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11 Amazing Facts about the Jagannath Temple, Puri

April 9, 2024
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Introduction: The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, stands as a timeless symbol of devotion, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this iconic temple attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the world. Let’s delve into 11 amazing facts that make the Jagannath Temple a marvel of religious significance and architectural grandeur:

  1. Deities on Chariots:

    • One of the most remarkable aspects of the Jagannath Temple is the annual Rath Yatra, during which the idols of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, are placed on grand chariots and pulled through the streets of Puri by devotees.

  2. No Shadow Tradition:

    • A unique phenomenon associated with the Jagannath Temple is the absence of shadows within the temple premises. Regardless of the position of the sun, no shadow falls inside the temple complex, mystifying visitors and devotees alike.

  3. Prasad Preparation:

    • The temple kitchen, known as the Ananda Bazaar, is one of the largest in the world, where thousands of cooks work tirelessly to prepare the Mahaprasad, a sacred offering consisting of 56 varieties of dishes cooked without onion, garlic, or any spice other than salt.

  4. Nilachakra:

    • The temple’s spire is adorned with a magnificent wheel known as the Nilachakra, which is made of eight alloys and has an inscription of “Nila Madhava,” believed to be the original form of Lord Jagannath.

  5. Sudarshan Chakra:

    • At the top of the Jagannath Temple’s spire, above the sanctum sanctorum, is a golden Sudarshan Chakra, representing Lord Vishnu’s divine weapon. It is said to protect the temple from evil forces.

  6. Navakalevara Ritual:

    • Once every 12 to 19 years, the deities of the Jagannath Temple undergo the Navakalevara ritual, during which the old idols are replaced with new ones carved from a sacred neem tree. This event draws millions of devotees to witness the divine transformation.

  7. Unique Architecture:

    • The Jagannath Temple’s architecture is a blend of Kalinga, Dravidian, and Chalukya styles, characterized by its towering spires, intricate carvings, and imposing gateways. The temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet.

  8. Flag Changing Ceremony:

    • Every day, the flag atop the Jagannath Temple is changed by the priests in a ceremony known as the Dwajapataka Niti. The flag is hoisted high as a symbol of victory over evil and protection of the devotees.

  9. Mystery of the Prasad:

    • The Mahaprasad offered at the Jagannath Temple is considered extremely sacred. It is believed that the food, once offered to Lord Jagannath, becomes Mahaprasad and retains its freshness and taste for an unusually long period without spoiling.

  10. Gundicha Temple Ritual:

    • During the Rath Yatra, the deities of Jagannath Temple visit the Gundicha Temple, situated about 3 kilometers away. This ritual symbolizes Lord Jagannath’s annual journey to visit his aunt Gundicha and is celebrated with great fervor by devotees.

  11. Carved Wooden Idols:

    • The idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra inside the temple are made of wood and are replaced every 12 to 19 years during the Navakalevara ritual. The unique feature of these idols is their unfinished form, symbolizing the impermanence of life.

Conclusion: The Jagannath Temple in Puri is not merely a religious edifice but a living embodiment of ancient traditions, customs, and spirituality. Its mystique, architectural splendor, and cultural significance continue to captivate devotees and visitors, making it one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations. These 11 amazing facts only scratch the surface of the rich tapestry of history and legends associated with this sacred abode of Lord Jagannath.