Jagannath Temple

• Location: Puri, Odisha, India
• Dedicated to: Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra
• Timings: 5:30 am – 9:00 pm
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Time Required: 1-2 hours
• Architectural Style: Kalinga architecture, primarily built in the 12th century
• Main Sanctum: The temple’s main sanctum houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, known as the Holy Trinity or the Triad.
• Annual Rath Yatra: The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra or chariot festival, during which the deities are taken on grand chariots in a procession.
• Chariots: Three massive wooden chariots – Nandighosa for Jagannath, Taladhwaja for Balabhadra, and Darpadalan for Subhadra – are constructed for the Rath Yatra.
• Mahaprasad: The temple is renowned for its Mahaprasad, a sacred food offering, which is distributed to devotees. It is considered highly auspicious.
• Nila Chakra: The temple’s spire is adorned with a wheel known as the Nila Chakra, which is considered sacred and has a special significance in rituals.
• Ananda Bazar: The temple complex includes Ananda Bazar, a market where traditional and religious items are sold.
• Historical Significance: The Jagannath Temple has a rich history and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries.
• Rituals and Festivals: Besides Rath Yatra, the temple hosts various other festivals and rituals throughout the year, attracting a large number of pilgrims and tourists.
• Symbol of Religious Harmony: The temple is a symbol of religious harmony, as it is open to people of all faiths, and its traditions promote unity and tolerance.

The Shree Jagannath Temple, located in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most revered and iconic Hindu temples in India. Its history dates back to ancient times, with records suggesting that the original temple was built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The temple is renowned for its annual Rath Yatra, a grand chariot festival that attracts millions of devotees and tourists from all over the world.

Architecturally, the Shree Jagannath Temple is a marvel of Kalinga architecture. Its towering spire, or shikhara, rises to a height of 65 meters and is intricately adorned with sculptures and carvings. The temple complex is enclosed by high walls and includes other smaller shrines and structures. The main sanctum, or garbhagriha, houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The temple’s architecture, with its beautiful stone carvings and intricate detailing, is a testament to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Odisha.

The temple’s timings vary throughout the day and are subject to change depending on daily rituals and festivities. Typically, the temple opens early in the morning and closes in the afternoon, with a break in between. The best time to visit is during the cooler months of November to February when the weather is more pleasant, as summers in Puri can be quite hot and humid. To reach the Shree Jagannath Temple, one can fly into Bhubaneswar, the nearest major airport, and then take a train or a road trip to Puri. The temple is situated in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible to pilgrims and tourists alike.

Famous Festivals of Temple

The pious enshrine of Lord Jagannath of Puri takes pleasure in celebrating a bunch of festivals that are part of their deeply rooted traditions and culture. These joyous festivals attract millions of pilgrims from every nook and corner of the nation.

Some of them are:

Rath Yatra

It refers to a 3 km procession from the main complex to the Gundicha Temple, where Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra Ji, and Subhadra Ji are taken out on their individual massive chariots. This holds a great mythological significance and is most honored among the devotees.

Hera Panchami

This is an ancient ritual that takes place after five days of Rath Yatra, where Goddess Mahalaxmi is worshipped as she feels neglected when her Swami (Jagannath) leaves her behind and stays at the Gundicha with his siblings.

Snan Yatra

On the Full moon day of the Jyeshtha month (May-June), the deities enjoy their ceremonial bath using 108 pitchers of water.

Chandan Yatra

This Chandan Yatra is referred to as a 42-day sandalwood festival from Akshaya Tritiya, when the construction of chariots begins for the Rath Yatra.

Nabakalebara

A huge event that occurs in 8, 12, or 19 years, according to the Hindu calendar, when the auspicious idols of the deities are replaced with new ones.

What’s the Best time to visit?

Jagannath Puri is among the Char Dhams of India, which are divine abodes of Lord Vishnu in each direction. And, given its religious significance, it remains crowded throughout the year.

But, if you want to relish a good and less-crowded experience, it’s highly recommended to plan your visit during the months of October to February. During this period, the weather remains pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 16°-28°C. It’s an ideal time when the local sightseeing and temple visits will both be enjoyable.

However, if you wish to witness the annual Yatra, you must come between June and July, as per the dates are scheduled.