The Elusive Lord: The Divine Mystery and Grace of Shri Jagannath

The enigmatic nature of Lord Jagannath has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. Though described in numerous Puranas and scriptures, the Lord remains beyond complete comprehension, a divine mystery that even the gods cannot fully grasp. Today, let’s explore this concept and the immense spiritual benefits of receiving his darshan (viewing), as explained in the Skanda Purana.

The Incomprehensible Essence of Lord Jagannath

As the text implies, the very nature of Lord Jagannath defies understanding. He is the Param Brahma (Supreme Being), the source of all existence, yet his essence remains elusive. While scriptures attempt to capture his glory and importance, they ultimately acknowledge that his true nature is beyond human comprehension.

The Skanda Purana Purushottama Mahatmyam, in its tenth chapter, verse 44, states:

“Devata gananku durlabha Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhunka darshan mahabhagya re labha hoithae. Jeo mahan atma Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhunka krupare akapat hrudayare tankara darshan labha karanti, semanankara aprapya boli kichi rahenaahi. Semane samasta dikshara phala labha karanti. Samasta yagyan phala labha karanti. Samasta uttama dharma anusthana ra phala labha karanti. Samasta paparu mukta huanti. Samasta dana ra phala labha karanti. Sarba gunare jukta huanti. Samasta sthanare sreshtha huanti. Tankara bani ku Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu satyare parinata karanti. Sa eva data kratubhih sa yashta satya pravakta sa tu dharmashila. Sarvargunaih sarvabhavaibaristha Niladri Natha khalu yena drushta.”

This translates to:

“The darshan of Shri Jagannath, which is difficult for even the gods to attain, is received through great fortune. The noble souls who receive his darshan with a sincere heart, leave nothing unattained. They receive the fruits of all initiations, all sacrifices, and all righteous deeds. They are freed from all sins, receive the fruit of all donations, become endowed with all virtues, and become the greatest in all places. Their words are made true by Lord Jagannath himself. He is the best of all in all respects, he is the best among all those who have seen Niladrinath.”

This verse emphasizes the immense power and grace that accompany the darshan of Lord Jagannath, obtained through sincere devotion and his blessings.

The Significance of Darshan

The act of seeing Lord Jagannath is not a passive event; it’s a divine communion, an opening of oneself to the Lord’s grace. The verse explains that it is only by Lord Jagannath’s grace that devotees are able to have his darshan. Those who achieve it are blessed with spiritual fulfillment:

• Attainment: They reach the pinnacle of spiritual progress, surpassing all obstacles.

• Liberation: They are freed from the bondage of sin and karma, attaining ultimate peace.

• Fulfillment: They receive the fruits of all acts of piety, including yagnas (sacrifices) and charity.

• Virtue: They are filled with virtue and all good qualities, and they attain prominence in the world.

• Divine Grace: The promise of Lord Jagannath is that he fulfills all the words and actions of his devotees.

The Importance of Surrender

The text emphasizes the importance of divine grace in receiving a glimpse of Lord Jagannath. Only when the Lord wills it, are devotees granted the opportunity to experience his presence. It is through devotion and surrender that one’s heart is made ready to receive the divine blessings.

Bringing the Divine Home

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