Jagannath Temple: Know History, Architecture, Festivals Of This Temple At Puri

Jagannath Temple of Odisha has had a great impact on the history and religious beliefs of the state and has been of cultural importance as well.

All about Jagannath Temple (Image Source: PTI)

Source : PTI

Lord Jagannath Temple is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and one of the four Char Dhams. This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra and his sister Devi Subhadra. Among the other gods of the Hindu trinity, Lord Jagannath is regarded as a non-sectarian, for he is worshipped alike by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The lively Ratha Yatra festival is held at the temple, which falls on July 7 this year. In this ritual, the three deities are taken in chariots by volunteers to the Gundicha Temple, five kilometres away.

Jagannath Temple: History

Jagannath Temple of Odisha has had a great impact on the history and religious beliefs of the state and has been of cultural importance as well. The temple was invaded and plundered throughout the centuries, and it has been reconstructed several times. The temple was constructed in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, a ruler of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, who played a pivotal role in founding and extending this sacred area. 

 

Image Source: Pinterest/@Abhivynjana

Jagannath Temple: Architecture

The Jagannath Temple is the best example of the Kalinga style- situated on a high plinth and surrounded by an inner and outer enclosure. It comprises four main components: the Vimana or Deula (Garbagriha), the Jagamohana, the Nata Mandapa, and the Bhoga Mandapa. The type of architecture used here is the Rekha and the Pidha. While the Vimana belongs to the Nagara-style Rekha deula, the Jagamohana has been constructed in the Pidha deula style. The Vimana possesses a curvilinear tower known as the Shikhar and is adorned with the Nilachakra- the eight-spoked celestial wheel of Vishnu.

 

Image Source: Pinterest/@Wikimedia Foundation

 

The carvings on the temples predominantly consist of gods and goddesses. The entire temple complex is enclosed within two concentric walls, the Kuruma Bheda (Inner wall) and the Meghnad Pachira (Wall). The main entrance to the temple is through Singhadwara located on the Eastern front of the temple with three other entrances along the four cardinal directions.

Interestingly, the main temple is constructed in such a way that no shadow of it falls on the ground at any time of the day.

The Nilachakra (Blue wheel) perched on top of the temple is made of eight metals or asta dhatu and the flag or the Patitapabana flows in the opposite direction of the wind. this flag is changed every day at sunset by climbing 165 meters, bare feet without any support.

Jagannath Temple: Rath Yatra

The Puri Jagannath Temple is well known for its detailed rituals, fairs, and festivals, especially the Rath Yatra or Chariot festival, which attracts crores of people across the globe. Within the framework of this celebration, people move divine chariots, which are 45.6 feet high along the streets of Puri. It is pious and spiritually rewarding if one gets to pull the Rath or if one gets to watch the procession.

Another festival is the Snana Yatra, where deities are bathed in public, initiating a fortnight of secluded rituals and daily changes in their attire, showcasing vibrant and unique worship practices.

 

Image Source: Pinterest/@Aditi

 

(Anasuya Suji Anil is student of NIFT)