The prophecy of Lord Jagannath's departure from Puri, as predicted in the Bhavishya Malika, marks the end of Kali Yuga and the onset of a cosmic reset. (Image Source: AI)
The Bhavishya Malika, a very old book connected with the Jagannath Temple in Puri, contains striking prophecies regarding the future, such as the eventual exit of Lord Jagannath. As per this book, when the world hits its nadir of spiritual and moral decline, Lord Jagannath will exit his temple in Puri, proclaiming the end of Kali Yuga also this occurrence will trigger a cosmic reboot, resulting in a time of devastation and rebirth prior to the world entering a new era of spiritual balance. The prediction mentions signs that have already been seen alongside the temple, indicating perhaps the time for his departure may be imminent.
Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe, possesses a distinct and special place in Hinduism. His presence in the Jagannath Temple at Puri is not only that of divinity but an active force ensuring the cosmic balance and in contrast to conventional deities, the idol of Lord Jagannath does not have arms and mouth, representing the universal divine presence beyond human forms. His divine presence is said to keep the universe balanced, which makes the Jagannath Temple one of the most sacred in India.
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But the Bhavishya Malika foretells that Lord Jagannath will surely depart from the temple when Kali Yuga will be at its peak, which will be an era of general corruption and debauchery. This will mark the end of the existing age and the onset of an age of cosmic rebirth.
The exit of Lord Jagannath is exactly connected with the termination of Kali Yuga while the Hindu cosmology says that Kali Yuga is the last age in a series of four Yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Kali Yuga is characterized by degeneration of righteousness (dharma) and an increase in evil (adharma) and according to the prophecy, when the world's moral fiber worsens beyond repair, the divine energy holding it up will retire.
Lord Jagannath, the representative of the divine power that sustains the world, will depart from the temple when spiritual deterioration reaches the crucial level. His departure is an indication that the divine presence cannot sustain the equilibrium anymore, and the world has to be destroyed before it can be remade.
The Bhavishya Malika outlines a number of portents that will signal Lord Jagannath's departure. All these portents have been noticed near the Jagannath Temple across the centuries, contributing to the theory that the prophecy is unfolding. Some of the most important events are:
The Falling of a Tree: Over 600 years ago, a huge tree close to the temple mysteriously fell while this event is seen as a symbolic representation of the decline in spirituality and the upcoming departure of the divine presence.
Crows on the Temple: Crows will congregate atop the temple, according to prophecy. In Hindu mythology, crows are considered to be messengers of the god of death, Yama, and their arrival on top of the temple would be viewed as a sign of ill omen and a portent that the world was approaching the end of the Kali Yuga.
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The Collapse of the Flag: The flag on the Jagannath Temple signifies the divine favor and morality of the universe. Collapse of the flag has happened at different instances in the past and is seen as a warning of Lord Jagannath's departure. The collapse of the flag represents the defeat of divine blessings and the end of morality in the world.
These omens, although appearing coincidental to others, are thought by believers to be completing the prophecy predicted by the Bhavishya Malika.
Hindu scriptures foretell that the termination of Kali Yuga will take place when the world has reached its worst moral level and evil its highest level. Although there is no such timeline for this occasion, the Bhavishya Malika states that the departure of Lord Jagannath will be the final indicator that Kali Yuga is coming to a close also divine collapse will lead to cosmic dissolution, paving the way for a new creation cycle and the world shall experience a time of turmoil, but out of this devastation, there shall arise a new era, symbolizing the beginning of the Satya Yuga—a fresh era of truthfulness, righteousness, and spiritual revival.
The Bhavishya Malika specifically attributes Lord Jagannath's departure to the conclusion of Kali Yuga. The Kali Yuga period is linked with materialism, corruption, and the erosion of spiritual values. With the passage of the age, the world continues to deteriorate morally until the point of withdrawal of the divine presence.
The cosmic reset is a time of devastation, yet it is not devastation leading to annihilation. It indicates the purification of the world, paving the way for the universe to be reborn. The Bhavishya Malika indicates that with Lord Jagannath's departure, change will be ushered in, a renewal that will bring back harmony and righteousness to the world and this is an era that will be marked by the revival of dharma and the birth of a more balanced and spiritually conscious world.
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The Bhavishya Malika prophecies regarding Lord Jagannath's exit from the Puri Temple give us an interesting insight into Hindu cosmology. Whether or not these omens and prophecies materialize, they remind us of the cyclical nature of time in Hindu philosophy. Kali Yuga will eventually be replaced by a cosmic renewal, and a new era of spiritual equilibrium will dawn and the omens around the Jagannath Temple, such as the toppling tree, crows around the temple, and the flag fall, still support belief in this prophecy but whether or not the prophecy will come to pass in the manner predicted, it points to the endless cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth.
