Jagannath Puri Temple

Jagannath temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu.

           The temple is located at Puri in state of Odisha, on eastern coast of India.

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About temple:

                           It is believed to be constructed in the 12th C. by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

                         The temple was called the 'white Pagoda ' and is a part of Chardham pilgrimages ( Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri and Rameshwaram).

Architecture of temple: 

1. The temple is in type of Kalinga Architecture of Nagara Style.

2. The temple tower was built on a raised platform of stone.

3. The temple has four distinct sectional structures: 

       a. Vimana ( Rekha deula type) or Garba griha.

       b. Mukhashala ( Frontal Porch).

       c. Nata Mandir.

        d. Bhog Mandir.

4. Two compound walls surround the temple.

5. There is an eight spoked wheel ( Neela chakra) on top of temple of Lord Vishnu.

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6. There are 4 gates to the temple - Eastern  'Singhdwara' which is the main gate with two crouching lions, Southern 'Ashwadwara' , Western 'Vyaghra Dwara' and Northern 'Hastidwara'. 

There is a carving of each form at each gate.

7. In front of entrance stands the Aruna Stambha or Sun pillar , which was originally at the Sun temple in Konark .

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8. The idols are made of wood and are replaced with new idols during Nabakalebara. This ritual is done once after every 8, 12 or 19 years.

9. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra ( brother) and Subhadra ( sister) are a trio of deities worshipped at temple.

10. Festivals organised at temple : Ratha Yatra, Chandan yatra, Snana Yatra and Nabakalebara.

Some Mysteries regarding the temple: 

1. Flag:  The flag at top of the temple flutters in an opposite to the direction in which the wind blows. ( The flag is changed daily by Priest of the temple , if it is missed by one day then the temple has to be closed for 18 years).

2. No shadow : No matter what time of the day it is , no matter where the sun is shining through the sky , the temple doesn't have a shadow.

3. Sound of waves : once you step inside the temple you stop hearing sound of sea. According to myth , Goddess Subhadra wished that the temple would be a place of serenity and in order to please her, the temple mutes the sound of sea.

4. Direction of Chakra :  The wheel of fortune or Chakra on the top of the temple which weighs about a ton. The most amazing fact is that any viewer who views the Chakra from a height at any point in Puri always sees that the Chakra faces towards itself.

                        Jagannath Puri Temple is also called the ' Yamanika Tirtha'  where , according to the Hindu beliefs , the power of ' Yama' , the god of death has been nullified in Puri due to the presence of Lord Jagannath.

                                After reading and hearing about these magnificent temples , I always feel why to go other countries to see the beauty of architecture when we have such beautiful architectures , and such peaceful and devotional places in India ,which every year  held lakhs of devotees and held such big festivals.