Jagannath with elephant nose

[Guest guest]

> PAMHO AGTSP!

> Recently I've seen a picture of Jagannath, Subhadra and Baladev with

> elephant noses. Does anybody know the story related to this picture? Your

> servant, Vrajendra Kumara das

 

The Deities on this picture are in Snan-yatra costume. The story behind is

as follows. Once a pious merchant came to Jagannath Puri during Snan-yatra

for the Deities, when the Deities from the temple are taken out to the

raised platform above the temple wall. He was a devoted worshiper of Ganesh

and heard before that Jagannath was the embodiment of all Gods and Godesses.

But somehow he could not see that and therefore felt disppointed. He was

ready to leave Jagannath Puri since he could not find his worshipable Deity

there, and before leaving he cast the last glance on the Lord of Universe.

Lo and behold, Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra-devi took elephant-like form

and were smiling at him from the temple wall. Since that day to commemorate

this lila of the Deities They are dressed in elephant costume on

Snan-Purnima day (which is by the way is Their birthday).