Puri Jagannath Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 19 Jun, 2023
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Are you looking for an interesting getaway spot in India? Well, you should definitely consider visiting Puri Jagannath Temple in Orissa! Located in the spiritual capital of India, Puri Jagannath Temple has been a sacred site of pilgrimage for devotees of the Hindu faith. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some interesting facts about Puri Jagannath Temple, information about the temple and a travel guide for those interested in visiting this holy site. So, grab a snack, relax and let’s dive right into our journey!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Puri Jagannath Temple
1. The temple complex features four distinct parts-the main temple, the Jagannath Raja temple, the Gundicha temple and the Hasti Chakra temple.
2. Located in the coastal city of Puri, it is believed to be one of the Char Dhams, the four holiest Hindu destinations in India.
3. The main temple deity is Lord Jagannath, the Lord of Universe.
4. It is said that the city of Puri was once a part of Lord Jagannath’s empire and hence came to be known as Jagannath Puri.
5. The temple is also renowned for its lavish Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival ) celebrated in April-May every year.
6. The Gundicha Temple, which is said to have been built by King Indradyumna, is also an important place in the temple complex.
7. The temple complex also houses the amazing 144 ft. statue of Lord Jagannath, known as the ‘Jagannath Puri Badadanda’.
8. The temple also houses a unique library known as ‘Rathabitti’. It holds several rare manuscripts and scriptures in Sanskrit and Oriya language.
9. It is believed that the temple has been mentioned in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharata and the 600 BCE Hindu text, the Srimad Bhagavatam.
10. The temple also has its own museum which houses a large collection of sculptures, coins, manuscripts, and other artifacts.
History & Information About Puri Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the oldest Hindu temples in India, located in the state of Odisha. The temple is over 1000 years old and is dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was constructed by ancient kings in the 12th century.
The main temple complex is a vast area of about 64 acres of area, with a towering spire of about 214 feet. The temple is adorned with some of the most amazing sculptures that are believed to be contemporary of its time. The temple complex houses the main temple, surrounded by four subsidiary temples dedicated to four tutelary deities, namely Shiva, Vishnu, Surya and Narasimha.
Every year, the temple of Lord Jagannath attracts millions of devotees from all across the world. The Ratha-Yatra, also known as Chariot Festival, is one of the most important festivals of the temple, celebrated in the month of June. It is celebrated with immense joy and devotion wherein the temple’s deities of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are pulled on massive and huge chariots from the temple to the Gundicha temple, in an effort to commemorate the journey of Shri Krishna from Gokul to Mathura.
Apart from the religious and spiritual significance of this temple, it is also respected for its architectural brilliance. The intricate carvings, inscriptions, latticed windows, sculptures of animals and idols along with the opulence of the colorful temple complex make it one of the most awe-inspiring locations in India.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Puri Jagannath Temple
1. Reach Puri: Puri is very well connected by trains and roadways from all major cities in Odisha. You can even take a flight to Bhubaneshwar and then reach Puri by road or rail.
2. Darshan Timings: To get the darshan of Lord Jagannath temple, one needs to reach the temple at least two hours before the darshan timing that is from 7 am to 8.30 am, 11 am to 12 noon, 3 pm to 6 pm and from 8 pm to 9 pm.
3. Accommodation: There are various types of accommodation available in Puri depending on your budget. You can get a comfortable stay in any of the deluxe and budget hotels in this holy city.
4. Temple offerings: One needs to follow strict rules and traditions while offering prayers in the temple. Offerings like Jagannath Panjika needs to be collected in the prescribed format from the main ticket counter located at the entrance.
5. Services: Different types of services and facilities are available inside the temple premises for the convenience of the devotees such as shopping stalls, restaurant, cafeterias, etc.
6. Safety: As it is a pilgrimage city, safety is given utmost priority here. There are guards and security personnel patrolling near the temple premises. Follow all the safety instructions provided by the temple authorities during your visit.
7. Getting Around: You can get around comfortably by taking auto-rickshaws, taxi cabs and tempo traveller according to your convenience. You can also hire cycle rickshaws to explore the local marketplaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Puri Jagannath Temple
Q1. Where is the Puri Jagannath Temple located?
A1. The Puri Jagannath Temple is located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Odisha, India.
Q2. When was the Puri Jagannath Temple Built?
A2. The Puri Jagannath Temple was constructed by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva during the 12th century.
Q3. What is the significance of the Puri Jagannath Temple?
A3. The Puri Jagannath Temple is significant as one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and is dedicated to the Hindu god Jagannath.
Q4. Who are the main deities worshipped in the Puri Jagannath Temple?
A4. The main deities worshipped in the Puri Jagannath Temple are Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra.