Odisha is referred to as the Land of Lord Jagannath because of its association with the Hindu god (literally the Lord of the Universe). Since its construction in the 12th century AD, the temple at Puri has served as the spiritual hub of the Jagannath cult, drawing devotees from all over the globe.
The architectural beauty of this majestic temple is overshadowed by the charisma linked with the religion of Lord Jagannath. The enormous temple, perched on an elevated platform, is a work of art in and of itself.
Up to the mid-16th century, the temple was constantly renovated and expanded. The sculptures on the temples are mostly depictions of gods and goddesses, unlike other temples in the vicinity. The Kuruma Bheda (Inner wall) or the Meghnad Pachira (Outer wall) form two concentric walls around the whole temple complex (Wall).
At the eastern end of the temple, near the Singhadwara, the main entrance may be found, with three others along the other cardinal points. It is possible that the additional gates were built for security reasons because the temple was in such a dangerous location during the turbulent 16th to 18th century.
Things You Need To Know Before You Visit Jagannath Temple, Puri:
Taking The Steps Up
To replace the temple’s dome flag, a priest climbs the temple’s walls at the height of a 45-story building every day. This rite has been practised since the temple’s construction was completed more than a thousand years ago.
The technique is done without the use of any protective equipment. Supposedly, the temple would be closed for 18 years if the rite is missed on one calendar day. There is a good chance that professional climbers will be impressed by this.
After 8 pm, Stay Away From The Beaches
Puri is one of the greatest cities in the world to exhibit your passion for the beach, thanks to its numerous magnificent beaches. After 8 pm, it’s best to avoid going for a walk on the beach or anywhere else.
Exploring the coast at night might be dangerous since the shores are not well lit. It would help if you kept a safe distance from the shoreline during high tides.
The Yatra of Rath
The Rath Yatra is just an annual procession in which the gods are pulled by a pair of chariots outside the temple (3 each). At the river, that divides Jagannath Temple and Mausi Maa Temple, the first chariot brings the gods.
The idols are then loaded onto three boats and driven over the river. It is time for the second chariot to take the stage. From the river reaches the Mausi Maa Temple, it transports the deities.
History of Jagannath Temple, Puri:
According to an inscription, King Anantavarman Chodaganga of the Ganga dynasty ordered the building of the temple in the 12th century. Construction, on the other hand, remained unfinished. His son, Anagabheema Deva III, completed the work in 1230 AD and placed the three gods.
Non-Hindus are not permitted in the temple, and although admission is free, visitors must pay a nominal price to go close enough to the sculptures for special darshan.
Inside Jagannath Temple, Puri:
Jagannath’s Holiness Gundicha Temple
Near this shrine is the temple dedicated to Goddess Gundicha Puri, Odisha, India. The Gundicha Temple is Lord Jagannath’s most prominent refuge. It is a must-visit temple in Puri since it houses the gods Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Pujaris (saints and monks) tend over the temple.
It is positioned at the opposite end of the massive roadway from the renowned temple (Badadanda). According to data, the distance between Gundicha temple to Jagannath Puri Temple is 2688.0696 metres or 8327 ft.
Lord Jagannath & Gundicha Temples Are Two Of The Most Popular Temples In India
In Puri, one of the most famous temples is the Siva temple, located less than a mile from the Jagannath Temple. Most people believe Lord Rama ascended this lingam on a pumpkin, a Lanka.
Devotees go here to visit Lord Loknath to be cured of any form of ailment that they may be suffering from. In addition, the temple observes a variety of various festivals. Of the major festivals and fairs, Saranti-Somobar-Mela stands out.
The architecture of Jagannath Temple, Puri:
Nila Chakra
The temple’s apex, known as Nila Chakra, is adorned with a new flag, Patita Pavana, daily. Navagunjaras are the eight spokes of the chakra. Ashtadhatu, an eight-metal alloy, was used to create the chakra. The chakra has a diameter of 11 metres and a height of 3.5 metres.
Arun Stambha
Outside the Singdwara, Arun Stambh stands. The monolithic pillar has sixteen sides. The Sun god’s chariot is driven by an Arun idol here. When Guru Brahmachari Gosain transported the Arun Stambh from the Konark temple, it was initially situated there.
Timing of Jagannath Temple, Puri:
The temple is open from 05:00 am to 10:00 pm, with free darshan for all worshippers and free entrance.
Location of Jagannath Temple, Puri:
Grand Rd, At post, Puri, Odisha 752001
How To Reach Jagannath Temple, Puri:
By Air
A 56-kilometre drive from Puri’s centre brings you to the closest airport, Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar. The airport is linked to Mumbai and Delhi by flight. Travellers from across the world must connect in either Delhi or Kolkata.
By Train
The main railway junction of Puri is located here. There are regular direct rail connections from various cities in India like Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
By Road
Well-built roadways link Puri to the surrounding cities. Because the bus station is so close to the Gundicha Temple, buses are the most common mode of transportation to and from Puri. By bus, Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack are both around a 15-minute ride apart.
Lord Jagannath Dhaam Puri’s Most Famous Dish:
Mahaprasad
The food served to the deity at Lord Jagannath Temple is called Mahaprasad. As you enter the unique temple area, you will see a separate kitchen within the temple area where the Mahaprasad dish is being prepared.
Lakhs of pilgrims visit the shrine of Lord Jagannath every year, and the kitchen can make enough food for them all. Cooked rice, dal, vegetable curry, a wide variety of veggies, and dessert dishes make up the Mahaprasad. The market within the Jagannath mandir in which the Maharasad is sold to worshippers is called Anand Bazar.
Khaja
Khaja, a popular sweet dish in Puri, is also presented to the god Jagannath. Khaja comprises oil, sugar, and, most importantly, wheat flour, the three most vital components. Some 200 years ago, the Khaja was claimed to have been made in the modern-day southern area of Bihar. To make Khaja, sugar is first applied to the fried dough before it is allowed to cool.
Chung Malai
Seafood is a given in Puri’s cuisine due to the city’s location on the coast. Chung Malai, one of the numerous seafood dishes available, is a must-have with steamed rice. As the name suggests, the meal is a coconut milk-based prawn curry rich in flavour and texture.
The mild spices improve the taste by adding a unique scent to the feed. Try this with fried rice for a different take on this classic comfort food.
Festival of Ratha Yatra:
Every year, Odisha’s most fantastic and renowned celebration sees the idols removed from the temple in June or July. Ratha Yatra is a Hindu celebration that sees the gods paraded about on chariots that resemble temples. Building the chariots gets underway early that year and is a labour-intensive operation.
Things to Do in the Local Area:
Tourists may take a three-hour walking tour of the Old City around the Jagannath Temple through Grass Routes Journeys, a local, ethical tourism organisation (including the pottery area). Foreigners who aren’t allowed to enter the temple but still want to learn about it should take this trip.
Puri’s handicraft hamlet of Raghurajpur is about a 15-minute drive away. In front of their brightly coloured homes, artists work on their wares. Those who paint with Pattachitra have unique skills.
Indian visitors flock to Puri to experience its carnival-like main beach. They come in droves to have fun in the sea and ride camels and horses across the dunes.
Conclusion
From May to July, Puri experiences its monsoon season, which brings with it very high rains. But the most critical Jagannath Puri Temple festivities, including the Rath Yatra, are only held during these months. Despite the bad weather, you may still participate in Puri’s spectacular celebrations. Due to many devotees during this period, costs may be somewhat high.
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