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The state of Odisha is recognised for imparting spirituality through its numerous temples, which are nestled among the breathtaking views of India’s eastern shore. The Jagannath Temple, located in Puri, is among the most notable among them. This well-known Odisha temple is part of India’s Char Dham, a collection of four pilgrimage sites. Devotees go to the city in large numbers solely to visit Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and receive good wishes from him.
History of the Jagannath Temple, Puri
Including an inscription, the temple was built on the orders of the Ganga dynasty King Anantavarman Chodaganga in the 12th century. Yet, the structure was not fully completed. His son, Anagabheema Deva III, added the final touches in 1230 AD, and all three deities were subsequently erected. Non-Hindus are still not allowed to enter the temple; however, visitors can pay a moderate price to go straight to the statues for a unique darshan.
Significance of the Jagannath Temple
For centuries, the Hindus have revered the Jagannath Puri temple. According to legend, as the Pandavas set out to heaven to meet Yamraj, the Saptarishis urged them to stop by the ‘Chaar Dhaam,’ one of which is Lord Jagannath Temple. Although it contradicts scientific rationality, the next event could be used to determine the temple’s importance and relevance. There are many riddles that people seem to believe are miracles’ that become Lord Jagannath’s blessings. Some of these enigmas include:
The Jagannath Temple is made so that it casts no shadow here on earth at any time of day.
The temple’s 20-foot-high chakra is positioned such that the entire chakra can be seen from everywhere in the city. If you glance at the chakra from anywhere in the city, it appears to be facing you.
The temple’s flag must be replaced every day, including an 1800-year-old rite. To replace the flag, a priest climbs to the top of the temple, as tall as a 45-story skyscraper, every day.
The temple attracts many devotees, ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 people. Every day, the same amount of prasadam is prepared. There has never been a day when prasadam was squandered or inadequate.
Seven pots have been used to prepare prasadam. Each pot is stacked on top of the other. The fascinating aspect is that the contents of the uppermost pot are cooked first, followed by the contents of the bottom pots.
Shree Jagannath’s protection is symbolised by Neela Chakra, built of eight metals and is 3.5 metres in height and 11 metres in a circle.
According to legend, no birds or planes can fly above the shrine. The location is truly a no-fly zone, established by some divine force rather than any government.
Jagannath Temple Puri
Puri is known for the world-famous Jagannath Temple and the world’s longest golden beach. This is one of India’s four Dhamas (holiest of sacred places): Puri, Dwarika, Badrinath, and Rameswar. At Puri, Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, with their elder brother Balabhadra were revered (The Purusottama Kshetra). On the Bejeweled Pedestal, the gods were seated (Ratna Simhassana). In the 12th century, a renowned king of the Ganga Dynasty, Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva, erected Shree Jagannath Puri Temple, one of the most spectacular temples in the Indian state of Odisha, located beachside Puri.
The main temple of Jagannath seems to be an impressive and wonderful building built in Kalinga architecture and standing on a raised platform at the height of 65 metres. Throughout the year, Puri holds several Sri Jagannath festivals. Other celebrations include Snana Yatra, Netrotsava, Ratha Yatra (vehicle festival), Sayan Ekadasi, Chitalagi Amabasya, Srikrushna Janma, Dussehra, and many others. The Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) and Bahuda Yatra are the most prominent festivals.
Conclusion
Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and his sister Devi Subhadra are all honoured at the Jagannath Puri temple. Hindus regard Lord Jagannath as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The Jagannath Temple has been one of the Char Dham Pilgrims’ four pilgrimages for Hindus. Lord Jagannath is regarded as a non-sectarian deity because of his manifestations in other religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism). The Ratha Yatra, a stunning annual function at the temple, is held every year. This temple and the Jagannath Puri Temple are approximately 3 km. The goddesses are returned to the main temple after a few days within Gundicha Temple.
