Lord Jagannatha Temple, Puri: A Sacred Abode of Divinity

Sri Jagannatha Temple Puri Timings: All days of the week: 5.30 AM to 10 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Location: Bhanumati Way, Puri, Odisha 752002, India ←Click here

Sri Jagannatha Temple, Puri Overview:

Located in the holy city of Puri, this place is known as the land of Lord Jagannatha meaning the Lord of the Universe. Shree Jagannatha Temple of Puri is one of the most significant temple dedicated to Lord Jagannatha, a type of Lord Vishnu .The best attraction of Puri is the world famous temple of Jagannatha. It is the famous site for Hindus and is included in the pious Char Dham Yatra with Badrinath, Dwarka and Rameshwaram. Aside from the fundamental shrine that ascents high, numerous minor temples inside the unpredictable will cause you to feel like you have entered God’s home itself.

 The splendid Oriya architecture of the Jagannath Puri Temple is an icing on the cake. The four gates are beautifully structured with unpredictable carvings. The heavenly Mahaprasad of the temple is something you should not miss. In one of the largest kitchens of India, the lip-smacking food is cooked in earthen pots for thousands every day and offered to devotees. The vibrant religious festivals of the city attract a large number of tourists. The most anticipated of them is the Rath Yatra celebrated with gigantic fervor. The colorful environment, interesting rituals, the enthusiasm of the pilgrims are remarkable.

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Photos of Puri Jagannath Temple:

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History:

Make that idol from the same wood. The king did the same thing and he got a stick of wood. After that, the king was present in front of him Lord Vishnu as craftsman and Vishwakarma as sculptor. But they kept this condition that they will prepare the idol in one month, but by that time they will be locked in a room and the king or nobody came inside the room.

The history of the “Jagannath Puri Temple” is identified with an entrancing story. About the Shri Jagannath temple, Sankad Purana, Brahama Purana and different Puranas likewise get in the structure. As indicated by a customary legend, the first sculpture made by Lord Jagannath’s Indranil or Sapphire was found under an old tree. It was intriguing to such an extent that religion needed to conceal it under the earth. King Malva Naresh Indradyumna had seen this sculpture in the dream. The king did austerity and then Lord Vishnu told him that he would go to Puri’s beach and he would get a wooden lump.

When there was no stable for a long time towards the last day of the month, the room where icons were made was opened and It was discovered the Hands were as yet not made of the idols, yet was set up as such to be revered and the rest work will be done in future. At that point the idols of a similar three Jagannatha, Balaram and Subhadra were set up in the Jagannatha temple for worship.

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Architecture:

The Jagannath Temple is one of the most tremendous sanctuaries of India. With its great Oriya design, it never neglects to deeply inspire sightseers.It covers an area of approximately 4,00,000 square feet and is encased by two rectangular walls. The external wall is called as Meghanada Pacheri which is 20 ft. high. The other one is called as Kurma Bedha which encompasses the main temple.

The primary shikhara or tower which is higher contrasted with other shikhara houses the gods. The sanctuary has four particular structures-the Vimana, the Jagamohan or the yard, the Nata Mandir and the Bhoga Mandap built in succession. There are four doors the eastern Singhadwara (Lion Gate), the southern Ashwadwara (Horse Gate), the western Vyaghrasana (Tiger Gate), and the northern Hastidwara (Elephant Gate). The Lion Gate is the main gate, located on Grand Road. Within the temple complex, there are many shrines also. Also, there is a wheel on the top of the temple known as the Nila Chakra or the Blue Wheel. It is made up of different metals and every day a new flag is hoisted on the chakra.

➠Festivals Celebrated At Jagannath Temple Puri

Sri Jagannatha Temple Puri is known for celebrating religious festivals with incredible grandeur and fervor. Some of the major festivals you should definitely witness are-

1. Puri Rath Yatra: This is the major festival of the temple. It is normally held in the month of June or July. All the three symbols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are conveyed in tremendous chariots or raths from Bada Danda, the central street of Puri, to the Gundicha Temple. Then, after nine days, they are brought back to the Jagannath Temple. The return yatra is called as Bahuda Yatra and it is performed in the same way as the Rath Yatra. Thousands of people gather around for darshan of the lords. It is really a beautiful sight to see all the deities adorned in bright colours.

2. Snana Yatra:  In this festival, the deities are bathed on full moon day. They are brought out from the temple and taken in a procession to the Snana Bedi. This festival takes place in May or June.

3. Chandan Yatra: Held in April-May, Chandan Yatra is a 21-day festival.

4. Dola Yatra:This festival held in the month of Phalguna.

5. Makara Sankranti: This festival is held in the month of Pausa.

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➠Jagannath Puri Temple Darshan Timings

Sri Jagannatha Temple Puri does not charge any fees for general darshan. However, if you wish to be a part of some rituals, you might have to pay INR 10-50. The temple mainly open from 5:00 toward the beginning of the day till 12:00 in the midnight.There are two or three customs or nitis that are performed day by day in the temple. Some of them are-

1. Mangal Aarti- This is the main custom of the day when the sanctuary gets opened early morning at 5:00 AM.

2. Sakala Dhupa- At around 10:00 AM, morning Poojas are performed with Upachars. Bhog in enormous amounts is arranged and offered to rulers.

3. Mailam and Bhoga Mandap- After morning Pooja, garments of the divinities are changed again which is named as Mailam. This is trailed by a Pooja in Bhoga Mandap. Colossal amounts of Bhog or Prasad is readied which is offered to people in general also.

4. Madhyanha Dhupa- Just like Sakal Dhupa, this Pooja is performed between 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with the Upachars.

5. Sandhya Dhupa- Around 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Poojas are performed again and bhog is readied.

6. Badashringara Bhoga- This is the last bhog of the day. Additionally, a Pooja is performed.

➠Best Time To Visit Sri Jagannath Puri Temple

May to July observe the monsoon period of Puri and in this manner, overwhelming precipitation is seen during this time? Be that as it may, the significant festivals of Jagannath Puri Temple like Rath Yatra occur in these months only. In spite of the fact that the climate is negative, you have the chance to be a piece of the amazing festivals of Puri. The costs can be high as a plenty of enthusiasts visit this time.

➠How To Reach Sri Jagannath Puri Temple

Once you reach Puri, you can easily hire an auto rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw if your hotel is nearby. Bikes can be taken on rent here. There are no metros in Puri. However, private as well as state-run buses are available to take you through the town.

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