Odisha is recognized as Lord Jagannath's home state (literally meaning the Lord of the Universe). The temple, which was constructed in the 12th century AD, is the centre of the Jagannath religion, and pilgrims from all over the world visit Puri throughout the year. The mysticism associated with Lord Jagannath's cult overshadows this magnificent temple's architectural brilliance. The massive temple, which is built on a raised platform, is an amazing achievement in and of itself. Source: Wikipedia.org New modifications to the temple's structure were made before the 16th century AD. The carvings on the temples, unlike those on other temples in the area, are mostly of gods and goddesses. The Kuruma Bheda (Inner wall) and the Meghnad Pachira (Outer wall) are two concentric walls that surround the entire temple complex (Wall). The main entrance to the temple is through Singhadwara, which is situated on the temple's eastern front, with three additional entrances located in each of the four cardinal directions. However, the other entrances are not architecturally aligned, implying that they were built for security reasons because the temple was in the midst of a turbulent time between the 16th and 18th centuries.
The Jagannath Temple is a significant Hindu temple in Puri, Odisha, on India's eastern coast, dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. The current temple was constructed on the site of an earlier temple from the 10th century onwards, and was started by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, is held every year at the Puri temple, during which the three main deities are pulled by massive, ornately decorated temple cars. Unlike most Hindu temple idols, which are made of stone or metal, Jagannath's image is made of wood and is ceremoniously replaced every twelve or 19 years by an exact replica. It is considered to be one of the Char Dhams. The temple is considered sacred by all Hindus, but particularly by Vaishnavas. The temple was closely associated with many great Vaishnava saints, including Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya, and Ramananda. Near the temple, Ramanuja established the Emar Mutt, and Adi Shankaracharya founded the Govardhana Mutt, which is the seat of one of the four Shankaracharyas. It also has special meaning for followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, whose creator, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was drawn to the deity Jagannath and spent several years in Puri. According to the Kendupatna copper-plate inscription of his descendant Narasimhadeva II, the temple was founded by the Ganga dynasty king Anantavarman Chodaganga in the 12th century CE. Anantavarman was a Shaivite who converted to Vaishnavism after conquest of the Utkala area (where the temple is located) in 1112 CE. His donation to the temple is recorded in an inscription from 1134–1135 CE. As a result, the temple's building must have begun after 1112 CE. Source: Wikipedia.org Desecrations and invasions of the Temple The Madala Panji, the temple annals, document eighteen invasions and plunderings of the Jagannath temple in Puri. In 1692, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ordered the temple to be closed before he required it to be reopened, otherwise, it would be demolished. The local Mughal officials who came to do the job were asked by the locals, and the temple was simply closed. It was only after Aurangzeb's death in 1707 that it was reopened. It was built by Anangabhima-deva II, according to a report in the temple chronicles: different chronicles list the year of construction as 1196, 1197, 1205, 1216, or 1226. This indicates that the temple was finished or restored during the reign of Anantavarman's son Anangabhima. During the reigns of subsequent rulers, such as those of the Ganga dynasty and the Suryvamshi (Gajapati) dynasty, the temple complex was further developed.Some of the architectural feats of the temple. The main temple is built in such a way that at any time of day, no shadow of the temple falls on the earth. The Nilachakra, also known as the Blue Wheel, is made up of eight metals, or asta dhatu, and is perched atop the temple. It is said that seeing the Nilachakra is equivalent to seeing the Lord himself. The flag, also known as the Patitapabana, moves in the opposite direction of the wind and is changed every day at sunset. A family named by the King is in charge of changing the flag. They've been doing this ritual for over 800 years, climbing 165 metres barefoot and without any encouragement. The Mahaprasad, or Lord's offering, is prepared on fire lit by wood charcoal, and rice, vegetables, cereals, and other foods are placed in earthen pots and stacked on top of each other on the fire. The pot on the stovetop is the first to cook. The Aruna stambha, a 33-foot homogenous structure pillar in front of the Singhadwar, the temple's main entrance, was originally located at Konark's Sun Temple. Another distinguishing characteristic of the temple is that the holy trinity idols are made from wood rather than stone or metal. They're still the only gods who have to deal with death.
