A follow up to the previous blog posts on Jagannath. Could there be a connection between this peculiar cult and...Buddhism? I´m sure you can´t wait to find out! Also mentions speculations about a blue gemstone at the heart of Jagannath´s idol.
Yes — this is a fascinating and controversial hypothesis that appears occasionally in scholarship and folk speculation: the idea that the mysterious Brahma Padārtha (the innermost object enshrined within Jagannath during the Nabakalebara ritual) may be a Buddhist relic, possibly associated with the historical Buddha himself.
Here’s a breakdown of the idea, its background, and how it fits (or doesn’t fit) into orthodox Hindu belief:
🌀 What Is the Brahma Padārtha?
In the Jagannath tradition, during the rare Nabakalebara ritual (when the wooden idols are replaced), a secret, formless, sacred essence — called the Brahma padārtha or Brahman substance — is transferred from the old Jagannath idol into the new one.
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No one but select Daitapatis may witness or touch it.
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It is wrapped and covered even from those who perform the transfer.
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Its identity is never openly described.
This secrecy has led to centuries of speculation.
🕉️ Orthodox Hindu View
In traditional Hindu accounts, the Brahma padārtha is understood as:
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The life force (prāṇa) or divine essence of Jagannath.
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A symbol or container of Parabrahman, the supreme consciousness.
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In some oral lore, it is said to be a blue jewel, saligrama, or a sacred log with spontaneous marks of divinity.
But its material reality remains unknown and deliberately kept mysterious.
🟡 The Buddhist Relic Theory
Some modern scholars and regional folk traditions speculate that this secret object is actually a Buddhist relic, possibly:
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A relic of the Buddha’s body (śarīra), such as a tooth or bone fragment.
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Or a symbolic Buddhist artifact, such as a Bodhi tree seed, stupa crystal, or manuscript fragment.
Why this idea arose:
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Historical overlap: Odisha was once a stronghold of Buddhism, especially Mahayana and Vajrayana schools. Puri itself may have housed Buddhist monasteries before becoming a Hindu center.
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Jagannath’s iconography: His non-anthropomorphic form, detached eyes, and simplified limbs are sometimes compared to Buddhist totemic figures or chaitya icons.
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Etymology and syncretism: "Jagannath" (“Lord of the Universe”) was also a Buddhist epithet for the Buddha or Avalokiteśvara in some contexts.
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Transformation narratives: The process of subsuming Buddhism into Hinduism in eastern India may have included absorbing Buddhist relics and symbols into Shaiva or Vaishnava temples.
🔴 Problems with the Theory
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There is no textual or archaeological proof that the Brahma padārtha is a Buddhist relic.
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Traditional Daitapatis deny it and maintain that it is a spiritual presence, not a physical object of another religion.
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Puri temple authorities and the Vaishnava community regard this theory as irreverent or even heretical.
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The concept may reflect colonial-era and Orientalist interpretations, which often attempted to “trace” Hinduism back to Buddhism.
🟢 Interpretive Significance
Whether or not literally true, the theory reflects:
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A deep syncretism in Odisha, where tribal, Buddhist, and Hindu elements blend.
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The idea that Jagannath transcends all sects, being accessible to tribals, Buddhists, Shaivas, Vaishnavas, and Shaktas alike.
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The notion that sacredness is not limited to one form—and that Jagannath embodies a mystery beyond definitions.
Would you like more on:
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The Buddhist history of Odisha and Puri?
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Similar cases where Buddhist relics were absorbed into Hindu traditions?
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Alternative Hindu views on what the Brahma padārtha is?
Great question. The terms "totemic figures" and "chaitya icons" as applied to Buddhism (especially in early or tribal-influenced forms) point to visual representations and sacred objects that were non-anthropomorphic, symbolic, or deeply linked to community identity—rather than the fully developed anthropomorphic statues of the Buddha that emerged later.
Here’s what they mean in more detail:
🌀 1. Totemic Figures in Early or Folk Buddhism
The word "totemic" here is used loosely to refer to tribal or symbolic representations of spiritual power or divine presence. These were not elaborate idols, but more abstract forms that represented the Buddha or Dharma.
Examples include:
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The Bodhi tree (representing enlightenment).
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A wheel (dharmachakra) — symbol of Buddha’s teaching.
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A stupa — representing the Buddha's presence and relics.
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A pair of footprints — indicating Buddha's earthly path.
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An empty throne — symbolizing the Buddha without form.
