Sri Puri Jagannath Temple: The Lord of the Universe

Sri Puri Jagannath Temple is one of the famous and sacred temples belonging to Lord Jagannath. It is a place where ancient rituals and cultures were followed. Here we find trinity gods in the form of Jagannath, Bala Bhadra, goddess Subhadra, and Sudarshan Chakra. The Jagannath temple was built in the 12th century A.D. by King Ananta Burman Chodaganga Dev.

As we are all aware India is a country where many kings ruled, here we find their presence and their style of worship even today. This temple is located in the city of Puri on the branches of the river. Sri Puri Jagannath Temple is not only known for its architecture but also for its natural beauty.

“ sarvam rahasyam purusottamasya Devonajanati kuto manusya”

The above sloka is one of the ancient Sanskrit slokas which means, He is the lord of the universe, and he is immortal and remains a mystery. He is the supreme among mankind.

Sri Puri Jagannath Temple is filled with many secrets and mysteries. Usually, we find idols made of metal or stone but here idols are made with wood (neem logs referred to as Daru Brahma). For every 12 years, these idols are ceremoniously replaced by another wooden replica. Hindus treat this as a new embodiment but the exact reason behind this ritual still remains secret. Lord Jagannath is being noted in many ancient texts like Agni Puran, Brahma Purana, brahmana Puran, etc.

Devotes who come here have a holy bath and visit nearby shops to purchase items that are liked by the lord. Then enter the main entrance where you find Dwajastambam. Whoever devotee sees dwajastambam of Puri Jagannath is considered to see the lord directly. Sri Puri Jagannath Temple is an amalgamation of different temples, here we find Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and goddess Shakti.

We find the sacred mantra “Om namo jagannatha swamiye namaha” is being spelled by all devotees while entering the main temple, we find 22 steps which we call Bahise Sahocha.

Every year there is be Ratha yatra (Chariot festival) which is considered to be one of the biggest Ratha yatras in India. This is done during the 2nd day of Aashada masa, Sukla Paksha. During Ratha yatra, sacred idols are being bought from the temple and placed them on their allotted ratha with the process of Pahundi by making idols move front and back.

A Few interesting facts about the Sri Puri Jagannath Temple:

• The flag atop always flaps in the opposite direction of the air
• Sudharshan chakra present on the top will always face you wherever the place you stand in the city of Puri
• On every seashore, air comes from the seashore to land during the daytime and vice versa during the night. But here it is quite the opposite.
• Never a bird or flight flies above the Sri Puri Jagannath Temple.
• You will not be able to see the shadow of the main dome at any point of the day.
• The quantity of food cooked remains the same throughout the year which is aimed to serve 20 lakh devotees. Even at times of surplus devotees, or decrease in devotees, there is no record of shortfall of prasad or wastage
• In the temple kitchen, there are 7 pots that are placed on one another and cooked on firewood. During the process of cooking always top pot gets cooked first and the pots are cooked in descending order.

Sri Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra:

The Sri Puri Jagannath Ratha Yatra is an annual Hindu festival that is held in the city of Puri, India. The festival celebrates the annual journey of the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, who are the presiding deities of the Jagannath Temple.

The festival begins with the decoration of three grand chariots, each dedicated to one of the deities. The chariots are decorated with flowers, flags, and other ornaments. On the day of the festival, the deities are taken out of the temple and placed on the chariots. The chariots are then pulled by thousands of devotees through the streets of Puri.

The Ratha Yatra is a major religious and cultural event. It is attended by millions of devotees from all over the world. The festival is a celebration of faith, devotion, and community.

The Ratha Yatra is a five-day festival. The first day is called Pahandi, when the deities are taken out of the temple and placed on the chariots. The second day is called Bahuda Yatra, when the chariots are pulled from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The third day is called Niladri Bije, when the deities return to the Jagannath Temple. The fourth day is called Chandan Yatra, when the deities are anointed with sandalwood paste. The fifth day is called Ulta Ratha Yatra, when the chariots are pulled back to the Jagannath Temple in reverse order.

Architecture of Sri Puri Jagannath Temple:

Main Temple Structure: The main temple structure is known as the “Deula.” It is a towering structure built on a raised platform and is surrounded by a high wall. Sri Puri Jagannath Temple is made of stone and stands approximately 214 feet (65 meters) tall.

Sikhara (Spire): The Sikhara of the temple is a distinctive feature of its architecture. It has a pyramidal shape and is made of sandstone. The spire rises high above the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Jagamohan (Mukhasala): The Jagamohan is the assembly hall or the front porch of the main temple. It is a pyramidal structure and is also known as the Mukhasala. The inner sanctum, or garbhagriha, where the deity resides, is connected to the Jagamohan.

Vimana: The Vimana is the sanctum sanctorum of the temple where the deity of Lord Jagannath is enshrined. It is a small, windowless structure with a pyramidal roof.

Mandapa: Surrounding the main temple, there are several pillared halls and mandapas that are used for various religious rituals, gatherings, and as resting places for pilgrims.

Stone Carvings: Sri Puri Jagannath Temple is famous for its intricate stone carvings and sculptures. The carvings depict various scenes from Hindu mythology, including the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, as well as various motifs and deities.

