The idols of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balbhadra in sanctum sanctorum at Jagannath Puri Temple are made up of-
Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2019
A. Stone
B. Metal
C. Wood
D. Glass
Answer: Wood
Option c is the correct answer.
The idols of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balbhadra in the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Puri Temple are made of neem wood, which is considered sacred and auspicious. According to the legend, Lord Vishnu instructed King Indradyumna to find a log of neem wood floating in the sea and carve the idols from it. The king hired a craftsman, who was actually Lord Vishwakarma in disguise, to make the idols. The craftsman agreed on the condition that no one should disturb him or see his work until it was finished. However, the king became impatient and opened the door of the workshop before the allotted time. The craftsman disappeared, leaving behind the unfinished idols with no hands or feet. The idols are replaced every twelve or nineteen years by an exact replica in a ceremony called Nabakalebara, which means "new body". The old idols are buried in a sacred place within the temple premises.