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Jagannath Temple, Puri

Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a revered form of Vishnu.

“जिनकी आँखें सब पर एक-सी दृष्टि डालती हैं, वही हैं प्रभु जगन्नाथ।”

― Jagannath Temple, Puri

It stands as one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, drawing countless devotees from across the globe.

Mythological Significance & History

The current temple’s construction began under King Anantavarman Chodaganga of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 11th century CE and continued under his successors, such as Anangabhima Deva II.
Legendary origins trace the shrine back to King Indradyumna of Avanti, who erected a temple centuries earlier. The modern structure was built around the existing sacred site.
The temple has withstood multiple invasions, having been plundered around 18 times, yet remains a vital center of worship.

Significance of the Temple

The temple is home to the wooden idols of Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, carved from sacred neem and ceremonially replaced every 12 to 19 years in the ritual of Nabakalebara.
It is renowned for its Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival), where deities are paraded through Puri on elaborately crafted chariots.
Long associated with Vaishnavism, the temple has also embraced influences from tribal traditions through its unique rituals and servitors, the daitapatis, considered descendants of local aboriginal communities.

Architecture of the Temple

A stunning example of Kalinga or Deula architectural style, the temple spans over 400,000 sq ft and is surrounded by two high walls: Meghanada Prachira (outer wall) and Kurma Bedha (inner wall)

It consists of four main sections – Vimana (sanctum tower), Jagamohana (assembly hall), Nata Mandir (dance hall), and Bhoga Mandapa (offering hall).

The Shikhara (tower) rises up to around 65 meters, crowned by the sacred Nilachakra (Blue Wheel), an alloy disc with eight spokes.

In front of the main entrance sits the Aruna Stambha, a 10 m tall, sixteen-sided monolithic pillar sculpted with detailed motifs, originally from the Konark Sun Temple.

How to Reach to Temple

AirFly to Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (~60 km), then drive to Puri (~1.5–2 hrs).
TrainPuri Railway Station is ~3 km from the temple, connecting to major Indian cities.
RoadWell-connected via NH roads; buses, taxis or autos are available from Bhubaneswar (~60 km) and surrounding towns.

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    5:00 AM to 10:00 PM

  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    5:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Temple Location

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