The word "jagannath" is widely used to refer to the Hindu deity Lord Jagannath. It is spelled as /dʒʌɡənɑːθ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "jag" is pronounced with a voiced postalveolar affricate sound /dʒ/, followed by a short vowel sound /ʌ/. The second syllable "an" is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/, while the third syllable "naath" is pronounced with a long vowel sound /ɑː/. Together, the word is pronounced with a stress on the last syllable, rhyming with "path".
Jagannath is a Sanskrit term that holds prominent significance in Hindu mythology and religious practices. Derived from the words 'Jagat' meaning 'the universe' and 'Nath' meaning 'lord' or 'protector', Jagannath translates to 'Lord of the Universe'. This term primarily refers to Lord Jagannath, a deity worshipped by millions of devotees particularly in the Indian state of Odisha. Lord Jagannath is considered the presiding deity of the famous Jagannath Temple situated in Puri, Odisha, which ranks among the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.
The term Jagannath is often used to refer to the annual Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival celebrated in Puri, where the main deities of Lord Jagannath, his sibling deities Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, are taken on a grand procession in beautifully decorated chariots. This festival attracts an enormous gathering of devotees from all over the world who come to seek blessings and witness the divine procession.
Beyond its religious significance, Jagannath can also metaphorically represent the concept of cosmic unity and the belief that the divine presence encompasses the entire universe. The term is thus occasionally used in Hindu philosophy to symbolize the omnipotent and omniscient nature of God that transcends all boundaries and encompasses all beings and elements of creation.
In summary, Jagannath is a Sanskrit term that essentially represents the 'Lord of the Universe' and predominantly refers to Lord Jagannath, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, especially within the state of Odisha, India.
The word "Jagannath" is derived from the Sanskrit language, where "Jagat" means "world" or "universe", and "nath" means "lord" or "master". In Hinduism, "Jagannath" is one of the many names for Lord Vishnu, who is considered the preserver of the universe. The word is primarily associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India, where Lord Jagannath is worshipped.