Jagannath Temple, Puri — The Sacred Abode
The Jagannath Temple (ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ମନ୍ଦିର) in Puri is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in India. As one of the four Char Dhams (sacred pilgrimage sites), it attracts millions of devotees annually.
The Divine Trinity
The temple houses three deities made of sacred Neem wood:
| Deity | Description | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Lord Jagannath | Lord of the Universe | Black |
| Lord Balabhadra | Elder brother | White |
| Goddess Subhadra | Sister | Yellow |
Their unique, abstract forms with large eyes and no hands represent the incomplete nature of human understanding of the divine.
Temple History
Construction Timeline
- ✦12th century CE — Current temple built
- ✦King Anantavarman Chodaganga — Initiated construction
- ✦King Ananga Bhima Deva III — Completed the temple
Ancient Origins
The worship of Jagannath predates the temple by centuries, with roots in tribal traditions merged with Hindu practices.
Architecture
The temple complex spans 10.7 acres and includes:
The Four Structures
- ✦Vimana (Sanctum) — 214 feet tall, houses the deities
- ✦Jagamohana (Assembly Hall) — For darshan
- ✦Natamandapa (Dance Hall) — For ritual performances
- ✦Bhogamandapa (Offering Hall) — For food offerings
The Nilachakra
The mystic wheel (Sudarshana Chakra) atop the temple:
- ✦Made of Ashtadhatu (8 metals)
- ✦20 feet in circumference
- ✦Visible from 20 km away
- ✦Always appears to face you from any direction
The World's Largest Kitchen
The temple runs the world's largest kitchen, feeding up to 100,000 people daily:
- ✦500+ cooks
- ✦300+ assistants
- ✦56 varieties of Mahaprasad
- ✦Cooked in earthen pots over wood fire
- ✦7 pots stacked vertically — top pot cooks first!
Sacred Rituals
Daily Routine
- ✦Dwaraphita — Opening doors (5:30 AM)
- ✦Mailama — Cleaning
- ✦Abakasha — Deities "wake up"
- ✦Sahana Mela — Darshan begins
- ✦Pahuda — Deities "sleep" (midnight)
Special Ceremonies
- ✦Snana Yatra — Annual bathing
- ✦Rath Yatra — Chariot festival
- ✦Nabakalebara — Renewal of deities (every 8-19 years)
Unique Traditions
Equality Before Jagannath
- ✦No caste discrimination in Mahaprasad
- ✦Everyone eats together
- ✦King sweeps the chariot floor
The Flag That Never Stops
The temple flag (Patitapabana) has been flying continuously for 800+ years.
The Mystery of the Flag
It always blows opposite to the wind direction — a phenomenon visitors notice.
Restrictions
- ✦Only Hindus allowed inside
- ✦Photography prohibited inside
- ✦Dress code enforced
- ✦Mahaprasad cannot leave the temple complex
Visiting Information
- ✦Location — Puri, Odisha
- ✦Open — 5 AM to 11 PM
- ✦Entry — Free (for Hindus)
- ✦Best time — October to March
Related: Rath Yatra • Mahaprasad - Famous Foods