One of the most widely known and revered temples in India is the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, especially among Vaishnavites who see Lord Jagannath as one of the main manifestations of Lord Vishnu. Situated in the state of Odisha on the eastern coast of India, the temple holds significant value in the state’s cultural history.
Founder of Jagannath Temple
Traditionally, Raja Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, a paramount ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in Kalinga, is credited with building the Jagannath temple in Puri. Based on historical reports, he is credited with managing the temple’s construction in the 12th century, and it was completed in 1182 CE. While official records do not offer comprehensive insights into the construction of the temple, popular opinion places the responsibility on Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.
Architectural of the Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple is extensive, spanning 37,000 square meters. The 6.1-meter-tall Meghananda Pacheri, which encircles the entire temple, acts as the outer wall of defense. Kurma Bheda is another outer wall that encloses the central part of the temple. With its roots in Oriya architecture, the temple has about 120 temples and shrines on its grounds. The main temple has a unique curved design, with the Nila Chakra—a symbolic chakra of Lord Vishnu—crowning it. The temple’s imposing construction soars to an astounding 65 meters in height.
Who built Jagannath Murti?
As per the tradition, King Indradyumna, who was a Malava king and recorded in the Mahabharata and Puranas, commissioned the construction of the first Jagannath temple. Bharata and Sunanda’s son. Jagannath was permitted to erect the world’s tallest monument by King Indradyumna.
The statues of Jagannath: what’s inside?
The murtis of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, & Sudarshana Chakra are made of neem wood. Neem wood is chosen because the Bhavishya Purana declares it to be the most propitious wood from which to make Vishnu murtis. The statues are made from neem wood and are replaced every 12 or 19 years during the Nabakalebara festival.
Jagannath Temple Rath Yatra
One of the most well-known events associated with the Jagannath Temple is the Rath Yatra, which takes place every year in June or July. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are paraded through Puri’s streets on three enormous chariots during this colorful celebration. Thousands of devotees joyously pull the chariots in the procession, which is a spectacular spectacle that creates a sacred and joyous environment in honor of this customary occasion.
Reason Behind Rath Yatra Celebration
Jagannath Every year, the Hindus celebrate the Rath Yatra, which commemorates the pilgrimage of Lord Jagannath, his younger sister Goddess Subhadra, and his older brother Lord Balabhadra from their home temple in Puri, Odisha, to their aunt’s shrine in Gundicha, which is roughly three kilometers away.
Jagannath Temple’s four paths?
The Lord Jagannath Temple’s four gates.
1. Lion’s Gate, Simha Dwara, Eastern Gate.
2. Horse Gate, Southern Gate, Aswa Dwara.
3. Tiger Gate, Western Gate, Vyaghra Dwara.
4. Elephant Gate, Northern Gate, and Hasti Dwara.
Mysteries About Jagannath Temple
1. The flag is floating the other way. Every Time there’s a wind, the flag atop the Jagannath Temple flies in the other direction.
2. The Nila Chakra, the soundproof nature, the no-fly zone, the geographical mystery, and the peculiar cooking method.
3. The Jagannath Temple, standing at about 214 feet, is peculiar for its spire, which consistently lacks the presence of shadows from animals or birds.
Way to Jagannath Temple
Travel Via Train
The nearest railway station to Puri is Puri Railway Station, located just 3.33 km from the Jagannath Puri temple.
Travel Via Air
The closest airport at the moment is the Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is roughly 64.6 kilometers from the heritage city of Jagannath Puri. It’s simple to take a train to Puri from the airport. The train ride takes about two hours and thirty-six minutes.
Best place to visit near Jagannath temple:
Puri Beach
One of the most incredible beaches in East India is Puri Beach, also known as Golden Beach, which is located next to the Bay of Bengal. Puri Beach is a lovely sandy beach located in Puri, Odisha, on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is two kilometers from Jagannath Temple and 2.5 kilometers from Puri Junction.
Marjandeswara temple
One of the well-known Hindu temples in Puri, Odisha, is Markandeshwara Temple, which is located 3 kilometers from Puri Junction and 1 km from Sri Jagannath Temple. The temple is located north of the Jagannath Temple on Markandeshwar Street, next to the Markandeshwar Tank. This is one of the 52 holy Shiva sites in India, as well as one of the Pancha Tirthas of Puri.
Best Time to visit: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sudarshan Crafts Museum
The Jagannath Temple is about 3.0 miles and 10 minutes away from this museum. The cost of museum admission is Rs. 5 for Indian citizens and Rs—50 for foreign nationals. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Konark temple
The famous Konark Sun Temple and the holy Puri Jagannath Temple are around 35 km apart, and it takes about an hour to drive between these two sites of spiritual significance. Constructed entirely of stone in the thirteenth century, the Sun Temple honors the Hindu sun god Surya and is situated in Konark, Odisha. This architectural wonder, which is renowned for its unmatched sculptural inventiveness and the exceptional craftsmanship displayed in its delicately carved motifs, is the pinnacle of Hindu Orissan architecture.
Puri Temple to Chilika Lake
The drive from Puri to Chilka Lake, which is roughly 50 km long, is a beautiful experience that takes about one hour. Or, for an even more excellent adventure, hire a boat straight from Puri and travel by boat to the enchanted Chilika Lake. This detour offers a different viewpoint on the surroundings and brings some peace to the journey.
Stay in Style at the Trendiest Hotels & Resorts in Puri
The hotels offer cozy rooms, decent amenities, and hospitality & are at a walkable distance from Puri Beach. It is noteworthy that the hotels in Puri have a check-in time of 9 a.m. and a checkout time of 8 a.m.
I am adding some hotels and resorts near Jagannath Puri Temple.
Toshali Sands Resort
Address: Konark Marine Drive, Puri, Odisha
Hotel Holiday Resort
Address: Chakratirtha Road, Puri, Odisha
Mayfair Waves
Address: Chakratirtha Road, Puri, Odisha
Hotel Sonar Bangla Puri
Address: New Marine Drive Road, Puri, Odisha
Chanakya BNR Hotel
Address: VIP Road, Puri, Odisha
Conclusion
In conclusion, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva built the Shree Jagannath Temple Puri, a structure revered for its spiritual significance and magnificent architecture. The yearly Rath Yatra livens up the atmosphere of the temple.
The trek to this holy place is a spiritual experience, and there are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding surroundings. October through March, the beautiful winter months, are the ideal times to visit Puri.
Trendy hotels and resorts in Puri add to the experience by offering a chic and pleasant stay. Puri promises to be a remarkable retreat for anyone looking for spirituality and relaxation with its unique blend of history and modernity.
FAQ’s
Why does Jagannath experience a fever?
It is part of the preliminary ceremonies of the yatra. Every year during Anasara, the three gods, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, are quarantined for 14 days. According to mythology, the gods grow feverish after taking a long bath following Devasnana Purnima.
Why are the eyes of Jagannath so large?
There are numerous explanations given for this. Some say that Lord Krishna (Vishnu) sees everything, so his large eyes symbolize that. Others say that Lord Jagannath’s eyes grew huge, and his hands and legs became absorbed in his.
When is the best Time to travel to Puri?
The months of October through February are the ideal times to visit Puri. With temperatures ranging from 16 – 28 degrees Celsius, the weather is not only pleasant but also lends an ethereal quality to the city’s tourist attractions in this season.
