The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines and one of the four Dhams linked to Adi Shankaracharya. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, worshipped with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Here is a guide.
History
The present temple was built in the 12th century, with construction begun during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Its towering main spire rises high above the town and is a landmark of Kalinga style architecture.
The unique deities
- Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are carved from neem wood, unlike the stone or metal idols in most temples.
- The idols have large round eyes and incomplete arms, which carry deep symbolic meaning.
- The Sudarshan Chakra is also worshipped with them.
Nabakalebara
The wooden idols are replaced in a ritual called Nabakalebara, meaning new body, held in years with a special lunar calendar alignment, usually every 12 to 19 years. Special neem trees are chosen through ancient signs. The last Nabakalebara was held in 2015.
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Mahaprasad
The temple kitchen is said to be one of the largest in the world. Food is cooked in clay pots stacked on wood fires. After being offered to the deities, it becomes Mahaprasad and is sold at the Ananda Bazar within the temple complex. Devotees of all backgrounds eat together, a symbol of equality.
Rath Yatra
The famous Rath Yatra, held in the month of Ashadha, sees the three deities taken out on huge wooden chariots, newly built every year, to the Gundicha Temple. Lakhs of devotees pull the chariots. The word juggernaut in English comes from Jagannath and this chariot festival.
Recent events
In 2024, all four gates of the temple were reopened for devotees, and the Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s treasury, was opened for inventory and repairs after decades.
Rules for visitors
- Entry inside the temple is restricted to Hindus, as per long standing temple rules.
- Mobile phones, cameras, leather items and bags are not allowed inside.
- Dress modestly. The temple administration has asked devotees to wear decent traditional attire.
- Follow queue arrangements and instructions of temple staff.
How to reach
- Puri railway station has trains from many cities.
- The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away.
Nearby places
- Puri beach and Swargadwar.
- Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Chilika Lake.
Bottom line
The Jagannath Temple combines ancient rituals, unique wooden deities and the grand Rath Yatra. A visit to Puri offers a glimpse of one of India’s most living traditions.
Source / स्रोत: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri, Odisha Tourism, Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism
