10 Fascinating Facts About The Jagannath Temple

1. The Sudarshan Chakra atop the temple is a massive metal structure that looks the same from every angle.

2. The flag atop the temple flutters in the opposite direction of the wind, with no scientific explanation found to date.

3. Wooden idols are replaced every 8, 12, or 19 years during the Nabakalebara ceremony using sacred neem trees.

4. The temple has been plundered 18 times due to its priceless treasures of gold and precious stones.

5. Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga of the Ganga dynasty, the temple has been expanded by subsequent monarchs.

6. The temple does not cast a shadow at any time of day, defying natural laws.

7. The sound of waves crashing on the shore can be heard inside the temple but becomes muffled after passing the Singha Dwara.

8. The complex houses over thirty smaller temples, including the older Vimala and Narasimha Temples, and five sacred fish tanks.

9. Mahaprasad, the temple food offering, is never wasted. The mahaprashad is cooked by stacking pots upon pots, and the prashad on the top pot cooks first.

10. During the Rath Yatra festival, the three goddesses travel in decorated chariots to the Gundicha shrine and return after seven days.