The Puri Jagannath Temple, also known as the Sri Mandira, is a famous Hindu temple located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered a form of Lord Vishnu, and his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.
The temple is one of the four sacred Dhams, or pilgrimage sites, in Hinduism and is considered as one of the most important religious sites in India. The temple is know for its famous Ratha Yatra is celebrated in the months of June or July.
Puri Jagannatha Temple Complex
The Puri Jagannatha temple complex is spread over an area of around 400,000 square feet and comprises several smaller shrines, halls, and mandapams. The main attraction of the temple is the main sanctum sanctorum, where the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are enshrined. The temple is also known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles.
The history of the Puri Jagannath Temple dates back to the 12th century AD, when the temple was built by King Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva. The temple was later expanded and renovated by various dynasties, including the Ganga dynasty and the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple has also been attacked and destroyed by Islamic invaders several times, but each time it was rebuilt by the local kings.
The Ratha Yatra
The temple is also known for its annual Rath Yatra festival, which is celebrated in the months June or July. During the festival, the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession on a chariot, also known as the “Rath”, through the streets of Puri.
The festival attracts millions of devotees and tourists from all over the world. The Ratha Yatra consists of three raths chariots of the deities.. The rathas are made out of huge wheeled wooden structures, which are built newly every year and are pulled by the devotees with ropes. The chariot for Jagannath is approximately 14 metres (45 ft) high and 11 metres (35 ft) wide, and takes about 2 months to construct.
The Puri Jagannath Temple is not only an important religious site but also an architectural marvel and a significant cultural heritage site. The temple’s unique architecture, rich history, and annual Rath Yatra festival make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian culture and history.
It should be noted that the Temple is also one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavism, a sect of Hinduism that worships Lord Vishnu as the supreme god. The temple is also known as one of the “Char Dham” pilgrimage sites, along with Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Badrinath.
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