Adani @ Rath Yatra

Jagannath's Grand Design: Where "Maha" Manifests in Divine Unity

Om Sarvesham Svastir Bhavatu | Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu |
Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu | Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu |
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu ||

May auspiciousness be unto all. May peace be unto all.
May fullness be unto all. May prosperity be unto all.
May all beings in all worlds be happy.

This ancient prayer perfectly encapsulates the essence of Lord Jagannath – the "Maha Prabhu" who is a symbol of inclusivity and divine grace.

The Lord of the Universe, Jagannath, embodies the concept of "maha" (big) that transcends mere physical size and permeates through every aspect of His being. From his abode to the way His is worshipped -- everything about Lord Jagannath is designed to evoke a sense of immense scale and inclusivity.

At the heart of "maha" lies the Maha Mandira – the towering Jagannath Temple at Puri. The magnificent architectural marvel dominates Puri’s skyline, standing tall as a testament to centuries of devotion and craftsmanship. Its 214-foot high shikhara (spire) and intricate carvings are breathtaking. It is not just a building. It is a cosmic axis that has been drawing devotees from across the world for centuries.

Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are themselves Maha Devatas. Their unique and abstract forms symbolise their universal nature.

The annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, is perhaps the most vivid expression of "maha" in action. The chariots, meticulously carved every year, are like massive temples on wheels. Millions of devotees pulling these chariots is an astounding display of collective faith and an unparalleled spectacle of "Maha Janasamagam" (great gathering).

The Mahaprasad, the sacred food offered to Lord Jagannath, is another embodiment of "Maha Bhoga" (great offering) and "Maha Prasada" (great grace). Prepared inside what is often called the world's largest kitchen that can feed tens of thousands daily, it symbolises the Lord's boundless generosity. Every grain, vegetable, and sweet is believed to be imbued with divine blessings.

Lord Jagannath embodies "Maha Darshan" (great philosophy). He is revered as Maha Brahma, the ultimate reality, encompassing all deities and cosmic principles. The principal of inclusivity is at the very core welcoming people of all castes, creed, and social strata – a testament to the Lord’s universal embrace.

In essence, Jagannath's “maha” is inextricably linked to His radical inclusivity. Through the universal sharing of Mahaprasad, the all-embracing symbolism of “Mahabahu” Jagannath’s arms, and the unifying power of the Rath Yatra, the message of divine love is reinforced. He stands as a timeless beacon, profoundly relevant today, reminding humanity that true spirituality lies in unconditional acceptance and the celebration of shared devotion, transcending all differences.