Jajpur Jagannath Temple - Odisha

Address

Jajpur Jagannath Temple – Odisha

Jajpur, Jajpur District,

Odisha 755001

Moolavar

Jagannath

Introduction

The Jagannath Temple is located in Jajpur Town, Jajpur District, Odisha, India. It is situated on the right bank of the Vaitarani River near the Dasasvamedhaghata.This Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, particularly Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra.

Puranic Significance

The Jagannath Temple in Jajpur Town, Odisha, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, particularly Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra. Here are the key details about this temple:

Historical Background: The original temple was built during the reign of Ganga ruler Anangabhima Deva III, who ruled from 1212 to 1238 CE. It received significant patronage from the Gajapati Kings in the 15th century CE. However, the temple faced destruction during the invasion by Afghan chief Suliman Karani in 1568 CE. The present temple, as it stands today, was constructed by the Maratha King Raghuji Bhonsle in the second quarter of the 18th century CE.

Special Features

Architectural Features: The Jagannath Temple follows a traditional temple architectural style found in Odisha. It is characterized by the following features:
- Orientation: The temple is east-facing, as is common in Hindu temple architecture.
- Plan: The temple has a saptaratha plan, which means it has seven subsidiary shrines (rathas) projecting from the main sanctum.
- Elevation: The temple has a Panchangabada elevation, featuring five horizontal divisions or moldings on the main temple structure.
- Components: The temple complex consists of the main rekha vimana (sanctum), pidha antrala (vestibule), and pidha jagamohana (assembly hall). Both the vimana and jagamohana are square on plan and stand on a raised platform.
- Deities: The sanctum houses the idols of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannatha, and Devi Subhadra. These idols are placed on a high masonry pedestal.
- Nisha Shrines: Nisha shrines can be seen over the niches dedicated to Parsvadevatas (attendant deities).
Idols and Sculptures: Within the temple premises, one can find various idols and sculptures representing Hindu deities and mythological figures. These include idols of Ganesha, Vishnu, Parvati, Dhyani Buddha, Nardana Krishna, Mahisasuramardini Durga, devotees, nayikas (female attendants), dwarf figures, and elephants, along with fragments of doorjambs and architectural elements.