Shri Jagannath Puri Temple, Odisha
The Shri Jagannath Temple, located in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu). It is part of the Char Dham Yatra, making it a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is world-famous for the Rath Yatra, an annual chariot festival where the deities are taken on a grand procession.
Jagannath Puri Temple Features
- Massive Temple Complex: The temple stands at 214 feet (65 meters), surrounded by a 20-foot-high fortified wall known as Meghanada Pacheri.
- Mystery of the Flag: The temple flag always flows in the opposite direction of the wind, defying natural laws.
- The Kitchen of the Gods: The temple has the world’s largest kitchen, serving Mahaprasad, which is prepared in clay pots using traditional methods.
- Non-Shadow Structure: The temple casts no shadow at any time of the day, an unexplained architectural marvel.
- Rath Yatra: The annual Chariot Festival is the biggest attraction, where the deities are placed on massive wooden chariots and pulled by thousands of devotees.
Jagannath Puri Temple Location
The temple is situated in Puri, Odisha, along the eastern coast of India. It is around 60 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. The temple is well-connected by road, rail, and air, with Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar being the nearest airport.
Jagannath Puri Temple History
The Shri Jagannath Puri Temple was originally constructed in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple has withstood various invasions and has been renovated multiple times. The deity of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, is made of wood and is ceremoniously replaced every 12 to 19 years in a ritual called Nabakalebara.
Jagannath Puri Temple Nearby Attraction
- Puri Beach (2 km): A serene beach along the Bay of Bengal, ideal for relaxation.
- Gundicha Temple (3 km): The final destination of the Rath Yatra procession.
- Chilika Lake (50 km): Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, home to migratory birds.
- Konark Sun Temple (35 km): A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning stone-carved chariot structure.
- Raghurajpur Artist Village (15 km): Famous for Pattachitra paintings and traditional crafts.
