Jagannath Temple: A Divine Pilgrimage
About Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple, located in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most revered Hindu temples and a part of the Char Dham pilgrimages established by Adi Shankaracharya. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, worshipped alongside his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra.
- The temple is constructed in the Kalinga architectural style, featuring a curvilinear shape with prominent offsets known as Rathas.
- The sacred premises are encircled by two walls named Meghananda Pacheri (outer wall) and Kurma Bheda (inner wall).
- Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple to offer prayers to the deities.
About the Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival commemorating the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to their birthplace.
- Held during the Ashadha Shukla Tithi (bright fortnight) in the Odia calendar.
- Deities are ceremoniously placed on chariots crafted from the sacred Phasi tree.
- The procession leads to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities reside before returning on the ‘Bahuda Yatra’.
Features of Kalinga Style Architecture
- Regional variation of the Nagara style, prevalent in Odisha.
- Three distinct temple types:
- Rekha Deula: Example - Puri Jagannath Temple.
- Pidha Deula: Example - Sari-Deul Temple.
- Khakhara Deula: Example - Vaital-Deul Temple.
- Main components:
- Deul: Sanctum sanctorum.
- Jagmohan: Prayer hall.
- Nata Mandap: Dance hall.
- Bhoga Mandap: Kitchen.
Other Insights
- The Char Dham includes Dwarika, Badrinath, Rameswaram, and Puri.
- The Ratna Bhandar, a treasury within the temple, houses precious ornaments donated by devotees and kings.
- The temple attracts millions of pilgrims annually, offering a spiritual connection through its divine atmosphere and cultural significance.