What does the baby name Jagannath mean? Learn about what Jagannath means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Jagannath - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
The earliest known use of the name 'Jagannath' can be traced back to ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Puranas and the Mahabharata. In these texts, 'Jagannath' is often used as an epithet for Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Lord Vishnu is believed to be the preserver and protector of the universe, and 'Jagannath' signifies his role in maintaining cosmic order.
As mentioned earlier, the name 'Jagannath' is derived from Sanskrit. Sanskrit is an ancient Indo-Aryan language and is considered the sacred language of Hinduism. The word 'Jagat' refers to the world or the universe, while 'Nath' signifies a lord or a protector. The combination of these two words creates the powerful and meaningful name 'Jagannath'.
The name 'Jagannath' holds immense cultural significance in the religious and spiritual context of Hinduism. Lord 'Jagannath' is worshipped as the Supreme God in the 'Jagannath' Temple in Puri, Odisha. The annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, held in Puri, is one of the most important religious events in India, during which the deities of Lord 'Jagannath', his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken on a grand procession. The name 'Jagannath' is closely associated with this festival and holds deep religious sentiments for devotees.