Lingaraja Style: The architectural style of the Sri Puri Jagannath Temple is often referred to as the Kalinga or Lingaraja style. This style is characterized by its unique spire and the use of sandstone for construction.

Flag and Flagstaff: At the top of the temple’s spire, there is a flag (called the Patitapavana Bana) and a flagstaff (Dwaja Stambha) that is changed daily as part of a ritual.

Surrounding Walls: Sri Puri Jagannath Temple is enclosed by high walls, which have several gates for entry. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple premises.

Lingam and Yoni: In front of the temple’s main entrance, there is a sacred pillar known as the Aruna Stambha. It represents the Lingam and Yoni and is considered a symbol of Lord Shiva.

Places to visit near Sri Puri Jagannath Temple:

Konark Sun Temple: Located about 35 kilometers from Puri, the Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel. It is dedicated to the sun god Surya and is famous for its intricate carvings.

Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, is about 35 kilometers from Puri. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, and you can take boat rides to explore the lake and spot migratory birds and dolphins.

Puri Beach: The beach is right in Puri and is a popular destination for tourists. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, indulge in water sports, or simply relax by the sea.

Raghurajpur: Located about 14 kilometers from Puri, Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village known for its Pattachitra paintings and traditional Odissi dance. You can explore the art and culture of the region here.

Sakhigopal Temple: This temple, around 20 kilometers from Puri, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It’s known for its exquisite architecture and is an important pilgrimage site.

Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is about an hour’s drive from Puri. The Lingaraja Temple is one of the most famous temples in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The city is also known for its many ancient temples and architectural heritage.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: These caves are around 30 kilometers from Puri and date back to the 2nd century BCE. They are rock-cut caves with intricate carvings and inscriptions.

Dhauli Hill: About 30 kilometers from Puri, Dhauli Hill is a significant historical site known for the Kalinga War, after which Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism. You can visit the Peace Pagoda and see the rock edicts here.

Ratnagiri and Udayagiri Buddhist Complex: These ancient Buddhist complexes are located about 70 kilometers from Puri and are known for their Buddhist sculptures and archaeological significance.

Satpada: Satpada, approximately 50 kilometers from Puri, is the entry point to the Chilika Lake and is known for its scenic beauty and boating facilities.

FAQ:

What is the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri?

The Sri Jagannath Temple, also known as the Puri Temple or Jagannath Puri, is a famous Hindu temple located in the city of Puri in the state of Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.

What is the significance of the Jagannath Temple?

Sri Puri Jagannath Temple is of great religious and cultural significance to Hindus. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is considered one of the holiest places in India.

When was the Jagannath Temple built?

The temple’s exact construction date is not clear, but it is believed to have been built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva.

Are non-Hindus allowed inside the temple?

No, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple. However, they can visit the temple premises and witness its grand architecture and the activities outside.

Is photography allowed inside the temple?

No, photography is not allowed inside the Sri Puri Jagannath Temple. Visitors are generally not permitted to take pictures of the main deities.

What are the darshan timings of the temple?

The temple has specific darshan timings, which can vary on different days. It is advisable to check the official website or inquire locally for the current darshan schedule.

What is the best time to visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri?

The best time to visit the temple is during the winter months, between October and February, as the weather is pleasant. The Rath Yatra, which usually takes place in June or July, is also a popular time to visit.

Is there any dress code for visiting the temple?

Yes, there is a dress code for entering Sri Puri Jagannath Temple. Men are required to wear dhotis without a shirt, and women should wear traditional Indian attire such as a saree or a salwar kameez.

What are the main festivals celebrated at the Jagannath Temple?

The main festivals celebrated at Sri Puri Jagannath Temple include Rath Yatra, Snana Yatra, Chandan Yatra, and various other festivals dedicated to Lord Jagannath and his siblings.

How to reach Sri Puri Jagannath Temple:

1. Choose Your Mode of Transportation:
   • By Air: The nearest airport to Puri is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is approximately 60 kilometers away from Puri. You can book a flight to Bhubaneswar and then continue your journey to Puri by road.
   • By Train: Puri is well-connected by train to major cities in India. Puri Railway Station is the main railway station in the city. You can check the availability of trains and book your tickets in advance.
   • By Road: You can also travel to Puri by road. The city is well-connected via a network of highways. You can hire a taxi or use a long-distance bus service to reach Puri.
2. Reaching Puri City: Once you arrive in Puri, you can make your way to the city center, where the Jagannath Temple and the Ratha Yatra take place. Depending on your mode of transportation, you may arrive at the Puri Railway Station, the bus terminal, or the city center if you’re traveling by car.
3. Accommodation: Make arrangements for your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the Ratha Yatra, as accommodations tend to fill up quickly. There are various hotels, lodges, and guesthouses in Puri to suit different budgets.
4. Navigating to the Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple is located in the heart of Puri. You can reach the temple and the Ratha Yatra procession by walking or hiring a local taxi or auto-rickshaw.
5. Participating in the Ratha Yatra: The Ratha Yatra is a major event, and the procession moves through the streets of Puri. You can join the thousands of devotees in witnessing the grand chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Be sure to check the event schedule and plan your visit accordingly.
6. Security and Crowd Management: The Ratha Yatra attracts a massive crowd, so it’s essential to be cautious and follow security guidelines. Local authorities implement crowd control measures to ensure the safety of the participants.

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