These early representations avoided showing the Buddha's body directly — a practice called aniconism — especially in early Buddhist art (3rd century BCE–1st century CE). Instead, the sacred was shown by symbol and absence, creating a powerful abstract focus.
🛕 2. Chaitya Icons
A chaitya is originally a Buddhist prayer hall or shrine—often carved into rock, especially in western India (like the Ajanta and Karla caves).
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The central feature in a chaitya was usually a stupa, a dome-shaped reliquary.
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People circumambulated the stupa as an act of devotion.
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The stupa itself was the icon — no Buddha statue needed.
So in this context, a "chaitya icon" refers to:
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A non-anthropomorphic object of worship, like a stupa or relic-holder.
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Something that may appear simple, geometric, or even "tribal" in form.
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An object where the power lies in presence, not in form or likeness.
🧩 Link to Jagannath?
Jagannath’s round, simplified form, absence of clear limbs, and mysterious presence have reminded some scholars of these early Buddhist and tribal symbols. His fixed stare, blackened body, and abstract aesthetic resemble some archaic votive figures more than classical Vaishnava idols.
This resemblance has led to:
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The idea that Jagannath may preserve elements of a pre-anthropomorphic religious aesthetic.
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Comparisons with tribal ancestor totems and early Buddhist aniconic symbols.
But it’s important to remember that these comparisons are interpretive, not literal: Jagannath is very much Krishna for his devotees — but he may carry echoes of older forms of Buddhist or tribal sacred art.
Would you like examples of such early Buddhist art?
Yes, you're referring to one of the more esoteric and fascinating theories surrounding the Brahma Padārtha—the secret core substance said to reside within the wooden Jagannath idol, transferred during the rare Nabakalebara ritual. While its exact nature is closely guarded and never publicly seen, several theories have been proposed over the centuries.
🌑 Theories About the Brahma Padārtha ("Substance of God"):
Among the many ideas, one persistent speculation is that this inner relic is a blue gemstone of mystical or spiritual significance.
🟦 1. The Blue Gemstone Theory
This theory holds that the Brahma Padārtha is a radiant blue stone—possibly a sapphire or some unknown substance—that is said to:
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Be self-luminous.
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Represent the essence of Krishna, especially Krishna's heart, according to popular belief.
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Emit a powerful spiritual vibration, which is why only specific Daitapati servitors can handle it during Nabakalebara, and only blindfolded, with rituals done in darkness or semi-darkness.
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Be wrapped in layers of silk, herbs, and other substances to prevent it from being seen or directly touched.
This blue gemstone is not confirmed by any official source but is often spoken of in folk tradition, tantric interpretations, and speculative scholarship.
Some even link it to:
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The Syamantaka Mani, a legendary blue gem in Krishna lore.
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The Kaustubha jewel, worn by Vishnu.
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A Buddhist relic, possibly from ancient tribal Buddhist practices in the region.
🧿 2. Symbolic Interpretations of the Blue Gem
Even if not literal, the idea of a radiant blue core may symbolize:
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Divine consciousness (chaitanya) that is hidden within form.
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The heart of Krishna, representing pure bhakti and sat-chit-ananda (truth-consciousness-bliss).
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The ajna chakra or mystical "third eye" of the deity.
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A Tantric bindu, the source-point of cosmic creation.
In some esoteric streams, especially within Odisha's Shakta-Tantra circles, this blue core is visualized as a cosmic seed, corresponding to the Bija (seed sound) "Krīm" or "Klim", associated with Kali or Krishna.
🔒 Ritual Secrecy & Taboo
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Only a few designated Daitapatis are allowed to see or touch this inner object.
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It is never shown to the public.
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During Nabakalebara, even these priests are said to perform the transfer blindfolded, under strict mantric discipline, and in the dead of night.
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The exact nature of the Brahma Padārtha is considered too sacred to describe and is kept secret even from most temple functionaries.
🕉️ Conclusion
The blue gemstone theory is an intriguing blend of myth, folk memory, and symbolic theology. Whether or not such a gem physically exists inside the idol, the idea reflects:
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The deep belief in an inner divine essence beyond form.
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A continuity with ancient tribal, Vaishnava, and Tantric traditions.
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The unique theological imagination of Jagannath worship, which fuses Krishna bhakti, Tantra, and tribal sacredness.
Would you like to explore the other theories of the Brahma Padārtha as well—such as the Buddhist relic, relic of Krishna, or symbolic bindu from the Sri Chakra?
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