The origin of the word ‘juggernaut’ dates back to historical and cultural contexts. The term ‘juggernaut’ originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Jagannatha’ which means ‘lord of the world’ or ‘master of the universe.’ Jagannatha’ is a deity worshipped in India especially in the city of Puri, Odisha, and is an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.
Jagannatha Rath Yatra
Every year, Jagannatha Rath Yatra (chariot festival) is organized where a large chariot carrying the idol of Jagannatha is paraded through the streets. People from across India and around the world come to witness the glory of this magnificent festival. Devotees believe that throwing themselves under the wheels of the chariot would bring them lord's blessings and give them the strength to endure life’s challenges.
The term 'juggernaut'
During the colonial period, European travellers and missionaries in India witnessed the spectacle of the Jagannatha Rath Yatra. They saw the massive chariot and the devotion of the crowds as representing a powerful and unstoppable force. This led to the inception of the word ‘juggernaut.’
English word
The word ‘juggernaut’ has been in usage in English language since 19th century. It has been used metaphorically to describe any powerful force. In certain contexts, it is also used to describe an invincible and destructive force. According to Cambridge Dictionary, the word means “a large powerful force or organization that cannot be stopped.”