, Vishnu.
With diverse Buddhist, Jain and tribal roots, Jagannath emerged at the head of another powerful trinity featuring his older brother Balabadra/Balarama and youngest sister Subhadra. For centuries a vital pilgrimage destination, the temple is found at one of four consecrated cardinal points and attracts hordes of worshippers especially in June or July when it stages the annual Ratha Jatra, or India’s oldest Chariot Festival.
