Jagannatha

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In Hindu mythology, a name given to Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu.
2. n. A celebrated idol of this deity at Puri in Orissa. It is a rudely carved wooden image, of which the body is red, the face black, and the armsgilt; the mouth is open and red, as if with blood; and the eyes are formed of precious stones. It is covered with rich vestments, and is seated on a throne between two others, representing Bala-Rama, the brother, and Subhadra, the sister of Krishna. The temple at Puri stands in an area containing many other temples, and inclosed by a high stone wall about 650 feet square. The temple is built chiefly of coarse granite resembling sandstone, and appears as a vast mass of masonry surmounted by several towers, the great tower rising to a height of 192 feet. Under the main tower are placed the three idols. Great multitudes of pilgrims come from all quarters of India to pay their devotions at his shrine. On these occasions the idol is mounted on an enormous car—the car of Juggernaut—resting on massive wooden wheels, and drawn by the pilgrims. Formerly many of the people threw themselves under the wheels to be crushed to death, the victims believing that by this fate they would secure immediate conveyance to heaven. The practice is now of very rare occurrence. [In this sense usually Juggernaut.]

WordNet 3.0

1. n. an avatar of Vishnu