The Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of God’s sacred char Dham abodes that Hindus consider exceedingly fortunate to visit (the others are Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram). If you don’t allow money-hungry Hindu priests (known locally as pandas) to ruin your visit, you’ll discover that this vast temple complex is a magnificent location.
Location
Puri is around two hours south of Bhubaneshwar, the state capital of Odisha. The closest airport is Bhubaneshwar. From Bhubaneshwar to Puri, buses and trains run frequently. In addition, long-distance trains from all across India arrive at Puri’s railway station.
Temple History and Deities
The Jagannath temple was built during the 12th and 13th centuries. It was started by Kalinga monarch Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev and finished by King Ananga Bhima Deva in its current shape.
The temple is home to three deities: Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra, all of whom sit on a throne. Balabhadra stands six feet tall, Jagannatha is five feet tall, and Subhadra is four feet tall.
Puri is one of India’s four holy Char Dham – heavenly abodes linked with Lord Vishnu (the Hindu deity of preservation). Lord Jagannath is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, who has come to Earth to preserve humanity during the present Kali Yuga (dark age). He is Odisha’s presiding God and is revered by most of the state’s households. Jagannath worship is a uniting culture that encourages tolerance, communal harmony, and peace.
Lord Vishnu dines at Puri, according to the Char Dham (he bathes at Rameswaram, gets dressed and anointed at Dwarka, and meditates at Badrinath). As a result, food is given a tremendous deal of importance in the temple. Lord Jagannath, also known as mahaprasad, allows his worshippers to partake in eating the 56 foods brought to him as a way of atonement and spiritual growth.
The Temple’s Major Features
Each of the four entrance gates to the Jagannath temple faces a different direction. The main gate on the temple’s eastern side, known as Lion Gate, is guarded by two stone lions. Outside, an eye-catching towering pillar known as Aruna Stambha rises roughly 11 metres tall. The pillar depicted the Sun God’s charioteer and was once part of Konark’s Sun Temple. However, once the temple was abandoned in the 18th century, it was relocated to protect it from intruders.
The temple’s inner courtyard is accessible by climbing 22 steps (Baisi Pahacha) from the main entrance. On the other hand, devotees who are limited on time can make do with merely visiting the three most significant lesser temples beforehand. The Ganesh temple, Vimala temple, and Laxmi temple are among them.
How to Go to the Temple
The Jagannath temple is open daily from 5 a.m. until 12 a.m. To avoid crowds, go early in the morning, after the first aarti ceremony, about 7 a.m., or after 9 p.m. The mood is evocative at night when the lamps are lit, and the temple is illuminated.
Except for bike rickshaws, vehicles are not permitted near the temple complex. You’ll have to take one or walk from the parking lot. The main Lion Gate of the temple is located on Grand Road. The temple compound is free to enter. A ticketing system is also in place to observe the temple’s famed kitchen. Each ticket costs 5 rupees. Please don’t pass it up! The meal is cooked using traditional methods and utensils, just as it was centuries ago. Every day, around 15,000 new clay pots are delivered to the temple for cooking, as the pots are never reused.
Allow a couple of hours to tour the temple complex thoroughly.
What to Keep in Mind
Unfortunately, there have been several incidents of greedy pandas extorting enormous amounts of money from worshippers. The police’s recent action and surveillance have considerably reduced this problem. However, the pandas are renowned for being skilled in extorting money from visitors, particularly at the complex’s smaller temples.
It is extremely advised that you ignore any pandas who approach you. If you want to use any of their services, make sure you discuss the fee ahead of time and do not provide more than agreed.
If you want to contribute to the temple, only do it at the official donation counter and get a receipt. Don’t give money to pandas or anybody else.
Barricades have been installed within the temple to maintain worshipers’ orderly passage and minimise panda mistreatment. However, there is a rush to the inner sanctuary.
It is important to note that you are not authorised to bring any things into the temple, including cell phones, shoes, socks, cameras, or umbrellas. All leather things are also prohibited. You can leave your valuables for safekeeping in a facility near the main entrance.
Why Is Everyone Not Allowed to Enter the Temple?
The procedures for entering the Jagannath shrine have sparked great debate. Only Hindus born in India are permitted to enter the shrine. However, notable Hindus have been denied access in the past. These include Indira Gandhi (India’s third Prime Minister) because she married a non-Hindu, Saint Kabir. After all, he dressed like a Muslim, Rabindranath Tagore. After all, he supported the Brahmo Samaj (a Hindu reform movement) and Mahatma Gandhi because he hailed from a Dalit family (untouchables, people without a caste).
Ratha Yatra Festival
The gods are ferried about on towering chariots designed to look like temples during the Ratha Yatra event. The chariots’ construction begins earlier in the year and is a time-consuming, intricate procedure.
What Else Is There to Do Nearby?
GrassRoutes Journeys, a local responsible tourism firm, provides a three-hour guided tour of the Old City surrounding the Jagannath Temple (including the pottery area).
Puri is roughly 15 minutes away by automobile from Raghurajpur handicraft village. Artists work on their skills while sitting in front of their beautifully painted dwellings. Paintings in Pattachitra are a specialisation.
Puri’s carnival-style main beach is a big draw for Indian tourists. They come in droves to splash about in the sea and ride horses and camels along the dunes.
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