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The
images of Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath, made of wood are installed on a
broad five-feet high pedestal called Rama Sinhasan. The statues of Balabhadra,
Subhadra and Jagannath are sufficiently big in size, and are in standing
posture. They measure six feet, four feet, and five feet in height respectively,
and are draped in white, yellow and black dress. The sanctum sanctorum is very
spacious. Though benefit of sculptural adornments, it is unusually vast and there
is provision for making pradakshina to the Mula Vigrahas. Strangely enough, there
is neither dazzling diamond Jewels nor shimmering out-fit, as seen in the south
Indian temple or elsewhere also. Why, even the pompous paraphernalia are
conspicuous by their absence. Simplicity and oddity greet us at every step.
There are many explanations and divergent versions about the form of deities and
the influence they have on the ardent devotees. It is believed that the deities
Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath represent respectively the three major sects
of Hinduism-Saivism, Saktism and Vaishnavism, and standing on one and the same
pedestal, they are establishing the essential unity of mankind and equality
among their children. Hence the attraction for all the three sects. Another
version says that the three images are the symbolic figures of the Buddhist
Triad - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and so visited by the Buddhists in large
numbers. Regarding the popularity and fame of the temple, many stories are
circulated. According to one, the spirit of Brahma is embedded in the breast of
Jagannath and it is the main cause for the unprecedented popularity,
universality and sanctity of the place. Some believe that a piece of the bone of
Lord Krishna is enshrined in the bosom of Jagannath. Yet others hazard a guess
that the breast of Jagannath encases a tooth of Lord Buddha. The claims of
several others may appear fantastic and baseless, but none can deny, or refute
with evidence of the unearthly glory of Lord Jagannath.
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