31. The Extraordinary Form of Lord Jagannath

The Extraordinary Form of Lord Jagannath:

Pilgrims in Puri often ask the question, "Why does the Deity of Jagannatha Deva have such an unusual form?" The answer is simple-God wants to appear like this, in this most unusual form, to establish religion in this most unusual age of Kali. 

The "Vamadeva Samhita" and the "Skanda Purana" (Utkala Khanda 18.3, 37) state that Bhagavan Sri Krsna appears in this covered wooden form out of His independent will and due to the prayer of Lord Brahma. Ultimately, Jagannatha Deva exhibits whatever form His devotee wants to see as stated in Skanda Purana (Utkala Khanda 23.49-50).

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