By Balarama Ananda Dasa | Source : https://www.backtogodhead.in/patita-pavana-jagannatha-by-balarama-ananda-dasa/
When devotees call out with sincere love, the Lord reciprocates. But what is the depth of His reciprocation? The story of Lord Jagannatha—especially in His form as Patita Pavana, the deliverer of the fallen—beautifully answers this question.
The Eternal Lord of Puri
Scriptures reveal that Lord Jagannatha and His sacred abode, Puri, are eternal. Even during cosmic annihilation, they remain untouched. As the infinite Supreme Being, Lord Jagannatha also carries infinite names, each reflecting His divine qualities. Here are a few significant ones:
Bhoga Khaiya – The Eater of Unlimited Offerings
In the Jagannatha Temple at Puri, the Lord is offered 56 different items of bhoga daily. This sacred food is then distributed in the Ananda Bazaar—literally, the “marketplace of bliss”—where devotees can partake of maha-prasada. The sheer variety, quantity, and flavor of the offerings make this experience unforgettable. Sweet, salty, spicy, or bland—everything is available for every palate.
Chaka Akhi – The Eyes That Never Blink
Lord Jagannatha is known for His large, round, unblinking eyes—always wide open to shower His loving glance on devotees. It is said that He never blinks, fearing even a moment’s separation from His children. His gaze offers constant protection and mercy to all souls.
Daru Brahman – The Supreme in a Wooden Form
Lord Jagannatha manifests in a wooden form, referred to in Sanskrit as daru. As the Absolute Truth (Brahman), He is affectionately called Daru-Brahman—the Supreme who appears in the most humble and accessible way for the benefit of all.
Divine Pastimes with Devotees
The Lord’s mercy is not restricted by religion, birth, or social status. His pastimes reflect His deep love for pure devotion.
Bhakta Salabeg – The Muslim Devotee
Salabeg, a Muslim by birth and a great poet-devotee, once rushed from Cuttack to Puri during Ratha-yatra, yearning for darsana of the Lord on His chariot. Unable to reach in time, he offered an intense prayer:
“O Lord Jagannatha! Please wait for me!”
A miracle happened—the chariot stopped moving until Salabeg arrived. Such is the Lord’s compassion for a sincere heart.
Bhakta Dasia – The Low-Caste Devotee
Born into a so-called low caste, Dasia was denied entry into the temple. One day, he bought a coconut for Lord Jagannatha and wished to offer it with his own hands. Refused entry, he stood outside and prayed:
“I will wait my whole life if needed, but I want to offer this to You myself.”
Moved by his devotion, the coconut flew into the temple and landed at the Lord’s lotus feet. As the Bhagavad-gita (9.26) says:
“If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.”
Patita Pavana Jagannatha – The Lord Who Delivers All
The name Patita Pavana means “deliverer of the fallen.” While temple customs often restrict entry to non-Hindus and foreigners, Lord Jagannatha remains accessible to all during public festivals like Snana Yatra, Ratha Yatra, and Bahuda Yatra.
But He didn’t stop there. The Lord manifested a special form to ensure that no sincere devotee is ever denied His presence.
The Appearance of the Patita Pavana Deity
In the early 1700s, King Rama Chandra Dev of Orissa lost his caste rights after marrying a Muslim woman. Though still the ruler, he was barred from entering the Jagannatha Temple. Heartbroken, he would stand at the Simha Dvara (Lion Gate) daily, longing for darsana, weeping in separation.
One night, Lord Jagannatha appeared in the king’s dream:
“Make a Deity identical to Me and place Him at the temple gate. There, I will be worshipped and offer darsana to all who are barred from entering. Anyone who beholds this Patita Pavana form or the flag atop the temple shall attain liberation.”
The same night, the head priest of the temple received a similar vision. Soon after, the Deity was carved and established at the temple entrance.
Even today, visitors to Puri can see Patita Pavana Jagannatha just inside the Lion Gate—the Lord who blesses all without discrimination.
Jagannatha Goes Global
In earlier times, Lord Jagannatha’s mercy appeared confined to India. But through Srila Prabhupada’s mission, the Lord’s chariot now rolls through New York, London, Paris, Sydney, and hundreds of cities worldwide.
During British rule, Ratha-yatra was mocked as “idolatry,” but today, Jagannatha’s presence is embraced globally. Once misunderstood rituals are now honored, and devotion has transcended borders.
A Lord for All
Patita Pavana Jagannatha reminds us that no soul is too fallen, no heart too distant. His love reaches across temples, across nations, and across lifetimes. As He once paused His chariot for Salabeg and accepted a coconut from Dasia, He continues to respond to every genuine call of love.
“All glories to Patita Pavana Jagannatha! All glories to the Lord of the universe who accepts all with open arms!”