Puri, Odisha
+91-674-2511166 gajapati@dte.vsnl.net.injagannath@nic,in Shree Jagannath Temple Puri Sri Nahar 752001
The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet (37,000 m2), and is surrounded by a high fortified wall. These 20 feet (6.1 m) high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri. Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple. It contains at least 120 temples and shrines. With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India. The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely –
The discus fixed on the top shikhar of the Jagannath Temple is known as the Nila Chakra (Blue Discus). Every day, a different flag is waved on the Nila Chakra, as is traditional. The Patita Pavana (Purifier of the Fallen) flag is similar to the image of the deities put in the sanctum sanctorum and is flown on the Nila Chakra.
The Nila Chakra is a disc with eight Navagunjaras carved around the perimeter, each facing the flagpost above. It's made of an eight-metal alloy (Asta-dhatu) and stands 3.5 metres (11 feet and 8 inches) tall with an 11-meter circumference (36 feet). The Nila Chakra was repaired and restored by the Archaeological Survey of India during the year 2010.
The Singahdwara, which means "Lion Gate" in Sanskrit, is one of the temple's four gates and serves as the main entrance. The Singhadwara is named after the two massive crouching lion statues that stand on either side of the entrance. The Bada Danda, or Grand Road, is visible from the gate, which faces east. '37' The Baisi Pahacha, or twenty-two-step flight of stairs, leads to the temple complex. On the right side of the entrance is a Jagannath idol known as Patitapavana, which means "Saviour of the Downtrodden and the Fallen" in Sanskrit. Untouchables may pray to Patita Pavana in ancient times when they were not permitted to enter the temple. On either side of the doorway are statues of the temple's two guards, Jaya and Vijaya.
Within the Temple complex, there are several smaller temples and shrines where active worship is held on a regular basis. The Vimala Temple (Bimala Temple) is one of the most significant Shaktipeeths, as it marks the location where Goddess Sati's navel fell. In the temple complex, it is near Rohini Kund. It is not called Mahaprasad until the food provided to Jagannath is also offered to Goddess Vimala.
Within the temple complex, there are several Mandapas, or pillared halls on elevated platforms, which are used for religious gatherings. The Mukti Mandapa, the congregation hall of the holy seat of selected educated Brahmins, is the most popular.
The temple's kitchen is the world's best. According to legend, the Goddess Mahalakshmi, the empress of Srimandir herself, supervises all Mahaprasad cooking in the temple kitchens, and if the food prepared has any flaws, a shadow dog appears near the temple kitchen as a sign of her disapproval. If the shadow dog is spotted, the food is dumped and a fresh batch is prepared.
According to Hindu religious texts, all 56 varieties of food produced are vegetarian and prepared without onions, garlic, or chillies. Only earthen pots are used to cook, with water drawn from two special wells near the kitchen called Ganga and Yamuna.
Every day, there are comprehensive worship services. Every year, millions of people attend a variety of festivals. In June, the Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, is the most significant event. This magnificent festival features a procession of three massive chariots carrying the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra along Puri's Bada Danda, or Grand Avenue, to the Gundicha Temple.
Security
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Daily
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Temple
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Aarti |
Time :5.00 am |
Bus Service - Puri is well connected by bus from all over the state.
From 5 a.m. to midnight, the Jagannath temple is open. To escape the crowds, go early in the morning, after the first aarti ceremony, about 7 a.m., or after 9 p.m. When the lamps are lit and the temple is illuminated at night, the ambiance is evocative.
Vehicles are not allowed near the temple complex, with the exception of cycle rickshaws. Tourists can either take one or walk from the parking lot. The main Lion Gate of the temple is located on Grand Road. The temple complex is open to the public for free. At the entrance, the tourist will find guides who will lead them on a tour of the temple complex for a price that can be negotiated (about 200 rupees). It is not, however, required to hire one.