Puri Sri Jagannath Temple- Odisha

Address

Puri Sri Jagannath Temple, Grand Rd, At post, Puri, Odisha 752001

Deity

Sri Jagannath (Krishna)

Introduction

• Location: Puri, Odisha, India, along the eastern coastline.
• Deity: Dedicated to Jagannath, a manifestation of Lord Krishna.
• Historical Significance:
  • Initially erected in the 10th century and reconstructed by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first ruler of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 12th century.
  • The temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra (chariot festival), where the principal deities are paraded on lavishly adorned chariots.
  • The Jagannath deity is unique as it is crafted from wood and ceremonially replaced every twelve to nineteen years with a replica.
• Spiritual Significance: It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, holding immense spiritual importance for devotees.

Puranic Significance

• Construction: Built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga, as noted in the Kendupatna copper-plate inscription from his descendant, Narasimhadeva II.
• Mythological Origins:
  • The original deity, Lord Neela Madhaba, was worshipped by a tribal king named Viswavasu.
  • King Indradyumna sought the deity and married Viswavasu’s daughter, Lalita.
  • He eventually discovered the hidden deity in a cave, received divine instructions, and constructed the temple to install the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and the Sudarshana Chakra.

Special Features

• The temple is a significant site for Hindus, especially within the Vaishnava tradition.
• Temple Complex:
  • Encompasses various mandapas (halls) for religious gatherings, including the prominent Mukti Mandapa.
  • The inner sanctum houses statues of the triad deities and other divine figures, carved from sacred neem logs.
  • Enclosed by a fortified wall called Meghanada Pacheri, the expansive temple complex covers over 400,000 square feet, serving as a spiritual haven for devotees.

Festivals

• Devasnana Purnima: An annual bathing ritual where the holy trinity is brought out from their sanctum, seated on a raised platform, and bathed with purified water from a well within the temple premises.
• Chariot Festival: Celebrated during June/July, where Lord Jagannath comes out to greet devotees, welcoming people of all castes, creeds, and colors to seek His blessings.

Century/Period/Age

12th century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)- Odisha

Nearest Bus Station

Puri

Nearest Railway Station

Puri

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneswar

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